Single-use paper cups used for takeaway coffee and other beverages release millions of microplastic particles when exposed to hot liquid, University of Queensland researchers have found.
The main reasons it’s used in 3d printing have more to do with cost (it’s cheap) and its mechanical properties (low-ish melting temp, low expansion/contraction when heated/cooled, low warping, durable enough), as well as not releasing tons of nasty fumes when heated.
Some other benefits are that it’s typically made from corn rather than oil, and can be composted in an industrial setting.
I see. I’m relatively new to this hobby and chose PETG as my default. The price is similar and since I am doing hydro-/aeroponics, it needs to be durable, also when exposed to UV rays.
I am still trying to figure out what materials to use when, but the the environmental impact gives PLA now a super bonus.
This is shocking and unexpected. That sucks so hard, as I have just finished printing the tower. But I am very thankful, because without you, I would have probably ingested unhealthy chemicals. Thank you very much.
I will choose a PETG brand with a food safety certificate and avoid Creality PETG.
Edit: I also just learned that the hotend nozzle needs to be switched out, too. Brass contains lead, which is very unhealthy. Switching it out with Stainless Steel.
PETG is great and almost as easy to work with as PLA! I got a nicer printer a few months ago and have been using it for more structural prints (hooks, storage bins that I’ll probably drop, things for in my car). It holds up a lot better, and doesn’t suddenly fracture into pieces when over stressed like PLA does.
For anything decorative, or low impact/stress, PLA works great and typically gives slightly better dimensional accuracy compared with PETG. PLA is a poor choice for anything that’ll have extended sun exposure, impacts, or needs to survive moderately high temperatures like in a hot car.
Wait what?
TIL. Now I know why PLA is so often used in 3d printing
The main reasons it’s used in 3d printing have more to do with cost (it’s cheap) and its mechanical properties (low-ish melting temp, low expansion/contraction when heated/cooled, low warping, durable enough), as well as not releasing tons of nasty fumes when heated.
Some other benefits are that it’s typically made from corn rather than oil, and can be composted in an industrial setting.
I see. I’m relatively new to this hobby and chose PETG as my default. The price is similar and since I am doing hydro-/aeroponics, it needs to be durable, also when exposed to UV rays.
I am still trying to figure out what materials to use when, but the the environmental impact gives PLA now a super bonus.
Be careful with 3D printed parts in your plant system. You can’t know what kind of additives are in there and what leeches into your plants.
I would never trust anything 3D printed in contact with food or plants that produce food.
Never mind that bacteria will accumulate in the layer lines easily.
I’ve started using sauce buckets from local snackbars as plant pots. As long as they’re kept out of direct sunlight it should be safe long term.
This is shocking and unexpected. That sucks so hard, as I have just finished printing the tower. But I am very thankful, because without you, I would have probably ingested unhealthy chemicals. Thank you very much.
I will choose a PETG brand with a food safety certificate and avoid Creality PETG.
Edit: I also just learned that the hotend nozzle needs to be switched out, too. Brass contains lead, which is very unhealthy. Switching it out with Stainless Steel.
PETG is great and almost as easy to work with as PLA! I got a nicer printer a few months ago and have been using it for more structural prints (hooks, storage bins that I’ll probably drop, things for in my car). It holds up a lot better, and doesn’t suddenly fracture into pieces when over stressed like PLA does.
For anything decorative, or low impact/stress, PLA works great and typically gives slightly better dimensional accuracy compared with PETG. PLA is a poor choice for anything that’ll have extended sun exposure, impacts, or needs to survive moderately high temperatures like in a hot car.
Happy printing!