Polylactic acid (PLA), polylactide, including Ingeo grades for injection moulding, extrusion and 3D printing PLA
(C3H4O2)n, backbone [-C(CH3)HC(=O)O-]n of polylactic acid (polylactide) · CAS 26100-51-6
Also known as CAS 26100-51-6, PLA, polylactic acid, polylactide, PLLA, Ingeo 3D850 · 6 more
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a bio-based thermoplastic polyester made from lactic acid, which is produced by fermenting plant sugars.
Evidence level
2 of 5
Lab-measured
- 0Predicted only. No one has made it, or no measurement exists.
- 1Calculated. Only calculated or predicted values from sources.
- 2Lab-measured. Measured properties with their conditions stated.
- 3Space-relevant tests. Measured in conditions relevant to space, such as vacuum or atomic oxygen.
- 4Ground-qualified. Qualified for an application on the ground.
- 5Flown or field-proven. Flight or field results exist.
Stiff
3600 MPa to 4357 MPa
Strong
62 MPa to 65 MPa
Clear
Transparent (amorphous)
Heat
54 °C to 149 °C
Printed heat
75 °C to 90 °C
Recipe, share of the weight
- C 3 atoms per repeat unit, from the printed formula (C3H4O2)nCarbon
- H 4 atoms per repeat unit, from the printed formula (C3H4O2)nHydrogen
- O 2 atoms per repeat unit, from the printed formula (C3H4O2)nOxygen
Best for
Moulded and extruded parts that stay below about 55 °C in service, such as clear cups, cutlery and housings, and printed parts from the high-heat monofilament grades (heat deflection 75 to 90 °C).
Weakest at
Heat and moisture: the 2003D, 3052D and amorphous 3100HP grades deform at 54 to 55 °C, and moisture above 0.025 % (250 ppm) risks viscosity loss during processing.
Risk at a glance
- People Low. Low toxicity; monomer irritant
- If it fails Moderate. Thermal decomposition in the melt
- Corrosion Moderate. Residues held above the melting point for more than 24 hours at 175 °C decompose significantly.
Quick facts: PLA
| Property | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.22 to 1.24 g/cm³ | 2 sourced values across conditions |
| Yield strength | 51 to 65 MPa | 5 sourced values across conditions |
| Tensile strength | 24 to 53 MPa | 5 sourced values across conditions |
| Young's modulus | 2.31 to 3.5 GPa | 3 sourced values across conditions |
| Melting point | 140 to 180 °C | 4 sourced values across conditions |
What is the density of Polylactic acid (PLA), polylactide?
Polylactic acid (PLA), polylactide has a density of 1.22 to 1.24 g/cm³. The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is the melting point of Polylactic acid (PLA), polylactide?
Polylactic acid (PLA), polylactide has a melting point of 140 to 180 °C. The range covers 4 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is the yield strength of Polylactic acid (PLA), polylactide?
Polylactic acid (PLA), polylactide has a yield strength of 51 to 65 MPa. The range covers 5 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is the tensile strength of Polylactic acid (PLA), polylactide?
Polylactic acid (PLA), polylactide has a tensile strength of 24 to 53 MPa. The range covers 5 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is the Young's modulus of Polylactic acid (PLA), polylactide?
Polylactic acid (PLA), polylactide has a Young's modulus of 2.31 to 3.5 GPa. The range covers 3 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What are the other names and codes for Polylactic acid (PLA), polylactide?
Polylactic acid (PLA), polylactide is also written as CAS 26100-51-6, PLA, polylactic acid, polylactide, PLLA, Ingeo 3D850. Each code is printed in the source listed beside it in the designations table.
What is Polylactic acid (PLA), polylactide used for?
Uses recorded in the sources include Injection-moulded electronics housings; Semi-durable building materials (injection-moulded parts).
Why it exists
PLA is a plant-based plastic made from lactic acid. It is stiff, it moulds, extrudes and prints easily, and several grades are clear. Its weak point is heat. Unless it is crystallised, it softens at about 55 °C, and it must be kept dry before melting.
Where it's used
Electronics housings
NatureWorks lists electronics housings and semi-durable building materials as uses of Ingeo 3100HP, a medium-flow injection-moulding grade.
3D printing
The 3D850 and 3D870 monofilament grades are sold for 3D printers. The 3D850 is a high-heat grade, and the 3D870 is a high-heat and impact grade.
Cups, cutlery and food packaging
NatureWorks names Ingeo 2003D for fresh food packaging and food serviceware, and Ingeo 3052D and 3001D for cutlery, cups, plates and outdoor novelties.
Recipe
(C3H4O2)n, backbone [-C(CH3)HC(=O)O-]n of polylactic acid (polylactide)
PLA is a polyester of lactic acid. Wikipedia describes it as formally made by condensation of lactic acid with loss of water, or by ring-opening polymerisation of lactide, the cyclic dimer of the repeat unit. Lactic acid can be made by fermenting plant sugars. NatureWorks says these can be the dextrose or sucrose of cassava, corn starch, sugar cane or sugar beets. The backbone formula is (C3H4O2)n, a repeat of [-C(CH3)HC(=O)O-].
| Ingredient | Share of the weight | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon C | 3 atoms per repeat unit, from the printed formula (C3H4O2)n | Carbon backbone of the repeat unit: the methine, methyl and carbonyl carbons of each lactic acid unit. |
| Hydrogen H | 4 atoms per repeat unit, from the printed formula (C3H4O2)n | Four hydrogens per repeat unit: three on the methyl group and one on the methine carbon. |
| Oxygen O | 2 atoms per repeat unit, from the printed formula (C3H4O2)n | Two oxygens per repeat unit: the carbonyl oxygen and the ester oxygen. |
Weight shares are as printed in the sources.
What it can do
Stiff
3600 MPa to 4357 MPa
measured
Ingeo biopolymer 3052D has a flexural modulus of 3600 MPa, and Ingeo 3100HP reaches 4357 MPa when crystallised with 1 wt % nucleating agent.
Strong
62 MPa to 65 MPa
measured
Tensile yield strength is 62 MPa for Ingeo biopolymer 3052D, and 64 to 65 MPa for Ingeo 3100HP, amorphous or crystallised (ASTM D638).
Clear
Transparent (amorphous)
The clarity rows read transparent for Ingeo biopolymer 3052D, Ingeo 3001D and the amorphous-moulded 3100HP.
Heat
54 °C to 149 °C
measured
Heat deflection temperature is 54 °C for amorphous 3100HP, and 149 °C for 3100HP crystallised with 1 wt % nucleating agent, at 0.455 MPa.
Printed heat
75 °C to 90 °C
measured
After annealing, the high-heat monofilaments reach a heat deflection temperature of 75 to 90 °C (3D870 and 3D850, ASTM E2092).
How it compares
Among the grades in these datasheets, density is 1.22 to 1.24 g/cc, and the glass transition is 55 to 60 °C where it is printed. The big spread is in heat: 54 to 55 °C for the moulded grades 3100HP (amorphous), 2003D and 3052D, 75 to 90 °C for the printed high-heat monofilaments, and 144 to 149 °C for nucleated crystalline moulded formulations.
The same measurements for each material, so you can compare them. Each row names the key condition under the value; the full conditions and methods are in the numbered notes under Technical details. Other materials are shown beside it; each was measured under its own conditions, so open its page before comparing closely. Compare every grade in the family.
| Measurement | PLA | LCP | PBT | PEN | PET | PHB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal behavior and safety | ||||||
| Peak melt temperature, Ingeo 3D850 | 165 °C5 | 280 to 350 °C | 223 °C | 269 °C | 254 °C | 151.2 °C |
| Melting point, Ingeo biopolymer 2003D | 140 °C6 | 280 to 350 °C | 223 °C | 269 °C | 254 °C | 151.2 °C |
| Crystalline melt temperature, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D | 145 °C7 | 280 to 350 °C | 223 °C | 269 °C | 254 °C | 151.2 °C |
| Peak crystalline melting point, Ingeo 3100HP (nucleated, crystalline moulding) | 165 °C8 | 280 to 350 °C | 223 °C | 269 °C | 254 °C | 151.2 °C |
| Heat deflection temperature, Ingeo 3D850 (3D printed, crystalline block) | 80 °C9 | 220 °C | 165 °C | 91 °C | no data | no data |
| Heat deflection temperature, Ingeo 3D870 (3D printed) | 75 °C10 | 220 °C | 165 °C | 91 °C | no data | no data |
| Heat deflection temperature, Ingeo biopolymer 2003D | 55 °C11 | 220 °C | 165 °C | 91 °C | no data | no data |
| Heat deflection temperature, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D | 55 °C12 | 220 °C | 165 °C | 91 °C | no data | no data |
| Heat deflection temperature, Ingeo 3100HP, amorphous moulding | 54 °C13 | 220 °C | 165 °C | 91 °C | no data | no data |
| Heat deflection temperature, Ingeo 3100HP, crystalline moulding | 149 °C14 | 220 °C | 165 °C | 91 °C | no data | no data |
| Heat deflection temperature, Ingeo 2500HP, crystalline moulding | 144 °C15 | 220 °C | 165 °C | 91 °C | no data | no data |
| Physical and electrical | ||||||
| Density, Ingeo 3D850 (specific gravity) | 1.24 g/cc1 | 1.4 g/cm³ | 1300 kg/m³ | 1.36 g/cm³ | 1.39 g/cm³ | 1.23 g/cm³ |
| Density, Ingeo 3D870 (specific gravity) | 1.22 g/cc2 | 1.4 g/cm³ | 1300 kg/m³ | 1.36 g/cm³ | 1.39 g/cm³ | 1.23 g/cm³ |
| Temperature behavior | ||||||
| Glass transition temperature, Ingeo 3D850 | 55 °C3 | no data | 60 °C | 387 K | 76 °C | 2.4 °C |
| Glass transition temperature, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D | 55 °C4 | no data | 60 °C | 387 K | 76 °C | 2.4 °C |
| Other measurements | ||||||
| Tensile strength, Ingeo 3D850 (3D printed) | 50 MPa16 | 55 to 165 MPa | no data | 200 MPa | 190 MPa | 34.2 MPa |
| Tensile strength, Ingeo 3D870, XY axis (3D printed) | 40 MPa17 | 55 to 165 MPa | no data | 200 MPa | 190 MPa | 34.2 MPa |
| Tensile strength, Ingeo 3D870, YX axis (3D printed) | 32 MPa18 | 55 to 165 MPa | no data | 200 MPa | 190 MPa | 34.2 MPa |
| Tensile strength, Ingeo 3D870, ZX axis (3D printed) | 24 MPa19 | 55 to 165 MPa | no data | 200 MPa | 190 MPa | 34.2 MPa |
| Tensile strength at break, Ingeo biopolymer 2003D | 53 MPa20 | 55 to 165 MPa | no data | 200 MPa | 190 MPa | 34.2 MPa |
| Tensile yield strength, Ingeo 3D850 (3D printed) | 51 MPa21 | no data | 55 MPa | 80 MPa | no data | no data |
| Tensile yield strength, Ingeo biopolymer 2003D | 60 MPa22 | no data | 55 MPa | 80 MPa | no data | no data |
| Tensile yield strength, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D | 62 MPa23 | no data | 55 MPa | 80 MPa | no data | no data |
| Tensile yield strength, Ingeo 3100HP, amorphous moulding | 65 MPa24 | no data | 55 MPa | 80 MPa | no data | no data |
| Tensile yield strength, Ingeo 3100HP, crystalline moulding | 64 MPa25 | no data | 55 MPa | 80 MPa | no data | no data |
| Tensile modulus, Ingeo 3D850 (3D printed) | 2315 MPa26 | no data | 2400 MPa | 5 GPa | 3800 MPa | 3300 MPa |
| Tensile modulus, Ingeo 3D870, XY axis (3D printed) | 2865 MPa27 | no data | 2400 MPa | 5 GPa | 3800 MPa | 3300 MPa |
| Tensile modulus, Ingeo biopolymer 2003D | 3.5 GPa28 | no data | 2400 MPa | 5 GPa | 3800 MPa | 3300 MPa |
| Flexural strength, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D | 108 MPa29 | no data | 85 MPa | 99 MPa | no data | no data |
