A brief history of HTPLA
Protopasta kickstarted High Temp PLA (HT-PLA) in 2013. Heat-treatable High Temperature PLA was a new concept. Protopasta created HTPLA filament for easy PLA 3D printing with higher temperature resistance when heat treating (annealing). Heat treating is not required for use.
In 2015, Protopasta revised HTPLA for a non-yellow, translucent base which turns opaque when heat treated. It’s also a neutral base for colors. As a result, Protopasta has made more than 100 unique HTPLA colors. In fact, we add 3 new colors every 2 months with our Endless PLA subscription, and we make custom colors for individuals and businesses in our community workshops and as commissioned. Contact us with your custom color needs.
In 2016, we added Carbon Fiber HTPLA for reduced shrink and warp when heat treating. Fibers also increase stiffness and temperature resistance for use up to 150C. Fibers make filament look good too!
Later, we added Matte Fiber HTPLA. Made from plant fibers, Matte Fiber is a colorable, wood-like composite that is not abrasive, but moisture sensitive. When wet, Matte Fiber foams. Dry before use or use foaming as a feature for low density 3D prints like with light-weight PLA, but without the petroleum-based blowing agents commonly found in LW-PLA.
Introducing Protopasta Glass Fiber HTPLA
Like Matte Fiber, Protopasta Glass Fiber HTPLA can be colored. Printing is straight-forward with minimal moisture uptake. HTPLA-GF is stiffer, more heat resistant, and warps less than HTPLA without fibers. Like HTPLA-CF, heat treated HTPLA-GF can hold shape up to 150C. HTPLA-GF is also abrasive so we recommend a wear-resistant nozzle when 3D printing.
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About Protopasta
Protopasta is 100% made in the USA by Protoplant Inc. Founded in 2013 by engineers, Dustin and Aaron Cram, we control every step of the process with in-house made machinery and materials. We’re a small team with a passion for making things, just like you! We’re here because of you. We’re here for you. We thank you for choosing Protopasta!!!
3D Printing HTPLA-GF
HTPLA-GF is high speed capable. We 3D printed HTPLA-GF at 240C for a good surface finish and layer adhesion at volume rates up to 24 mm3/s on the Bambu P1S with a 0.4 steel nozzle.
Heat treating HTPLA-GF
Heat an HTPLA 3D print to 80-120C (175-250F) for 10+ minutes and it’s more heat resistant! Heat resistant up to 150C (300F)!!! Heat resistance, the ability to hold shape and load at a temperature, depends on the material and conditions. Heat deflection temperature (HDT) measures stiffness in specific conditions.
HTPLA is semi-crystalline, but becomes more crystalline when heated above its glass transition temperature (Tg). More crystallinity = more heat resistance. Crystallinity is maintained until the material melts. Once melted, the material is reset and must be heat treated again. Printing melts the material so you have to heat treat after 3D printing.
Heat treating must be done above Tg and below melting (Tm). 80-120C is an acceptable range. About 100C (200-225F) is best. Make sure the oven is preheated with no glowing coils to avoid overheating. Visit our blog for past entries for heat treating methods and results: https://proto-pasta.com/blogs/how-to
Plan for about 1% shrink in x/y when heat treating HTPLA-GF. For a more exacting shrinkage calculation, measure your specific object before and after heat treating using your specific heat treating conditions.
We hope you enjoy having another option for HTPLA.
Missed out on July's Endless Exploration? Glass-filled HTPLA will be available for individual purchase in August and/or subscribe to Endless Exploration by August 31st for our September shipment.
Take care and enjoy the pasta,
Alex and the Protopasta Team
