PLA Filament

Two people sit on the floor surrounded by shelves of 3D printers.

Announcements

  • Winter Hours
    The Fabrication Lab will close at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 20th and will reopen on Monday, January 6th at 10 a.m.
  • Required Training
    Students are encouraged to complete training as early as possible. All returning students, faculty and staff must complete the Fabrication Lab Refresher.
  • Reserving Machine Time
    Reserve Machine Time using the FabJob App. Use a TMP folder for short-term file storage for walk-up use and consultations.

As a general rule, only Polylactide (PLA) filament is allowed for use with the Dremel 3D45 printers at the GSD. Users who provide their own filament should observe the following:

  • Use only PLA filament from one of these approved brands:
    • Dremel
    • Hatchbox
    • Overture
    • Polyterra
    • Bambu
  • PLA filament that contains additives must be approved for use by Fabrication Lab staff in advance.
  • Filament must have a 1.75 mm diameter.
  • Results vary depending on settings and material quality. For best results, store filament in a sealed bag with desiccant.

Non-PLA Filament

PLA is a low emitter of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Ultrafine Particles (UFPs) when compared to 3D printing filaments made with other polymers. Heating and melting PLA releases Lactide, which is non-toxic and relatively safe to be around.

Heating other polymers release air contaminants in greater quantities that may be of greater risk to health and may not be considered safe to use at the GSD.

Examples of non-PLA filament polymers that are prohibited include, but are not limited to:

  • ABS
  • PETG
  • Nylon

Modified PLA Filament

Many PLA products available have been modified with additives to change their mechanical or aesthetic properties. Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • High Temperature PLA (HTPLA)
  • PLA Pro or PLA +
  • Conductive PLA
  • Metallic or Metal-Filled PLA
  • Carbon Fiber PLA
  • Silk PLA
  • Wood PLA
  • Rock or Stone PLA
  • Algae PLA
  • Recycled PLA

Since manufacturers often do not disclose the chemical components of modified PLA products and sufficient testing of the emissions created by heating these products has not been conducted, they may not be considered safe to use at the GSD.

Only with prior approval from Fabrication Lab staff might these products be considered approved for use. To initiate the review process, send an email to [email protected] including the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Approved Modified PLA Filament

Based on the information currently available, the following types of modified PLA from any of the four approved brands are approved for use on the self-serve Dremel printers, requiring no additional review:

  • PLA Pro or PLA +
  • Rock or Stone PLA
  • Silk PLA (with no other modifications)
  • Matte PLA (with no other modifications)

Use of any unapproved material is a violation of the GSD Hazardous Material Policy. Violations will be recorded and result in loss of access to Lab resources at the discretion of Fabrication Lab Staff.

3D Printer Hours

While the Self-Serve 3D Printers are typically available whenever Gund Hall is open during the academic semesters, hours may be limited in the summer and between semesters. The Full-Serve Printers are TA-Operated and can be reserved using the FabJob App.

Check the Calendar to determine when Technical Assistants are on duty or whether the space is closed.

Need Help?

Contact a 3D Printer Technical Assistant by email at [email protected] or visit us in Gund L40 or adjacent to the Gund 3rd Floor South Printing Room during the office hours listed on the Calendar.

Reserve the 3D Printer

Please use the FabJob App to reserve the multi-material 3D printers.