| Flexural strength, Ingeo 3100HP, amorphous moulding | 112 MPa30 | no data | 85 MPa | 99 MPa | no data | no data |
| Flexural strength, Ingeo 3D870, XY axis (3D printed) | 73 MPa31 | no data | 85 MPa | 99 MPa | no data | no data |
| Flexural strength, Ingeo 3D870, YX axis (3D printed) | 49 MPa32 | no data | 85 MPa | 99 MPa | no data | no data |
| Flexural strength, Ingeo 3D870, ZX axis (3D printed) | 46 MPa33 | no data | 85 MPa | 99 MPa | no data | no data |
| Flexural modulus, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D | 3600 MPa34 | no data | 2400 MPa | 2250 MPa | no data | no data |
| Flexural modulus, Ingeo 3100HP, crystalline moulding | 4357 MPa35 | no data | 2400 MPa | 2250 MPa | no data | no data |
| Flexural modulus, Ingeo 3D870, XY axis (3D printed) | 2414 MPa36 | no data | 2400 MPa | 2250 MPa | no data | no data |
| Tensile elongation, Ingeo 3D850 (3D printed) | 3.31 %37 | 3 % | 50 % | 60 % | 140 % | 3.8 % |
| Tensile elongation, Ingeo biopolymer 2003D | 6 %38 | 3 % | 50 % | 60 % | 140 % | 3.8 % |
| Tensile elongation, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D | 3.5 %39 | 3 % | 50 % | 60 % | 140 % | 3.8 % |
| Tensile elongation, Ingeo 3100HP, amorphous moulding | 3.4 %40 | 3 % | 50 % | 60 % | 140 % | 3.8 % |
| Tensile elongation, Ingeo 3100HP, crystalline moulding | 2.2 %41 | 3 % | 50 % | 60 % | 140 % | 3.8 % |
| Notched Izod impact, Ingeo 3D850 (3D printed) | 118 J/m42 | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| Notched Izod impact, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D | 16 J/m43 | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| Notched Izod impact, Ingeo 3D870, XY axis, amorphous (3D printed) | 160 J/m44 | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| Notched Izod impact, Ingeo 3D870, XY axis, crystalline (3D printed) | 233 J/m45 | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| Melt flow rate, Ingeo 3D850 | 7 g/10 min46 | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| Melt flow rate, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D | 14 g/10 min47 | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| Molded linear shrinkage, Ingeo 3100HP, amorphous moulding | 0.2 %48 | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| Molded linear shrinkage, Ingeo 3100HP, crystalline moulding | 1.7 %49 | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data |
Why choose it, and why not
Good for
- Clear moulded cups, cutlery and plates from the clear grades Ingeo 3052D and 3001D (flexural modulus 3600 MPa for 3052D).
- Printed parts from the monofilament grades: Ingeo 3D850 (heat deflection 80 to 90 °C) and Ingeo 3D870 (75 to 85 °C, with a notched Izod of 160 J/m in the XY direction).
- Electronics housings and semi-durable building materials from Ingeo 3100HP, a medium-flow injection-moulding grade.
- Fresh food packaging and food serviceware from Ingeo 2003D, an extrusion grade for sheet and roll stock.
Watch out for
- Heat: the 2003D, 3052D and amorphous 3100HP grades reach a heat deflection of only 54 to 55 °C. Only nucleated crystalline formulations (144 to 149 °C) are used above that.
- Moisture: dry the resin below 0.025 % (250 ppm) before melting, or viscosity degrades.
- Decomposition: residues held above the melt for more than 24 hours at 175 °C decompose significantly.
- Space: no flight, outgassing or atomic-oxygen data for PLA was found in the sources read.
PLA is a stiff, bio-based polyester that moulds, extrudes and prints well, with a density of 1.22 to 1.24 g/cc and a glass transition of 55 to 60 °C. Heat resistance depends on crystallinity: the 2003D, 3052D and amorphous 3100HP grades soften at 54 to 55 °C, and nucleated crystalline formulations reach 144 to 149 °C. For space use, no flight, outgassing or atomic-oxygen data was found, so PLA is not verified for orbit.
Technical details
For scientists and researchers. Everything above comes from the record below: every number with its method, its conditions and its source.
Other names and standards
The same grade under other systems, as datasheets and standards print them. Each code was checked against the page it comes from.
| System | Codes |
|---|---|
| CAS | 26100-51-6 |
| Name | PLA, polylactic acid, polylactide, PLLA |
| Trade name | Ingeo 3D850, Ingeo 3D870, Ingeo biopolymer 2003D, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D, Ingeo 3001D, Ingeo 3100HP, Ingeo 2500HP |
Notes
The method, full conditions and any caveat for the numbered rows above.
| # | Measurement | Method | Conditions | Caveat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Density, Ingeo 3D850 (specific gravity) | Typical value printed in the Physical Properties table of the 3D850 datasheet (Specific Gravity, g/cc) | grade Ingeo 3D850processing injection-moulded bars, typical properties (TDS footnote 1)test ASTM D792temperature not printed | — |
| 2 | Density, Ingeo 3D870 (specific gravity) | Typical value printed in the Physical Properties table of the 3D870 datasheet (Specific Gravity, g/cc) | grade Ingeo 3D870processing not stated; typical properties (TDS footnote 1)test ASTM D792temperature not printed | — |
| 3 | Glass transition temperature, Ingeo 3D850 | Typical range printed as Glass Transition Temperature in the 3D850 datasheet (ASTM D3418) | grade Ingeo 3D850processing injection-moulded bars, typical properties (TDS footnote 1)test ASTM D3418temperature not printedheating rate not printed | — |
| 4 | Glass transition temperature, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D | Typical range printed as Glass Transition Temperature in the 3052D datasheet (ASTM D3418) | grade Ingeo biopolymer 3052Dprocessing injection-moulding grade, typical properties; specimen form not printedtest ASTM D3418temperature not printedheating rate not printed | — |
| 5 | Peak melt temperature, Ingeo 3D850 | Typical range printed as Peak Melt Temperature in the 3D850 datasheet (ASTM D3418) | grade Ingeo 3D850processing injection-moulded bars, typical properties (TDS footnote 1)test ASTM D3418temperature not printed | — |
| 6 | Melting point, Ingeo biopolymer 2003D | Typical range printed as Melting Point in the 2003D datasheet (ASTM D3418) | grade Ingeo biopolymer 2003Dprocessing extrusion grade, typical properties; specimen form not printedtest ASTM D3418temperature not printed | — |
| 7 | Crystalline melt temperature, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D | Typical range printed as Crystalline Melt Temperature in the 3052D datasheet (ASTM D3418) | grade Ingeo biopolymer 3052Dprocessing injection-moulding grade, typical properties; specimen form not printedtest ASTM D3418temperature not printed | — |
| 8 | Peak crystalline melting point, Ingeo 3100HP (nucleated, crystalline moulding) | Printed in the crystalline block of the 3100HP datasheet; the datasheet prints no test method or temperature for this row | grade Ingeo 3100HPprocessing moulded crystalline, 120 °C mould temperature, 1 wt % nucleating agent (TDS footnote 3)test not printedtemperature not printed | — |
| 9 | Heat deflection temperature, Ingeo 3D850 (3D printed, crystalline block) | Printed in the mechanical block that footnote 4 covers (3D printed part, annealed); the datasheet does not name the specimen for this row separately | grade Ingeo 3D850processing 3D printed part, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 15 min (TDS footnote 4)test ASTM E2092load 0.45 MPa (66 psi) | — |
| 10 | Heat deflection temperature, Ingeo 3D870 (3D printed) | Printed in the Mechanical Properties table of the 3D870 datasheet, whose footnote 3 covers the 3D printed bars | grade Ingeo 3D870processing 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)test ASTM E2092load 0.45 MPa (66 psi) | — |
| 11 | Heat deflection temperature, Ingeo biopolymer 2003D | Typical value printed in the 2003D datasheet; the datasheet prints no load for this value | grade Ingeo biopolymer 2003Dprocessing extrusion grade, typical properties; specimen form not printedtest ASTM E2092load not printed | — |
| 12 | Heat deflection temperature, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D | Typical value printed in the 3052D datasheet; the datasheet prints no load for this value | grade Ingeo biopolymer 3052Dprocessing injection-moulding grade, typical properties; specimen form not printedtest ASTM E2092load not printed | — |
| 13 | Heat deflection temperature, Ingeo 3100HP, amorphous moulding | Printed in the molded amorphous block of Table 1 in the 3100HP datasheet | grade Ingeo 3100HPprocessing moulded amorphous, 26 °C mould temperaturetest ASTM E2092load 0.455 MPa (66 psi) | — |
| 14 | Heat deflection temperature, Ingeo 3100HP, crystalline moulding | Printed in the molded crystalline block of Table 1 in the 3100HP datasheet | grade Ingeo 3100HPprocessing moulded crystalline, 120 °C mould temperature, 1 wt % nucleating agent (TDS footnote 3)test ASTM E2092load 0.455 MPa (66 psi) | — |
| 15 | Heat deflection temperature, Ingeo 2500HP, crystalline moulding | Printed in the molded crystalline block of Table 1 in the 2500HP datasheet | grade Ingeo 2500HPprocessing moulded crystalline, 120 °C mould temperature, 1 wt % nucleating agent (TDS footnote 3)test ASTM E2092load 0.45 MPa (66 psi) | — |
| 16 | Tensile strength, Ingeo 3D850 (3D printed) | Printed as 7,290 psi (50 MPa) in the mechanical block of the 3D850 datasheet | grade Ingeo 3D850processing 3D printed part, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 15 min (TDS footnote 4)test ASTM D638temperature not printed | — |
| 17 | Tensile strength, Ingeo 3D870, XY axis (3D printed) | Printed as 5,802 psi (40 MPa) in the XY AXIS column of the 3D870 Mechanical Properties table | grade Ingeo 3D870processing 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)orientation XY axis (as printed)test ASTM D638temperature not printed | — |
| 18 | Tensile strength, Ingeo 3D870, YX axis (3D printed) | Printed as 4,641 psi (32 MPa) in the YX AXIS column of the 3D870 Mechanical Properties table | grade Ingeo 3D870processing 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)orientation YX axis (as printed)test ASTM D638temperature not printed | — |
| 19 | Tensile strength, Ingeo 3D870, ZX axis (3D printed) | Printed as 3,481 psi (24 MPa) in the ZX AXIS column of the 3D870 Mechanical Properties table | grade Ingeo 3D870processing 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)orientation ZX axis (as printed)test ASTM D638temperature not printed | — |
| 20 | Tensile strength at break, Ingeo biopolymer 2003D | Typical value printed as Tensile Strength @ Break in the 2003D datasheet (7,700 psi, 53 MPa) | grade Ingeo biopolymer 2003Dprocessing extrusion grade, typical properties; specimen form not printedtest ASTM D882temperature not printed | — |
| 21 | Tensile yield strength, Ingeo 3D850 (3D printed) | Printed as 7,440 psi (51 MPa) in the mechanical block of the 3D850 datasheet | grade Ingeo 3D850processing 3D printed part, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 15 min (TDS footnote 4)test ASTM D638temperature not printed | — |
