Key Takeaways
- Polymaker releases HT-PLA Pro filament with improved thermal stability and performance
- HT-PLA Pro has a Vicat softening temperature of 148.3°C and can be raised to 150.5°C through annealing
- The filament has a tensile strength in the Z direction of 26.8 MPa and notched Charpy impact strength of 9.94 kJ/m²
- HT-PLA Pro can print well up to 300 mm/s with a 230°C nozzle temperature and 25-65°C build plate temperature
- The filament is designed to work well without hardened nozzles and heated chambers
Introduction to HT-PLA Pro
Polymaker has reengineered its HT-PLA filament to create a better performing and heat-stable PLA, resulting in the HT-PLA Pro. This new filament aims to address the limitations of traditional PLA, which is known for being brittle and having low thermal resistance.
Comparison of HT-PLA Pro with Traditional PLA
| Property | Traditional PLA | HT-PLA Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Vicat Softening Temperature | 50-60°C | 148.3°C (up to 150.5°C with annealing) |
| Tensile Strength in Z Direction | 20-25 MPa | 26.8 MPa |
| Notched Charpy Impact Strength | 5-6 kJ/m² | 9.94 kJ/m² |
| Printing Speed | Up to 200 mm/s | Up to 300 mm/s |
| Nozzle Temperature | 210-220°C | 230°C |
| Build Plate Temperature | 20-40°C | 25-65°C |
Features and Benefits of HT-PLA Pro
The HT-PLA Pro filament has undergone significant improvements, including:
Improved Thermal Stability
The Vicat softening temperature of HT-PLA Pro is 148.3°C, which can be raised to 150.5°C through annealing. This makes it more suitable for applications that require higher thermal resistance.
Enhanced Mechanical Properties
The tensile strength in the Z direction has increased from 20.8 MPa to 26.8 MPa, and the notched Charpy impact strength has doubled to 9.94 kJ/m².
Easy Printing
HT-PLA Pro can print well up to 300 mm/s with a 230°C nozzle temperature and 25-65°C build plate temperature, making it easy to use without requiring specialized equipment.
Bottom Line
The HT-PLA Pro filament from Polymaker offers significant improvements over traditional PLA, with enhanced thermal stability, mechanical properties, and ease of use. With its high Vicat softening temperature, improved tensile strength, and increased impact resistance, HT-PLA Pro is an attractive option for applications that require a balance of performance, printability, and affordability. As Maarten Bosters, Product Marketing Manager at Polymaker, stated, the company has reengineered its HT-PLA to create a better performing and heat-stable PLA, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of 3D printing applications.