PLA is a biodegradable, plant-based polyester made from sources like corn starch or sugarcane. In pellet form, it’s a small cylindrical resin—virgin or recycled—used as feedstock for filament extrusion or direct pellet-fed 3D printing

Key Properties

• Density: About 1.24 g/cm³

• Melting Point: Around 150–160 °C

• Glass Transition Temperature: ~60 °C

• Tensile Strength: ~58–60 MPa

• Flexural Strength: ~80–105 MPa

• Elongation at Break: Typically low (3–6%), making it somewhat brittle.

Processing PLA Pellets

1. Drying: PLA absorbs moisture easily. Typically dried at 50–60 °C for 3–4 hours before use.

2. Extrusion:

   • Filament-making: Use ~170–190 °C

   • Direct pellet extrusion printing: Use ~220–240 °C