| 22 | Tensile yield strength, Ingeo biopolymer 2003D | Typical value printed as Tensile Yield Strength in the 2003D datasheet (8,700 psi, 60 MPa) | grade Ingeo biopolymer 2003Dprocessing extrusion grade, typical properties; specimen form not printedtest ASTM D882temperature not printed | — |
| 23 | Tensile yield strength, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D | Typical value printed as Tensile Yield Strength in the 3052D datasheet (9,000 psi, 62 MPa) | grade Ingeo biopolymer 3052Dprocessing injection-moulding grade, typical properties; specimen form not printedtest ASTM D638temperature not printed | — |
| 24 | Tensile yield strength, Ingeo 3100HP, amorphous moulding | Printed as 9,400 psi (65 MPa) in the molded amorphous block of Table 1 | grade Ingeo 3100HPprocessing moulded amorphous, 26 °C mould temperaturetest ASTM D638temperature not printed | — |
| 25 | Tensile yield strength, Ingeo 3100HP, crystalline moulding | Printed as 9,300 psi (64 MPa) in the molded crystalline block of Table 1 | grade Ingeo 3100HPprocessing moulded crystalline, 120 °C mould temperature, 1 wt % nucleating agent (TDS footnote 3)test ASTM D638temperature not printed | — |
| 26 | Tensile modulus, Ingeo 3D850 (3D printed) | Printed as 335,790 psi (2315 MPa) in the mechanical block of the 3D850 datasheet | grade Ingeo 3D850processing 3D printed part, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 15 min (TDS footnote 4)test ASTM D638temperature not printed | — |
| 27 | Tensile modulus, Ingeo 3D870, XY axis (3D printed) | Printed as 416 kpsi (2,865 MPa) in the XY AXIS column of the 3D870 Mechanical Properties table | grade Ingeo 3D870processing 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)orientation XY axis (as printed)test ASTM D638temperature not printed | — |
| 28 | Tensile modulus, Ingeo biopolymer 2003D | Typical value printed as Tensile Modulus, kpsi (GPa): 500 (3.5) | grade Ingeo biopolymer 2003Dprocessing extrusion grade, typical properties; specimen form not printedtest ASTM D882temperature not printed | — |
| 29 | Flexural strength, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D | Printed as 15,700 (108) under a header that reads (MPa); the value in parentheses, 108 MPa, is the figure used | grade Ingeo biopolymer 3052Dprocessing injection-moulding grade, typical properties; specimen form not printedtest ASTM D790temperature not printed | — |
| 30 | Flexural strength, Ingeo 3100HP, amorphous moulding | Printed as 16,200 psi (112 MPa) in the molded amorphous block of Table 1 | grade Ingeo 3100HPprocessing moulded amorphous, 26 °C mould temperaturetest ASTM D790temperature not printed | — |
| 31 | Flexural strength, Ingeo 3D870, XY axis (3D printed) | Printed as 10,588 psi (73 MPa) in the XY AXIS column of the 3D870 Mechanical Properties table | grade Ingeo 3D870processing 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)orientation XY axis (as printed)test ASTM D790temperature not printed | — |
| 32 | Flexural strength, Ingeo 3D870, YX axis (3D printed) | Printed as 7,106 psi (49 MPa) in the YX AXIS column of the 3D870 Mechanical Properties table | grade Ingeo 3D870processing 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)orientation YX axis (as printed)test ASTM D790temperature not printed | — |
| 33 | Flexural strength, Ingeo 3D870, ZX axis (3D printed) | Printed as 6,672 psi (46 MPa) in the ZX AXIS column of the 3D870 Mechanical Properties table | grade Ingeo 3D870processing 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)orientation ZX axis (as printed)test ASTM D790temperature not printed | — |
| 34 | Flexural modulus, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D | Printed as 515,000 (3600) in the Mechanical Properties table, with the header reading MPa | grade Ingeo biopolymer 3052Dprocessing injection-moulding grade, typical properties; specimen form not printedtest ASTM D790temperature not printed | — |
| 35 | Flexural modulus, Ingeo 3100HP, crystalline moulding | Printed as 632,000 psi (4357 MPa) in the molded crystalline block of Table 1 | grade Ingeo 3100HPprocessing moulded crystalline, 120 °C mould temperature, 1 wt % nucleating agent (TDS footnote 3)test ASTM D790temperature not printed | — |
| 36 | Flexural modulus, Ingeo 3D870, XY axis (3D printed) | Printed as 350 kpsi (2,414 MPa) in the XY AXIS column of the 3D870 Mechanical Properties table | grade Ingeo 3D870processing 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)orientation XY axis (as printed)test ASTM D790temperature not printed | — |
| 37 | Tensile elongation, Ingeo 3D850 (3D printed) | Printed as Tensile Elongation, % in the mechanical block; the datasheet does not say whether this is at break or at yield | grade Ingeo 3D850processing 3D printed part, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 15 min (TDS footnote 4)test ASTM D638temperature not printed | — |
| 38 | Tensile elongation, Ingeo biopolymer 2003D | Typical value printed as Tensile Elongation, % in the 2003D datasheet; the datasheet does not say whether this is at break | grade Ingeo biopolymer 2003Dprocessing extrusion grade, typical properties; specimen form not printedtest ASTM D882temperature not printed | — |
| 39 | Tensile elongation, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D | Typical value printed as Tensile Elongation, % in the 3052D datasheet | grade Ingeo biopolymer 3052Dprocessing injection-moulding grade, typical properties; specimen form not printedtest ASTM D638temperature not printed | — |
| 40 | Tensile elongation, Ingeo 3100HP, amorphous moulding | Printed as Tensile Elongation, % in the molded amorphous block of Table 1 | grade Ingeo 3100HPprocessing moulded amorphous, 26 °C mould temperaturetest ASTM D638temperature not printed | — |
| 41 | Tensile elongation, Ingeo 3100HP, crystalline moulding | Printed as Tensile Elongation, % in the molded crystalline block of Table 1 | grade Ingeo 3100HPprocessing moulded crystalline, 120 °C mould temperature, 1 wt % nucleating agent (TDS footnote 3)test ASTM D638temperature not printed | — |
| 42 | Notched Izod impact, Ingeo 3D850 (3D printed) | Printed as 2.21 ft-lb/in (118 J/m) in the mechanical block of the 3D850 datasheet | grade Ingeo 3D850processing 3D printed part, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 15 min (TDS footnote 4)test ASTM D256temperature not printed | — |
| 43 | Notched Izod impact, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D | Typical value printed as 0.3 (16.0) ft-lb/in (J/m) in the 3052D datasheet | grade Ingeo biopolymer 3052Dprocessing injection-moulding grade, typical properties; specimen form not printedtest ASTM D256temperature not printed | — |
| 44 | Notched Izod impact, Ingeo 3D870, XY axis, amorphous (3D printed) | Printed as 2.99 (160) ft-lb/in (J/m) in the Notched Izod Impact [amorphous] row of the 3D870 Mechanical Properties table | grade Ingeo 3D870processing 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)orientation XY axis (as printed)test ASTM D256temperature not printed | — |
| 45 | Notched Izod impact, Ingeo 3D870, XY axis, crystalline (3D printed) | Printed as 4.37 (233) ft-lb/in (J/m) in the Notched Izod Impact [crystalline] row of the 3D870 Mechanical Properties table | grade Ingeo 3D870processing 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)orientation XY axis (as printed)test ASTM D256temperature not printed | — |
| 46 | Melt flow rate, Ingeo 3D850 | Printed as MFR, g/10 min, with footnote 2 giving 210 °C and 2.16 kg | grade Ingeo 3D850processing injection-moulded bars, typical properties (TDS footnote 1)test ASTM D1238temperature 210 °Cload 2.16 kg | — |
| 47 | Melt flow rate, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D | Typical value printed as MFR, g/10 min (210 °C, 2.16 kg) in the 3052D datasheet | grade Ingeo biopolymer 3052Dprocessing injection-moulding grade, typical properties; specimen form not printedtest ASTM D1238temperature 210 °Cload 2.16 kg | — |
| 48 | Molded linear shrinkage, Ingeo 3100HP, amorphous moulding | Printed as Molded Linear Shrinkage, % in the molded amorphous block of Table 1; no test method printed | grade Ingeo 3100HPprocessing moulded amorphous, 26 °C mould temperaturetest not printedtemperature not printed | — |
| 49 | Molded linear shrinkage, Ingeo 3100HP, crystalline moulding | Printed as Molded Linear Shrinkage, % in the molded crystalline block of Table 1; no test method printed | grade Ingeo 3100HPprocessing moulded crystalline, 120 °C mould temperature, 1 wt % nucleating agent (TDS footnote 3)test not printedtemperature not printed | — |
Corrosion and compatibility
What happens when it meets other materials and environments.
| Environment | Concern | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Heat above the melting point (residence in the melt) | moderate | Residues held above the melting point for more than 24 hours at 175 °C decompose significantly.1 |
| Moisture during drying and melting (hydrolysis and viscosity loss) | moderate | Moisture above 0.025 % (250 ppm) risks viscosity degradation.2 |
| Processing above 250 °C (depolymerisation) | moderate | Melt temperatures above 250 °C can cause depolymerisation, which shows as excessive fuming.3 |
| Heat in service (softening under load) | moderate | Amorphous 3100HP and the 2003D and 3052D grades deform under load at 54 to 55 °C; nucleated crystalline formulations reach 144 to 149 °C.4 |
| # | Environment | Details | Test conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Heat above the melting point (residence in the melt) | The primary thermal decomposition product is acetaldehyde, with carbon monoxide and hexanal also named. The datasheet lists extruders, fibre spinning lines, injection moulding machines, accumulators, pipe lines and adapters as equipment where this can occur. | temperature 175 °Ctime more than 24 hours, above the melt |
| 2 | Moisture during drying and melting (hydrolysis and viscosity loss) | Several datasheets recommend drying below 0.025 % (250 ppm) moisture to prevent viscosity degradation. The 1102 extrusion coating datasheet also warns that long residence causes thermal and hydrolytic degradation, and recommends 50 ppm for that grade. | moisture limit 0.025 % (250 ppm)coating grade limit 50 ppm |
| 3 | Processing above 250 °C (depolymerisation) | The 1102 datasheet recommends a maximum melt temperature of 250 °C with resin dried to 50 ppm, and says excessive fuming may indicate depolymerisation, especially if the resin is not adequately dried. | melt temperature max 250 °Cmoisture 50 ppm |
| 4 | Heat in service (softening under load) | Heat deflection is 54 °C for amorphous 3100HP and 55 °C for the 2003D and 3052D grades, against 149 °C for 3100HP and 144 °C for 2500HP when crystallised with 1 wt % nucleating agent. Annealing printed parts at 80 to 130 °C raises their heat deflection temperature (3D850 datasheet). | load 0.455 MPa (66 psi) for the 3100HP and 2500HP rowstest ASTM E2092 |
Risks and side effects
Hazards to people, what happens when a cell overheats, and how the material is handled and stored.
