If you’ve ever wanted to know how to melt PLA, the biodegradable plastic used in 3D printing, you’re in luck! In this blog post, we’ll show you how easy it is to recycle your PLA scraps into new filaments. Not only is this a great way to reduce waste, but it can also save you money on your 3D printing projects. So let’s get started!
What is PLA
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PLA stands for polylactic acid, a type of biodegradable plastic made from renewable plant materials like cornstarch and sugarcane. It’s a popular choice for 3D printing because it’s easy to use and has a low environmental impact.
Why Melt PLA?
It’s a great way to reduce the amount of waste created by 3D printing. By melting it down, you can create new filament from the old scraps, which means less money spent on purchasing fresh supplies. It’s also a fun way to experiment with different colors and textures. Dissolving PLA can also be used to create 3D-printed objects with a more detailed or intricate shape. PLA is a thermoplastic, meaning it melts when heated and cools back to its solid state when cooled. It’s important to note that PLA starts to degrade at about 180°C (356°F) — any higher temperatures will cause the plastic to break down too quickly, resulting in the poor-quality filament.
Products made of PLA are the Following:
- Cutlery
- Food Packaging
- Biodegradable Shopping Bags
- Bottles and Containers for Consumer Goods
- 3D Printing Filament
How to Melt PLA
Melting PLA is surprisingly simple. All you need is a pot of boiling water and some basic tools like tongs or chopsticks for stirring. Here are the steps:
1. Gather your PLA scraps in a heat-safe container. This could be an oven-safe bowl or metal pot depending on how much you have.
2. Place the container with scraps into your pot of boiling water, making sure it doesn’t touch the bottom.
3. Stir the PLA regularly until all of it has melted and is a consistent liquid. This can take anywhere from 10-20 minutes depending on how much PLA you’re melting.
4. Once melted, pour the liquid PLA into a mold or container to create a new filament when it cools down.
And there you have it — you’ve successfully recycled your 3D printing scraps! We hope this blog post has inspired you to give melting PLA a try, and happy recycling!
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Dissolving PLA With Chemicals
You can also use chemicals to dissolve PLA and create a liquid that can be used to make filament. The most common chemicals used are sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and ethylene glycol, but other chemicals may work as well. The process is fairly simple — just mix the chemical with the PLA in a container, heat it up until it melts, then strain out any impurities. So there you have it! Now you know how easy it is to melt PLA for reuse.
Some Chemicals that can be used are:
- Acetone
- ETHYL ACETATE
- Tetrahydrofuran
- Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
- Caustic soda (sodium hydroxide)
- Chloroform/Dichloromethane (DCM)
Acetones
Using chemicals such as acetone to dissolve PLA is an effective way to recycle your scraps into new filaments. Whenever handling potentially hazardous materials, it’s essential to take the necessary safety precautions and make sure that you have all of the protective gear required. Before starting any project involving chemicals, double-check your supplies to guarantee a safe environment. You’ll also need a container large enough for the amount of PLA you’re melting and some sort of stirring device (a stainless steel spoon works well).
ETHYL ACETATE
Ethyl acetate is also a great option for melting PLA, and it’s actually more eco-friendly than acetone. Its boiling point is lower than that of acetone, meaning less energy is needed to evaporate it. As with any chemical, take safety precautions when working with ethyl acetate — make sure you have the proper protective gear before beginning.
- Begin by adding your PLA scraps to a container and then pour in the desired amount of ethyl acetate — just enough to cover the plastic.
- Then use a stirring device (a stainless steel spoon works well) to stir continuously until all of the plastic has dissolved.
- Once this has been achieved, carefully pour the melted PLA through a filter or strainer into another container. This will help remove any impurities or clumps in the melted plastic.
- Let the mixture cool and you’ll have a new batch of PLA filament ready for use!
Tetrahydrofuran
Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is another chemical that can be used to dissolve PLA and recycle your scraps into new filaments. It’s slightly more complicated than other methods, as it requires a few additional steps. Before handling any chemicals, ensure you have the correct safety equipment. The tetrahydrofuran vapor eases the melting of PLA, granting a smoother experience for users.
Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) is another great option for melting PLA. It has a low boiling point, meaning it can be easily evaporated after use. Prior to any chemical experimentation, make sure that you are wearing the right safety gear for protection.
Caustic soda (sodium hydroxide)
Caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) is a powerful chemical that can be used to dissolve PLA. As with any chemical, it’s important to take safety precautions when working with caustic soda — Prior to starting, make sure that you have the ideal protective gear.
