How to Choose PLA Shrinkage: A Comprehensive Guide.
As an important material for 3D printing, PLA has been widely used in various fields. However, PLA contains a high level of shrinkage, which can cause problems in the printing process. Therefore, it is important to choose the appropriate PLA shrinkage. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you choose the PLA shrinkage that suits your needs.
1. What is PLA shrinkage?
PLA shrinkage refers to the degree of contraction that occurs when PLA is cooled from a high temperature to a low temperature. It is caused by the difference between the thermal expansion coefficient of PLA and the printing bed.
2. How does shrinkage affect 3D printing?
Shrinkage can cause deformation, warpage, cracking, or even completely ruin 3D printed objects. In addition, it can also lead to problems such as poor surface quality and dimensional accuracy. Therefore, it is essential to choose the appropriate PLA shrinkage to ensure a good printing result.
3. How to choose the right PLA shrinkage?
Firstly, it is important to consider the type of printing bed you are using. If you are using a glass bed or a metal bed, a higher PLA shrinkage is recommended. If you are using a magnetic bed, a lower PLA shrinkage is preferred.
Secondly, you should also consider the printing temperature and the printing speed. Generally, a higher printing temperature and a slower printing speed require a lower PLA shrinkage.
Finally, you need to take into account the size and complexity of the object you are printing. For large and complex objects, a lower PLA shrinkage is more suitable to avoid deformation and warpage.
4. What are the common PLA shrinkage options?
The common PLA shrinkage options are 0.3%, 0.5%, and 0.8%. A higher shrinkage value means that the PLA will shrink more during cooling, which is more suitable for glass or metal printing beds. A lower value means that the PLA will shrink less, which is more appropriate for magnetic printing beds.
In summary, it is important to choose the appropriate PLA shrinkage based on the type of printing bed, printing temperature, printing speed, and the size and complexity of the object. By following this comprehensive guide, you can ensure a successful 3D printing process with less deformation, warpage, and poor surface quality.
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