For people
NatureWorks describes the polymer as very low in toxicity. The hazard data that exist are for the monomer and for the lactic acid building block.
- Polymer
- The 3D850 datasheet says Ingeo has a very low degree of toxicity and should pose no unusual problems from incidental ingestion or eye and skin contact under normal use.
- Lactide
- PubChem lists lactide (CID 7272) with H319, serious eye irritation, in 100 % of the company reports that give a hazard code, with signal word Warning.
- Lactic acid
- PubChem lists lactic acid (CID 612) with H315, H318 and H314: skin irritation, serious eye damage and severe skin burns, with signal word Danger.
If it overheats
Heat is the main hazard in processing. Above the melt, PLA gives off acetaldehyde, carbon monoxide and hexanal.
- Decomposition
- Residues held above the melting point for more than 24 hours at 175 °C decompose significantly (3D850 datasheet).
- Fumes
- Above the melt, typically at 175 °C, fumes that irritate the eyes and mucous membranes can form (3D850 datasheet).
- Fire
- The resin burns with clear to white smoke. Toxic fumes form on incomplete combustion, and suspended dust can explode (3D850 datasheet).
Handling and storage
- Moisture
- Dry the resin below 0.025 % (250 ppm) moisture before melting, or viscosity degrades (3D850 and 2003D datasheets).
- Dust
- Dust and vapours may irritate the eyes and upper airways. Use an approved dust respirator where dust forms (3D850 datasheet).
- Disposal
- Recycle unused, uncontaminated resin into the process where possible, otherwise send it to incineration (3D850 datasheet).
Test details
The original wording and numbers from the sources, for readers who want them.
Failure risks
| Failure | Trigger and consequence |
|---|---|
| Thermal decomposition in the meltmoderate severity | Residue held above the melting point for more than 24 hours at 175 °CSignificant decomposition, releasing acetaldehyde, carbon monoxide and hexanal |
| Viscosity loss from moisturemoderate severity | Moisture above 0.025 % (250 ppm) at meltingViscosity degradation, the reason the datasheets give for the drying limit |
| Depolymerisation above 250 °Cmoderate severity | Melt processing above 250 °C, especially with resin that is not adequately driedExcessive fuming, which the datasheet links to depolymerisation |
| Softening under load (amorphous 3100HP)moderate severity | Service above about 54 °C under 0.455 MPa, for amorphous 3100HPHeat deflection at 54 °C; nucleated crystalline formulations hold to 144 to 149 °C |
| Low notched impact strengthmoderate severity | Impact on the 3052D gradeNotched Izod impact of 16 J/m (0.3 ft-lb/in) for the 3052D grade |
Side effects on surrounding parts
| Affects | Effect |
|---|---|
| Operators during processing | Workers should be protected from contact with molten resin during fabrication. The datasheet advises insulated gloves for thermal protection where the melt is handled locally. |
| Operators and people near processing equipment | Fumes from the melt above about 175 °C can irritate the eyes and mucous membranes. |
| People in the processing area | Pellets or beads may present a slipping hazard on the processing floor. |
Handling and storage
- Dry the resin to a moisture content below 0.025 % (250 ppm) before melting. The 3D850 datasheet gives 4 hours at 80 °C as a typical condition, or a dew point of -35 °C.
- Keep dried resin sealed until it is used, and reseal unused material promptly. The resin should not be exposed to atmospheric conditions after drying.
- Use local exhaust ventilation at melt operations, and an approved dust respirator where dust forms.
- In extrusion coating, keep the melt at or below 250 °C with resin dried to 50 ppm, and minimise back pressure to shorten residence time.
- Recycle unused, uncontaminated resin into the process where possible; otherwise send it to incineration. Do not dump PLA into sewers or any body of water.
Mitigations
- Heat resistance above 54 °C needs a crystalline, nucleated formulation. The 3100HP and 2500HP datasheets reach 144 to 149 °C heat deflection with 1 wt % nucleating agent added, but both grades are sold as neat resin.
- Anneal 3D printed parts at 110 to 120 °C to crystallise them and improve their thermal performance. The 3D870 datasheet gives about 20 minutes for 3.18 mm walls.
- Choose 3D870 where impact strength matters with high heat: it prints with a 75 to 85 °C heat deflection and a notched Izod of 160 J/m (XY, amorphous).
Supply and geography
How common the raw materials are and where they come from.
Polylactic acid (PLA) resin, Ingeo: production site in the United States
NatureWorks manufacturing facility at Blair, Nebraska, listed on its locations page.
- Top producers
- United States
Polylactic acid (PLA) resin, Ingeo: production site in Thailand
NatureWorks announced a grand opening of a fully integrated manufacturing facility in Thailand on April 29, 2026, as the first PLA producer to set up a second manufacturing site. A press release dated July 24, 2026 names the Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex.
- Top producers (2026)
- Thailand
Feedstock: fermentable plant sugars for lactic acid
NatureWorks says its lactic acid can come from fermenting the dextrose or sucrose of cassava, corn starch, sugar cane or sugar beets. No mineral is involved, so no USGS critical-mineral entry applies.
Unused PLA resin at end of life
- Recycling
- Unused or uncontaminated resin: recycle into the process where possible; otherwise send to an incinerator or other thermal destruction device.
Documents
Datasheets, safety data sheets, papers and standards you can open.
Full record
The complete spore, as stored. Free to reuse under CC-BY-4.0. Images keep the licence shown with each one.
Show the full YAML
spore: profile
id: pla
spore_version: '0.2'
family: polyesters
name: Polylactic acid (PLA), polylactide, including Ingeo grades for injection moulding, extrusion and 3D printing
abbreviation: PLA
role: Bio-based polyester for moulded parts, extruded sheet, coatings and 3D printing filament
category: polymers
type: polyesters
summary: Polylactic acid (PLA) is a bio-based thermoplastic polyester made from lactic acid, which is produced by fermenting plant sugars. NatureWorks sells it as Ingeo, in grades for injection moulding, extrusion, extrusion coating and 3D printing. The printing monofilament grades have a density of 1.22 to 1.24 g/cc and a glass transition of 55 to 60 °C, and the heat deflection temperature is 54 to 55 °C for the 2003D, 3052D and amorphous 3100HP grades, against 144 to 149 °C for nucleated crystalline formulations.
best_for: Moulded and extruded parts that stay below about 55 °C in service, such as clear cups, cutlery and housings, and printed parts from the high-heat monofilament grades (heat deflection 75 to 90 °C).
weakest_at: 'Heat and moisture: the 2003D, 3052D and amorphous 3100HP grades deform at 54 to 55 °C, and moisture above 0.025 % (250 ppm) risks viscosity loss during processing.'