Chloroform/Dichloromethane (DCM)
Chloroform (DCM) is another great option for melting PLA and creating filament from scraps. Like other chemicals used in this process, it must be handled carefully and with the correct safety gear.
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How to Smooth Pla Without Chemistry
Chemicals are not the only way to melt PLA and make filament from scrap. There are other methods for smoothing PLA without using potentially hazardous materials.
PLA Weilding
PLA welding is a great way to create filament from scraps without using any sort of chemicals. It involves melting the PLA together with an iron or soldering gun, allowing you to join different pieces of PLA scrap and make new filament.
Heated Bed & Heat Gun
This method involves placing your PLA scraps on top of a heated bed and using a heat gun to quickly melt them down into one continuous strand. This process requires careful monitoring and precision, as too much heat can cause distortion in the finished product.
Primer Spray
A primer spray can be used to smooth PLA and make it easier to handle. Simply apply the primer spray on your PLA scraps, let them dry, and then use your 3D printer’s heated bed to melt the pieces together into a continuous strand. Once you have mastered the process of melting PLA, you’ll be able to save money on your 3D printing projects while also doing something good for the environment!
Just remember to take safety precautions when working with any of these chemicals and you’ll be good to go.
Also Check: CoreXY 3D Printer Reviews
Safety Measures while Melting PLA
Before attempting to melt PLA, please make sure that you are wearing the appropriate safety gear such as gloves, eye protection, and a face mask. Also, make sure that you are working in a well-ventilated area to avoid any potential risks. Additionally, ensure that all materials used for melting PLA (e.g., ethyl acetate) are stored properly and out of the reach of children and pets.
If handled improperly, these chemicals can be dangerous and cause serious health issues — so always practice caution when experimenting with different methods for melting PLA. With the right precautions in place, you’ll be able to safely recycle your PLA scraps into new filaments!
Tips for Melting/Dissolving PLA
When melting PLA, it’s important to keep in mind the following tips:
- Use appropriate safety gear.
- Work in a well-ventilated area.
- Monitor the temperature of your PLA while melting/dissolving it.
- Store all chemicals used in this process properly and out of the reach of children and pets.
- Follow any additional instructions listed on chemical packages prior to use.
FAQ: How to Melt PLA
Can you melt PLA in a microwave?
No, you should not attempt to melt PLA in a microwave. The high temperature and pressure created can be dangerous and cause serious injury or even death. Additionally, using a microwave to melt PLA can create hazardous fumes which can be harmful to your health.
What can dissolve PLA?
The most commonly used chemicals to dissolve PLA include ethyl acetate, chloroform (DCM), and acetone. All of these substances should be handled carefully and with the appropriate safety gear.
Can you melt PLA with a hair dryer?
Yes, you can use a hair dryer to melt PLA. However, it is important to monitor the temperature of your PLA while doing so, as too much heat can cause distortion in the finished product.
Can you melt and reuse PLA filament?
Yes, you can melt and reuse PLA filament. This is a great way to reduce waste and save money on your 3D printing projects. Be sure to take the appropriate safety measures when melting PLA, as certain chemicals used in this process can be dangerous if not handled correctly.
What happens if you soak PLA in water?
Soaking PLA in water can cause it to become brittle, as the plastic will absorb the moisture and expand. Soaking PLA in water should be avoided, as this could potentially damage your 3D prints.
Will boiling water melt PLA?
No, boiling water will not melt PLA. In fact, it could potentially cause your PLA prints to warp or distort due to the heat and pressure created by the boiling water. We recommend using a primer spray or other chemicals listed above in order to successfully melt PLA.
Is PLA toxic when melted?
No, PLA is not considered toxic when melted. However, it is important to take safety precautions when working with any of the chemicals used for melting PLA. Be sure to wear protective gear and work in a well-ventilated area in order to avoid any potential risks.
Can a heat gun melt PLA?
Yes, a heat gun can be used to melt PLA. It is important to monitor the temperature of your PLA while doing so, as too much heat can cause distortion in the finished product.
How many times can PLA be melted?
PLA can be melted several times, though it is important to note that the plastic will become weaker and more brittle each time you do so. Therefore, we recommend melting PLA sparingly in order to ensure the best quality results.
Conclusion
Recycling 3D printing plastic has never been easier! With these simple methods for melting PLA, you can turn your unused scraps into new filaments and save yourself some money in the long run. If you’re looking for more information about 3D printing or other recycling techniques, check out our blog for more helpful tips. We hope this post has been helpful in teaching you how to melt PLA and reuse your scraps.