identity:
formula: (C3H4O2)n, backbone [-C(CH3)HC(=O)O-]n of polylactic acid (polylactide)
cas: 26100-51-6
designations:
- system: Name
code: PLA
source: nw-3d850
where: 'Hazards section: the primary thermal decomposition product of PLA'
- system: Name
code: polylactic acid
source: wikipedia-pla
where: 'Lead paragraph, first sentence: Polylactic acid, also known as poly(lactic acid) or polylactide (PLA)'
- system: Name
code: polylactide
source: nw-2500hp
where: 'Drying curve title: Polylactide Pellets'
- system: Name
code: PLLA
source: wikipedia-pla
where: 'Stereoisomers section: poly-L-lactide (PLLA)'
- system: CAS
code: 26100-51-6
source: wikipedia-pla
where: Chembox, Identifiers, CAS Number
- system: Trade name
code: Ingeo 3D850
source: nw-3d850
where: Datasheet title and page 1
- system: Trade name
code: Ingeo 3D870
source: nw-3d870
where: Datasheet title and page 1
- system: Trade name
code: Ingeo biopolymer 2003D
source: nw-2003d
where: Datasheet title and first paragraph
- system: Trade name
code: Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
source: nw-3052d
where: Datasheet title and first paragraph
- system: Trade name
code: Ingeo 3001D
source: nw-3001d
where: Datasheet first paragraph
- system: Trade name
code: Ingeo 3100HP
source: nw-3100hp
where: Datasheet first paragraph
- system: Trade name
code: Ingeo 2500HP
source: nw-2500hp
where: Datasheet first paragraph
source: wikipedia-pla
where: Lead paragraph, backbone formula; Chembox, Identifiers, CAS Number
tags:
environments: []
stresses: []
applications:
- electronics-and-chips
- structures
properties:
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: density
label: Density, Ingeo 3D850 (specific gravity)
value: 1.24
unit: g/cc
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3D850
processing: injection-moulded bars, typical properties (TDS footnote 1)
test: ASTM D792
temperature: not printed
method: Typical value printed in the Physical Properties table of the 3D850 datasheet (Specific Gravity, g/cc)
source: nw-3d850
where: Typical Material Properties, Physical Properties, Specific Gravity row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: density
label: Density, Ingeo 3D870 (specific gravity)
value: 1.22
unit: g/cc
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3D870
processing: not stated; typical properties (TDS footnote 1)
test: ASTM D792
temperature: not printed
method: Typical value printed in the Physical Properties table of the 3D870 datasheet (Specific Gravity, g/cc)
source: nw-3d870
where: Physical Properties table, Specific Gravity row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: glass_transition_temperature
label: Glass transition temperature, Ingeo 3D850
value: 55
value_high: 60
unit: °C
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3D850
processing: injection-moulded bars, typical properties (TDS footnote 1)
test: ASTM D3418
temperature: not printed
heating_rate: not printed
method: Typical range printed as Glass Transition Temperature in the 3D850 datasheet (ASTM D3418)
source: nw-3d850
where: Typical Material Properties, Physical Properties, Glass Transition Temperature row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: glass_transition_temperature
label: Glass transition temperature, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
value: 55
value_high: 60
unit: °C
conditions:
grade: Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
processing: injection-moulding grade, typical properties; specimen form not printed
test: ASTM D3418
temperature: not printed
heating_rate: not printed
method: Typical range printed as Glass Transition Temperature in the 3052D datasheet (ASTM D3418)
source: nw-3052d
where: Typical Material and Application Properties, Physical Properties, Glass Transition Temperature row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: melting_point
label: Peak melt temperature, Ingeo 3D850
value: 165
value_high: 180
unit: °C
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3D850
processing: injection-moulded bars, typical properties (TDS footnote 1)
test: ASTM D3418
temperature: not printed
method: Typical range printed as Peak Melt Temperature in the 3D850 datasheet (ASTM D3418)
source: nw-3d850
where: Typical Material Properties, Physical Properties, Peak Melt Temperature row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: melting_point
label: Melting point, Ingeo biopolymer 2003D
value: 140
value_high: 155
unit: °C
conditions:
grade: Ingeo biopolymer 2003D
processing: extrusion grade, typical properties; specimen form not printed
test: ASTM D3418
temperature: not printed
method: Typical range printed as Melting Point in the 2003D datasheet (ASTM D3418)
source: nw-2003d
where: Typical Material and Application Properties, Melting Point row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: melting_point
label: Crystalline melt temperature, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
value: 145
value_high: 160
unit: °C
conditions:
grade: Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
processing: injection-moulding grade, typical properties; specimen form not printed
test: ASTM D3418
temperature: not printed
method: Typical range printed as Crystalline Melt Temperature in the 3052D datasheet (ASTM D3418)
source: nw-3052d
where: Physical Properties table, Crystalline Melt Temperature row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: melting_point
label: Peak crystalline melting point, Ingeo 3100HP (nucleated, crystalline moulding)
value: 165
value_high: 180
unit: °C
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3100HP
processing: moulded crystalline, 120 °C mould temperature, 1 wt % nucleating agent (TDS footnote 3)
test: not printed
temperature: not printed
method: Printed in the crystalline block of the 3100HP datasheet; the datasheet prints no test method or temperature for this row
source: nw-3100hp
where: Table 1, Peak crystalline melting point row, crystalline block
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
label: Heat deflection temperature, Ingeo 3D850 (3D printed, crystalline block)
value: 80
value_high: 90
unit: °C
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3D850
processing: 3D printed part, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 15 min (TDS footnote 4)
test: ASTM E2092
load: 0.45 MPa (66 psi)
method: Printed in the mechanical block that footnote 4 covers (3D printed part, annealed); the datasheet does not name the specimen for this row separately
source: nw-3d850
where: Mechanical Properties (crystalline) block, Heat Distortion Temperature row, 66 psi (0.45 MPa)
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
label: Heat deflection temperature, Ingeo 3D870 (3D printed)
value: 75
value_high: 85
unit: °C
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3D870
processing: 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)
test: ASTM E2092
load: 0.45 MPa (66 psi)
method: Printed in the Mechanical Properties table of the 3D870 datasheet, whose footnote 3 covers the 3D printed bars
source: nw-3d870
where: Mechanical Properties table, Heat Distortion Temperature row, 66 psi (0.45 MPa)
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
label: Heat deflection temperature, Ingeo biopolymer 2003D
value: 55
unit: °C
conditions:
grade: Ingeo biopolymer 2003D
processing: extrusion grade, typical properties; specimen form not printed
test: ASTM E2092
load: not printed
method: Typical value printed in the 2003D datasheet; the datasheet prints no load for this value
source: nw-2003d
where: Typical Material and Application Properties table, Heat Distortion Temperature row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
label: Heat deflection temperature, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
value: 55
unit: °C
conditions:
grade: Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
processing: injection-moulding grade, typical properties; specimen form not printed
test: ASTM E2092
load: not printed
method: Typical value printed in the 3052D datasheet; the datasheet prints no load for this value
source: nw-3052d
where: Typical Material and Application Properties table, Heat Distortion Temperature row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
label: Heat deflection temperature, Ingeo 3100HP, amorphous moulding
value: 54
unit: °C
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3100HP
processing: moulded amorphous, 26 °C mould temperature
test: ASTM E2092
load: 0.455 MPa (66 psi)
method: Printed in the molded amorphous block of Table 1 in the 3100HP datasheet
source: nw-3100hp
where: Table 1, Mechanical Properties molded amorphous block, Heat Distortion Temperature row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
label: Heat deflection temperature, Ingeo 3100HP, crystalline moulding
value: 149
unit: °C
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3100HP
processing: moulded crystalline, 120 °C mould temperature, 1 wt % nucleating agent (TDS footnote 3)
test: ASTM E2092
load: 0.455 MPa (66 psi)
method: Printed in the molded crystalline block of Table 1 in the 3100HP datasheet
source: nw-3100hp
where: Table 1, Mechanical Properties molded crystalline block, Heat Distortion Temperature row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
label: Heat deflection temperature, Ingeo 2500HP, crystalline moulding
value: 144
unit: °C
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 2500HP
processing: moulded crystalline, 120 °C mould temperature, 1 wt % nucleating agent (TDS footnote 3)
test: ASTM E2092
load: 0.45 MPa (66 psi)
method: Printed in the molded crystalline block of Table 1 in the 2500HP datasheet
source: nw-2500hp
where: Table 1, Mechanical Properties molded crystalline block, Heat Distortion Temperature row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Tensile strength, Ingeo 3D850 (3D printed)
value: 50
unit: MPa
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3D850
processing: 3D printed part, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 15 min (TDS footnote 4)
test: ASTM D638
temperature: not printed
method: Printed as 7,290 psi (50 MPa) in the mechanical block of the 3D850 datasheet
source: nw-3d850
where: Mechanical Properties (crystalline) block, Tensile Strength row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Tensile strength, Ingeo 3D870, XY axis (3D printed)
value: 40
unit: MPa
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3D870
processing: 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)
orientation: XY axis (as printed)
test: ASTM D638
temperature: not printed
method: Printed as 5,802 psi (40 MPa) in the XY AXIS column of the 3D870 Mechanical Properties table
source: nw-3d870
where: Mechanical Properties table, Tensile Strength row, XY AXIS column
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Tensile strength, Ingeo 3D870, YX axis (3D printed)
value: 32
unit: MPa
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3D870
processing: 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)
orientation: YX axis (as printed)
test: ASTM D638
temperature: not printed
method: Printed as 4,641 psi (32 MPa) in the YX AXIS column of the 3D870 Mechanical Properties table
source: nw-3d870
where: Mechanical Properties table, Tensile Strength row, YX AXIS column
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Tensile strength, Ingeo 3D870, ZX axis (3D printed)
value: 24
unit: MPa
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3D870
processing: 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)
orientation: ZX axis (as printed)
test: ASTM D638
temperature: not printed
method: Printed as 3,481 psi (24 MPa) in the ZX AXIS column of the 3D870 Mechanical Properties table
source: nw-3d870
where: Mechanical Properties table, Tensile Strength row, ZX AXIS column
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Tensile strength at break, Ingeo biopolymer 2003D
value: 53
unit: MPa
conditions:
grade: Ingeo biopolymer 2003D
processing: extrusion grade, typical properties; specimen form not printed
test: ASTM D882
temperature: not printed
method: Typical value printed as Tensile Strength @ Break in the 2003D datasheet (7,700 psi, 53 MPa)
source: nw-2003d
where: Typical Material and Application Properties table, Tensile Strength @ Break row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: yield_strength
label: Tensile yield strength, Ingeo 3D850 (3D printed)
value: 51
unit: MPa
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3D850
processing: 3D printed part, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 15 min (TDS footnote 4)
test: ASTM D638
temperature: not printed
method: Printed as 7,440 psi (51 MPa) in the mechanical block of the 3D850 datasheet
source: nw-3d850
where: Mechanical Properties (crystalline) block, Tensile Yield Strength row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: yield_strength
label: Tensile yield strength, Ingeo biopolymer 2003D
value: 60
unit: MPa
conditions:
grade: Ingeo biopolymer 2003D
processing: extrusion grade, typical properties; specimen form not printed
test: ASTM D882
temperature: not printed
method: Typical value printed as Tensile Yield Strength in the 2003D datasheet (8,700 psi, 60 MPa)
source: nw-2003d
where: Typical Material and Application Properties table, Tensile Yield Strength row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: yield_strength
label: Tensile yield strength, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
value: 62
unit: MPa
conditions:
grade: Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
processing: injection-moulding grade, typical properties; specimen form not printed
test: ASTM D638
temperature: not printed
method: Typical value printed as Tensile Yield Strength in the 3052D datasheet (9,000 psi, 62 MPa)
source: nw-3052d
where: Mechanical Properties table, Tensile Yield Strength row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: yield_strength
label: Tensile yield strength, Ingeo 3100HP, amorphous moulding
value: 65
unit: MPa
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3100HP
processing: moulded amorphous, 26 °C mould temperature
test: ASTM D638
temperature: not printed
method: Printed as 9,400 psi (65 MPa) in the molded amorphous block of Table 1
source: nw-3100hp
where: Table 1, molded amorphous block, Tensile Yield Strength row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: yield_strength
label: Tensile yield strength, Ingeo 3100HP, crystalline moulding
value: 64
unit: MPa
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3100HP
processing: moulded crystalline, 120 °C mould temperature, 1 wt % nucleating agent (TDS footnote 3)
test: ASTM D638
temperature: not printed
method: Printed as 9,300 psi (64 MPa) in the molded crystalline block of Table 1
source: nw-3100hp
where: Table 1, molded crystalline block, Tensile Yield Strength row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: elastic_modulus
label: Tensile modulus, Ingeo 3D850 (3D printed)
value: 2315
unit: MPa
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3D850
processing: 3D printed part, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 15 min (TDS footnote 4)
test: ASTM D638
temperature: not printed
method: Printed as 335,790 psi (2315 MPa) in the mechanical block of the 3D850 datasheet
source: nw-3d850
where: Mechanical Properties (crystalline) block, Tensile Modulus row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: elastic_modulus
label: Tensile modulus, Ingeo 3D870, XY axis (3D printed)
value: 2865
unit: MPa
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3D870
processing: 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)
orientation: XY axis (as printed)
test: ASTM D638
temperature: not printed
method: Printed as 416 kpsi (2,865 MPa) in the XY AXIS column of the 3D870 Mechanical Properties table
source: nw-3d870
where: Mechanical Properties table, Tensile Modulus row, XY AXIS column
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: elastic_modulus
label: Tensile modulus, Ingeo biopolymer 2003D
value: 3.5
unit: GPa
conditions:
grade: Ingeo biopolymer 2003D
processing: extrusion grade, typical properties; specimen form not printed
test: ASTM D882
temperature: not printed
method: 'Typical value printed as Tensile Modulus, kpsi (GPa): 500 (3.5)'
source: nw-2003d
where: Typical Material and Application Properties table, Tensile Modulus row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: flexural_strength
label: Flexural strength, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
value: 108
unit: MPa
conditions:
grade: Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
processing: injection-moulding grade, typical properties; specimen form not printed
test: ASTM D790
temperature: not printed
method: Printed as 15,700 (108) under a header that reads (MPa); the value in parentheses, 108 MPa, is the figure used
source: nw-3052d
where: Mechanical Properties table, Flexural Strength row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: flexural_strength
label: Flexural strength, Ingeo 3100HP, amorphous moulding
value: 112
unit: MPa
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3100HP
processing: moulded amorphous, 26 °C mould temperature
test: ASTM D790
temperature: not printed
method: Printed as 16,200 psi (112 MPa) in the molded amorphous block of Table 1
source: nw-3100hp
where: Table 1, molded amorphous block, Flexural Strength row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: flexural_strength
label: Flexural strength, Ingeo 3D870, XY axis (3D printed)
value: 73
unit: MPa
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3D870
processing: 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)
orientation: XY axis (as printed)
test: ASTM D790
temperature: not printed
method: Printed as 10,588 psi (73 MPa) in the XY AXIS column of the 3D870 Mechanical Properties table
source: nw-3d870
where: Mechanical Properties table, Flexural Strength row, XY AXIS column
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: flexural_strength
label: Flexural strength, Ingeo 3D870, YX axis (3D printed)
value: 49
unit: MPa
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3D870
processing: 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)
orientation: YX axis (as printed)
test: ASTM D790
temperature: not printed
method: Printed as 7,106 psi (49 MPa) in the YX AXIS column of the 3D870 Mechanical Properties table
source: nw-3d870
where: Mechanical Properties table, Flexural Strength row, YX AXIS column
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: flexural_strength
label: Flexural strength, Ingeo 3D870, ZX axis (3D printed)
value: 46
unit: MPa
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3D870
processing: 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)
orientation: ZX axis (as printed)
test: ASTM D790
temperature: not printed
method: Printed as 6,672 psi (46 MPa) in the ZX AXIS column of the 3D870 Mechanical Properties table
source: nw-3d870
where: Mechanical Properties table, Flexural Strength row, ZX AXIS column
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: flexural_modulus
label: Flexural modulus, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
value: 3600
unit: MPa
conditions:
grade: Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
processing: injection-moulding grade, typical properties; specimen form not printed
test: ASTM D790
temperature: not printed
method: Printed as 515,000 (3600) in the Mechanical Properties table, with the header reading MPa
source: nw-3052d
where: Mechanical Properties table, Flexural Modulus row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: flexural_modulus
label: Flexural modulus, Ingeo 3100HP, crystalline moulding
value: 4357
unit: MPa
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3100HP
processing: moulded crystalline, 120 °C mould temperature, 1 wt % nucleating agent (TDS footnote 3)
test: ASTM D790
temperature: not printed
method: Printed as 632,000 psi (4357 MPa) in the molded crystalline block of Table 1
source: nw-3100hp
where: Table 1, molded crystalline block, Flexural Modulus row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: flexural_modulus
label: Flexural modulus, Ingeo 3D870, XY axis (3D printed)
value: 2414
unit: MPa
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3D870
processing: 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)
orientation: XY axis (as printed)
test: ASTM D790
temperature: not printed
method: Printed as 350 kpsi (2,414 MPa) in the XY AXIS column of the 3D870 Mechanical Properties table
source: nw-3d870
where: Mechanical Properties table, Flexural Modulus row, XY AXIS column
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: elongation
label: Tensile elongation, Ingeo 3D850 (3D printed)
value: 3.31
unit: '%'
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3D850
processing: 3D printed part, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 15 min (TDS footnote 4)
test: ASTM D638
temperature: not printed
method: Printed as Tensile Elongation, % in the mechanical block; the datasheet does not say whether this is at break or at yield
source: nw-3d850
where: Mechanical Properties (crystalline) block, Tensile Elongation row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: elongation
label: Tensile elongation, Ingeo biopolymer 2003D
value: 6
unit: '%'
conditions:
grade: Ingeo biopolymer 2003D
processing: extrusion grade, typical properties; specimen form not printed
test: ASTM D882
temperature: not printed
method: Typical value printed as Tensile Elongation, % in the 2003D datasheet; the datasheet does not say whether this is at break
source: nw-2003d
where: Typical Material and Application Properties table, Tensile Elongation row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: elongation
label: Tensile elongation, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
value: 3.5
unit: '%'
conditions:
grade: Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
processing: injection-moulding grade, typical properties; specimen form not printed
test: ASTM D638
temperature: not printed
method: Typical value printed as Tensile Elongation, % in the 3052D datasheet
source: nw-3052d
where: Mechanical Properties table, Tensile Elongation row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: elongation
label: Tensile elongation, Ingeo 3100HP, amorphous moulding
value: 3.4
unit: '%'
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3100HP
processing: moulded amorphous, 26 °C mould temperature
test: ASTM D638
temperature: not printed
method: Printed as Tensile Elongation, % in the molded amorphous block of Table 1
source: nw-3100hp
where: Table 1, molded amorphous block, Tensile Elongation row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: elongation
label: Tensile elongation, Ingeo 3100HP, crystalline moulding
value: 2.2
unit: '%'
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3100HP
processing: moulded crystalline, 120 °C mould temperature, 1 wt % nucleating agent (TDS footnote 3)
test: ASTM D638
temperature: not printed
method: Printed as Tensile Elongation, % in the molded crystalline block of Table 1
source: nw-3100hp
where: Table 1, molded crystalline block, Tensile Elongation row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: notched_izod_impact
label: Notched Izod impact, Ingeo 3D850 (3D printed)
value: 118
unit: J/m
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3D850
processing: 3D printed part, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 15 min (TDS footnote 4)
test: ASTM D256
temperature: not printed
method: Printed as 2.21 ft-lb/in (118 J/m) in the mechanical block of the 3D850 datasheet
source: nw-3d850
where: Mechanical Properties (crystalline) block, Notched Izod Impact row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: notched_izod_impact
label: Notched Izod impact, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
value: 16
unit: J/m
conditions:
grade: Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
processing: injection-moulding grade, typical properties; specimen form not printed
test: ASTM D256
temperature: not printed
method: Typical value printed as 0.3 (16.0) ft-lb/in (J/m) in the 3052D datasheet
source: nw-3052d
where: Mechanical Properties table, Notched Izod Impact row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: notched_izod_impact
label: Notched Izod impact, Ingeo 3D870, XY axis, amorphous (3D printed)
value: 160
unit: J/m
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3D870
processing: 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)
orientation: XY axis (as printed)
test: ASTM D256
temperature: not printed
method: Printed as 2.99 (160) ft-lb/in (J/m) in the Notched Izod Impact [amorphous] row of the 3D870 Mechanical Properties table
source: nw-3d870
where: Mechanical Properties table, Notched Izod Impact [amorphous] row, XY AXIS column
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: notched_izod_impact
label: Notched Izod impact, Ingeo 3D870, XY axis, crystalline (3D printed)
value: 233
unit: J/m
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3D870
processing: 3D printed, 100 % infill, annealed 110 °C for 20 min (TDS footnote 3)
orientation: XY axis (as printed)
test: ASTM D256
temperature: not printed
method: Printed as 4.37 (233) ft-lb/in (J/m) in the Notched Izod Impact [crystalline] row of the 3D870 Mechanical Properties table
source: nw-3d870
where: Mechanical Properties table, Notched Izod Impact [crystalline] row, XY AXIS column
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: melt_flow_rate
label: Melt flow rate, Ingeo 3D850
value: 7
value_high: 9
unit: g/10 min
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3D850
processing: injection-moulded bars, typical properties (TDS footnote 1)
test: ASTM D1238
temperature: 210 °C
load: 2.16 kg
method: Printed as MFR, g/10 min, with footnote 2 giving 210 °C and 2.16 kg
source: nw-3d850
where: Typical Material Properties, Physical Properties, MFR row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: melt_flow_rate
label: Melt flow rate, Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
value: 14
unit: g/10 min
conditions:
grade: Ingeo biopolymer 3052D
processing: injection-moulding grade, typical properties; specimen form not printed
test: ASTM D1238
temperature: 210 °C
load: 2.16 kg
method: Typical value printed as MFR, g/10 min (210 °C, 2.16 kg) in the 3052D datasheet
source: nw-3052d
where: Typical Material and Application Properties table, MFR row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: molded_linear_shrinkage
label: Molded linear shrinkage, Ingeo 3100HP, amorphous moulding
value: 0.2
value_high: 0.4
unit: '%'
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3100HP
processing: moulded amorphous, 26 °C mould temperature
test: not printed
temperature: not printed
method: Printed as Molded Linear Shrinkage, % in the molded amorphous block of Table 1; no test method printed
source: nw-3100hp
where: Table 1, molded amorphous block, Molded Linear Shrinkage row
- scope: material
status: ground
benchmark: molded_linear_shrinkage
label: Molded linear shrinkage, Ingeo 3100HP, crystalline moulding
value: 1.7
value_high: 1.8
unit: '%'
conditions:
grade: Ingeo 3100HP
processing: moulded crystalline, 120 °C mould temperature, 1 wt % nucleating agent (TDS footnote 3)
test: not printed
temperature: not printed
method: Printed as Molded Linear Shrinkage, % in the molded crystalline block of Table 1; no test method printed
source: nw-3100hp
where: Table 1, molded crystalline block, Molded Linear Shrinkage row
corrosion:
- environment: Heat above the melting point (residence in the melt)
headline: Residues held above the melting point for more than 24 hours at 175 °C decompose significantly.
effect: The primary thermal decomposition product is acetaldehyde, with carbon monoxide and hexanal also named. The datasheet lists extruders, fibre spinning lines, injection moulding machines, accumulators, pipe lines and adapters as equipment where this can occur.
rating: moderate
conditions:
temperature: 175 °C
time: more than 24 hours, above the melt
source: nw-3d850
where: Safety and Handling Considerations, page 3
- environment: Moisture during drying and melting (hydrolysis and viscosity loss)
headline: Moisture above 0.025 % (250 ppm) risks viscosity degradation.
effect: Several datasheets recommend drying below 0.025 % (250 ppm) moisture to prevent viscosity degradation. The 1102 extrusion coating datasheet also warns that long residence causes thermal and hydrolytic degradation, and recommends 50 ppm for that grade.
rating: moderate
conditions:
moisture_limit: 0.025 % (250 ppm)
coating_grade_limit: 50 ppm
source: nw-2003d
where: Drying section, page 1
- environment: Processing above 250 °C (depolymerisation)
headline: Melt temperatures above 250 °C can cause depolymerisation, which shows as excessive fuming.
effect: The 1102 datasheet recommends a maximum melt temperature of 250 °C with resin dried to 50 ppm, and says excessive fuming may indicate depolymerisation, especially if the resin is not adequately dried.
rating: moderate
conditions:
melt_temperature_max: 250 °C
moisture: 50 ppm
source: nw-1102
where: Processing text, machine configuration section
- environment: Heat in service (softening under load)
headline: Amorphous 3100HP and the 2003D and 3052D grades deform under load at 54 to 55 °C; nucleated crystalline formulations reach 144 to 149 °C.
effect: Heat deflection is 54 °C for amorphous 3100HP and 55 °C for the 2003D and 3052D grades, against 149 °C for 3100HP and 144 °C for 2500HP when crystallised with 1 wt % nucleating agent. Annealing printed parts at 80 to 130 °C raises their heat deflection temperature (3D850 datasheet).
rating: moderate
conditions:
load: 0.455 MPa (66 psi) for the 3100HP and 2500HP rows
test: ASTM E2092
source: nw-3100hp
where: Table 1, Heat Distortion Temperature rows, amorphous and crystalline blocks
risks:
hazards:
- text: NatureWorks says Ingeo has a very low degree of toxicity and should pose no unusual problems from incidental ingestion or eye and skin contact under normal use. Pellets or beads may present a slipping hazard.
ghs: []
source: nw-3d850
where: Hazards and Handling Precautions, page 3
- text: 'NatureWorks product safety statement (February 2025): the FDA is quoted as saying Ingeo PLA is non-toxic, and lactic acid is generally recognised as safe as a food additive. This is a manufacturer statement, not a GHS classification.'
ghs: []
source: nw-safety
where: Pages 1 and 2
- text: 'Lactide (PubChem CID 7272), the cyclic dimer used to make PLA: H319 (100 %) causes serious eye irritation, with signal word Warning, aggregated from 158 reports in 6 ECHA notifications. This describes the monomer, not the polymer.'
ghs:
- H319
source: pubchem-lactide
where: GHS Classification, aggregated ECHA C&L notifications
- text: 'Lactic acid (PubChem CID 612), the building block of PLA: H315 (87.5 %) causes skin irritation, H318 (91.9 %) causes serious eye damage and H314 (11.8 %) causes severe skin burns, with signal word Danger, aggregated from 2808 reports in 35 notifications. This describes the acid, not the polymer.'
ghs:
- H314
- H315
- H318
source: pubchem-lactic
where: GHS Classification, aggregated ECHA C&L notifications
- text: Thermal decomposition products are acetaldehyde (primary), carbon monoxide and hexanal. The resin burns with clear to white smoke, and toxic fumes form on incomplete combustion.
ghs: []
source: nw-3d850
where: Safety and Handling Considerations, page 3
- text: Vapours and dusts may irritate the eyes and upper respiratory tract. Dust layers can ignite, and suspended dust can pose an explosion hazard.
ghs: []
source: nw-3d850
where: Hazards and Handling Precautions and Combustibility, page 3
failure_risks:
- mode: Thermal decomposition in the melt
trigger: Residue held above the melting point for more than 24 hours at 175 °C
consequence: Significant decomposition, releasing acetaldehyde, carbon monoxide and hexanal
severity: moderate
source: nw-3d850
where: Safety and Handling Considerations, page 3
- mode: Viscosity loss from moisture
trigger: Moisture above 0.025 % (250 ppm) at melting
consequence: Viscosity degradation, the reason the datasheets give for the drying limit
severity: moderate
source: nw-2003d
where: Drying section, page 1
- mode: Depolymerisation above 250 °C
trigger: Melt processing above 250 °C, especially with resin that is not adequately dried
consequence: Excessive fuming, which the datasheet links to depolymerisation
severity: moderate
source: nw-1102
where: Processing text, machine configuration section
- mode: Softening under load (amorphous 3100HP)
trigger: Service above about 54 °C under 0.455 MPa, for amorphous 3100HP
consequence: Heat deflection at 54 °C; nucleated crystalline formulations hold to 144 to 149 °C
severity: moderate
source: nw-3100hp
where: Table 1, Heat Distortion Temperature rows
- mode: Low notched impact strength
trigger: Impact on the 3052D grade
consequence: Notched Izod impact of 16 J/m (0.3 ft-lb/in) for the 3052D grade
severity: moderate
source: nw-3052d
where: Mechanical Properties table, Notched Izod Impact row
side_effects:
- text: Workers should be protected from contact with molten resin during fabrication. The datasheet advises insulated gloves for thermal protection where the melt is handled locally.
affects: Operators during processing
source: nw-3d850
where: Hazards and Handling Precautions, page 3
- text: Fumes from the melt above about 175 °C can irritate the eyes and mucous membranes.
affects: Operators and people near processing equipment
source: nw-3d850
where: Hazards and Handling Precautions, page 3
- text: Pellets or beads may present a slipping hazard on the processing floor.
affects: People in the processing area
source: nw-3d850
where: Hazards and Handling Precautions, page 3
handling:
- text: Dry the resin to a moisture content below 0.025 % (250 ppm) before melting. The 3D850 datasheet gives 4 hours at 80 °C as a typical condition, or a dew point of -35 °C.
source: nw-3d850
where: Drying section, page 2
- text: Keep dried resin sealed until it is used, and reseal unused material promptly. The resin should not be exposed to atmospheric conditions after drying.
source: nw-3052d
where: Drying section, page 1
- text: Use local exhaust ventilation at melt operations, and an approved dust respirator where dust forms.
source: nw-3d850
where: Hazards and Handling Precautions, page 3
- text: In extrusion coating, keep the melt at or below 250 °C with resin dried to 50 ppm, and minimise back pressure to shorten residence time.
source: nw-1102
where: Processing text
- text: Recycle unused, uncontaminated resin into the process where possible; otherwise send it to incineration. Do not dump PLA into sewers or any body of water.
source: nw-3d850
where: Disposal section, page 3
mitigations:
- text: Heat resistance above 54 °C needs a crystalline, nucleated formulation. The 3100HP and 2500HP datasheets reach 144 to 149 °C heat deflection with 1 wt % nucleating agent added, but both grades are sold as neat resin.
source: nw-3100hp
where: Table 1, footnote 3, crystalline blocks; Processing Information
- text: Anneal 3D printed parts at 110 to 120 °C to crystallise them and improve their thermal performance. The 3D870 datasheet gives about 20 minutes for 3.18 mm walls.
source: nw-3d870
where: Annealing Printed Parts section, page 2
- text: 'Choose 3D870 where impact strength matters with high heat: it prints with a 75 to 85 °C heat deflection and a notched Izod of 160 J/m (XY, amorphous).'
source: nw-3d870
where: Mechanical Properties table; Annealing Printed Parts section
uses:
- application: electronics-and-chips
device: Injection-moulded electronics housings
example: NatureWorks lists electronics housings and semi-durable building materials as uses of Ingeo 3100HP, a medium-flow injection-moulding grade. With 1 wt % nucleating agent added, its crystallised form has a heat deflection temperature of 149 °C at 0.455 MPa.
source: nw-3100hp
where: Applications text, page 1; Table 1
- application: structures
device: Semi-durable building materials (injection-moulded parts)
example: Ingeo 3100HP is named for semi-durable building materials, alongside disposable cutlery, cups and plates.
source: nw-3100hp
where: Applications text, page 1
supply:
- subject: 'Polylactic acid (PLA) resin, Ingeo: production site in the United States'
abundance: NatureWorks manufacturing facility at Blair, Nebraska, listed on its locations page.
producers:
- country: United States
critical_lists: []
substitutes: []
source: nw-locations
where: Locations page, Manufacturing Facility entry
- subject: 'Polylactic acid (PLA) resin, Ingeo: production site in Thailand'
abundance: NatureWorks announced a grand opening of a fully integrated manufacturing facility in Thailand on April 29, 2026, as the first PLA producer to set up a second manufacturing site. A press release dated July 24, 2026 names the Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex.
producers:
- country: Thailand
year: 2026
critical_lists: []
substitutes: []
source: nw-press
where: Press releases page, entries dated April 29, 2026 and July 24, 2026
- subject: 'Feedstock: fermentable plant sugars for lactic acid'
abundance: NatureWorks says its lactic acid can come from fermenting the dextrose or sucrose of cassava, corn starch, sugar cane or sugar beets. No mineral is involved, so no USGS critical-mineral entry applies.
producers: []
critical_lists: []
substitutes: []
source: nw-feedstock
where: Sustainable feedstocks page, main text
- subject: Unused PLA resin at end of life
recycling: 'Unused or uncontaminated resin: recycle into the process where possible; otherwise send to an incinerator or other thermal destruction device.'
producers: []
critical_lists: []
substitutes: []
source: nw-3d850
where: Disposal section, page 3
media: []
documents:
- title: NatureWorks, Ingeo Biopolymer 3D850 Technical Data Sheet (3D printing monofilament)
type: datasheet
url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/6d5ea62c-7872-4297-aff7-67b8a53fe47f/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_3D850_monofilament.pdf?language=en
- title: NatureWorks, Ingeo Biopolymer 3D870 Technical Data Sheet (3D printing monofilament)
type: datasheet
url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/ac36d91b-1b72-48f5-b75c-d607d6f04b91/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_3D870_monofilament.pdf?language=en
- title: NatureWorks, Ingeo Biopolymer 2003D Technical Data Sheet (fresh food packaging, extrusion)
type: datasheet
url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/c6e20928-e3c4-4cc7-b47a-75e57eb9fd27/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_2003D_FFP-FSW.pdf?language=en
- title: NatureWorks, Ingeo Biopolymer 3052D Technical Data Sheet (injection molding)
type: datasheet
url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/6805abc8-bb6a-4261-a75c-5abe985b51a9/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_3052D_injection-molding.pdf?language=en
- title: NatureWorks, Ingeo Biopolymer 3001D Technical Data Sheet (injection molding)
type: datasheet
url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/65678305-5cfe-4bc2-99bd-4ae066d803aa/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_3001D_injection-molding.pdf?language=en
- title: NatureWorks, Ingeo Biopolymer 3100HP Technical Data Sheet (injection molding)
type: datasheet
url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/569f5e37-1445-4562-b48a-2595ac9cea60/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_3100HP_injection-molding.pdf?language=en
- title: NatureWorks, Ingeo Biopolymer 2500HP Technical Data Sheet (extrusion)
type: datasheet
url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/df32280e-89c5-4dc7-8e52-a2327f8b4bda/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_2500HP_extrusion.pdf?language=en
- title: NatureWorks, Ingeo Biopolymer 1102 Technical Data Sheet (extrusion coating)
type: datasheet
url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/5bf5ac0d-902b-4cd1-b8bc-ee648f863924/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_1102_Extrusion-20Coating_v7.pdf?language=en
- title: NatureWorks, Product Safety and Toxicity (February 4, 2025)
type: report
url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/1afc24f0-7e5a-4bed-9d6b-bdb5f4489701/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/NatureWorks-Product-Safety-Toxicity.pdf?language=en
year: 2025
- title: 'PubChem CID 7272, Lactide: GHS classification'
type: database
url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rest/pug_view/data/compound/7272/JSON?heading=GHS+Classification
- title: 'PubChem CID 612, Lactic Acid: GHS classification'
type: database
url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rest/pug_view/data/compound/612/JSON?heading=GHS+Classification
gaps:
- No moisture absorption value (equilibrium water uptake, % by weight) for PLA is printed on any fetched page. The datasheets give drying limits only, below 0.025 % (250 ppm) moisture.
- No hydrolysis rate, molecular-weight loss or humidity-ageing data for named grades was found. The 1102 datasheet names hydrolytic degradation only in words, and a 2012 NatureWorks presentation calls new grades more hydrolysis resistant without numbers. Neither is entered.
- No UV, radiation, solvent, acid or alkali resistance data for PLA was found in the fetched sources, so those rows are not entered.
- No flight, outgassing (ASTM E595) or atomic-oxygen data for PLA was found, so no environment tag is set and no space test result is entered.
- Vicat softening temperature, specific heat, thermal conductivity, coefficient of thermal expansion and refractive index are not printed on the fetched datasheets, so none is entered.
- Specific gravity 1.24 is printed without a unit on the 2003D, 3052D, 3001D, 3100HP and 2500HP datasheets. Those values are not entered. The 3D850 and 3D870 values are the only density rows, because they are printed in g/cc.
- No test temperature is printed for the ASTM mechanical, flexural, impact or melt tests on the datasheets. Those conditions read not printed. The heat deflection load is not printed for the 2003D and 3052D rows.
- The 3D850 heat deflection row sits in the crystalline mechanical block under footnote 4. The datasheet does not name a specimen for that row separately.
- The PLA heat release values (peak heat release rate 375 W/g, pyrolysis combustion flow calorimetry) quoted in Jones et al. 2018 (PMC6279784) name no PLA grade, so they are not entered. That table also gives a total heat release of 17.8 kJ/g for PLA against 21.5 kJ/g in its text.
- CAS 26023-30-3 is not printed on any fetched page. PubChem name lookups for polylactic acid, polylactide and CAS 26100-51-6 returned no compound, so no PubChem record for the polymer is cited.
- Hazard data for the polymer come from NatureWorks statements and from PubChem records for lactide and lactic acid (the monomer and the building block). NatureWorks says safety data sheets are available on request, and none was found on the public pages read, so no SDS is cited.
- Producer shares by country, capacity volumes and other PLA producers (for example TotalEnergies Corbion) were not read. The supply entries list only the two NatureWorks sites named on its own pages.
- Wikipedia gives density (1210 to 1430 kg/m3), melting point (150 to 160 °C) and glass transition (60 to 65 °C) figures. They are not entered, because Wikipedia is used here for identifiers, formula and synthesis only.
- 'Non-canonical property names are used: notched_izod_impact, melt_flow_rate and molded_linear_shrinkage. None of these is in spores/property-canon.yaml.'
- No photographs or diagrams were added to media, and no image licence was read in this run.
- The 3D300 and 3D700 printing datasheets were downloaded but not read in detail, so no value from them is entered.
- Atomic weights are not computed for the recipe, because no NIST table was read in this run. Atom counts come from the printed backbone formula.
- No long-term heat ageing or service-life data at 55 °C or above was found in the fetched sources.
sources:
nw-3d850:
title: Ingeo Biopolymer 3D850 Technical Data Sheet, 3D printing monofilament (high heat grade)
url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/6d5ea62c-7872-4297-aff7-67b8a53fe47f/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_3D850_monofilament.pdf?language=en
kind: datasheet
license: Manufacturer datasheet (cited, not reproduced)
nw-3d870:
title: Ingeo Biopolymer 3D870 Technical Data Sheet, 3D printing monofilament (high heat and impact grade)
url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/ac36d91b-1b72-48f5-b75c-d607d6f04b91/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_3D870_monofilament.pdf?language=en
kind: datasheet
license: Manufacturer datasheet (cited, not reproduced)
nw-2003d:
title: Ingeo Biopolymer 2003D Technical Data Sheet, fresh food packaging and food serviceware (extrusion grade)
url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/c6e20928-e3c4-4cc7-b47a-75e57eb9fd27/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_2003D_FFP-FSW.pdf?language=en
kind: datasheet
license: Manufacturer datasheet (cited, not reproduced)
nw-3052d:
title: Ingeo Biopolymer 3052D Technical Data Sheet, injection molding (clear)
url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/6805abc8-bb6a-4261-a75c-5abe985b51a9/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_3052D_injection-molding.pdf?language=en
kind: datasheet
license: Manufacturer datasheet (cited, not reproduced)
nw-3001d:
title: Ingeo Biopolymer 3001D Technical Data Sheet, injection molding (clear)
url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/65678305-5cfe-4bc2-99bd-4ae066d803aa/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_3001D_injection-molding.pdf?language=en
kind: datasheet
license: Manufacturer datasheet (cited, not reproduced)
nw-3100hp:
title: Ingeo Biopolymer 3100HP Technical Data Sheet, injection molding (medium viscosity, crystallising)
url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/569f5e37-1445-4562-b48a-2595ac9cea60/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_3100HP_injection-molding.pdf?language=en
kind: datasheet
license: Manufacturer datasheet (cited, not reproduced)
nw-2500hp:
title: Ingeo Biopolymer 2500HP Technical Data Sheet, extrusion (high viscosity, crystallising)
url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/df32280e-89c5-4dc7-8e52-a2327f8b4bda/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_2500HP_extrusion.pdf?language=en
kind: datasheet
license: Manufacturer datasheet (cited, not reproduced)
nw-1102:
title: Ingeo Biopolymer 1102 Technical Data Sheet, two-component system for extrusion coating on paper and paperboard
url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/5bf5ac0d-902b-4cd1-b8bc-ee648f863924/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/TechnicalDataSheet_1102_Extrusion-20Coating_v7.pdf?language=en
kind: datasheet
license: Manufacturer datasheet (cited, not reproduced)
nw-safety:
title: NatureWorks, Product Safety and Toxicity (statement dated February 4, 2025)
url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/getContentAsset/1afc24f0-7e5a-4bed-9d6b-bdb5f4489701/53ffd608-340f-457b-b656-6b8cc0000bd4/NatureWorks-Product-Safety-Toxicity.pdf?language=en
kind: report
year: 2025
license: Manufacturer statement (cited, not reproduced)
nw-feedstock:
title: NatureWorks, Sustainable feedstocks
url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/sustainability/sustainable-feedstocks
kind: web
license: Manufacturer web page (cited, not reproduced)
nw-locations:
title: NatureWorks, Locations (manufacturing facility, Blair, Nebraska)
url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/about/locations
kind: web
license: Manufacturer web page (cited, not reproduced)
nw-press:
title: NatureWorks, press releases (Thailand manufacturing facility, 2026)
url: https://www.natureworksllc.com/about/news/press-releases
kind: web
license: Manufacturer web page (cited, not reproduced)
pubchem-lactide:
title: 'PubChem CID 7272, Lactide: GHS classification (aggregated ECHA C&L notifications)'
url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rest/pug_view/data/compound/7272/JSON?heading=GHS+Classification
kind: database
license: Public domain (NIH PubChem)
pubchem-lactic:
title: 'PubChem CID 612, Lactic Acid: GHS classification (aggregated ECHA C&L notifications)'
url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rest/pug_view/data/compound/612/JSON?heading=GHS+Classification
kind: database
license: Public domain (NIH PubChem)
wikipedia-pla:
title: 'Polylactic acid, Wikipedia (lead: backbone formula; identifiers: CAS number; synthesis; feedstock; stereoisomers)'
url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polylactic_acid
kind: web
license: CC BY-SA 4.0
license: CC-BY-4.0
updated: '2026-10-24'
review:
status: draft
method: assistant
checked_values: 49
unreachable: 0
caveats: 10
note: 'Read by an AI assistant on 2026-10-24 from the NatureWorks datasheets (PDF text extracted with pdftotext in this run), NatureWorks web pages, PubChem REST records and Wikipedia. Web search was unavailable, so pages were fetched directly. Caveats: no test temperature is printed; the 3D850 heat deflection row sits in the crystalline block; the 2003D and 3052D heat deflection loads are not printed; the 3052D flexural header reads MPa with a psi-like first number; specific gravity is printed without a unit on five grades.'
story:
why: PLA is a plant-based plastic made from lactic acid. It is stiff, it moulds, extrudes and prints easily, and several grades are clear. Its weak point is heat. Unless it is crystallised, it softens at about 55 °C, and it must be kept dry before melting.
recipe:
line: PLA is a polyester of lactic acid. Wikipedia describes it as formally made by condensation of lactic acid with loss of water, or by ring-opening polymerisation of lactide, the cyclic dimer of the repeat unit. Lactic acid can be made by fermenting plant sugars. NatureWorks says these can be the dextrose or sucrose of cassava, corn starch, sugar cane or sugar beets. The backbone formula is (C3H4O2)n, a repeat of [-C(CH3)HC(=O)O-].
parts:
- name: Carbon
symbol: C
share_note: 3 atoms per repeat unit, from the printed formula (C3H4O2)n
role: 'Carbon backbone of the repeat unit: the methine, methyl and carbonyl carbons of each lactic acid unit.'
source: wikipedia-pla
where: Lead paragraph, backbone formula
- name: Hydrogen
symbol: H
share_note: 4 atoms per repeat unit, from the printed formula (C3H4O2)n
role: 'Four hydrogens per repeat unit: three on the methyl group and one on the methine carbon.'
source: wikipedia-pla
where: Lead paragraph, backbone formula
- name: Oxygen
symbol: O
share_note: 2 atoms per repeat unit, from the printed formula (C3H4O2)n
role: 'Two oxygens per repeat unit: the carbonyl oxygen and the ester oxygen.'
source: wikipedia-pla
where: Lead paragraph, backbone formula
risk_groups:
- title: For people
level: 1
verdict: Low toxicity; monomer irritant
lead: NatureWorks describes the polymer as very low in toxicity. The hazard data that exist are for the monomer and for the lactic acid building block.
points:
- label: Polymer
line: The 3D850 datasheet says Ingeo has a very low degree of toxicity and should pose no unusual problems from incidental ingestion or eye and skin contact under normal use.
- label: Lactide
line: PubChem lists lactide (CID 7272) with H319, serious eye irritation, in 100 % of the company reports that give a hazard code, with signal word Warning.
- label: Lactic acid
line: 'PubChem lists lactic acid (CID 612) with H315, H318 and H314: skin irritation, serious eye damage and severe skin burns, with signal word Danger.'
- title: If it overheats
level: 2
verdict: Fumes and decomposition above the melt
lead: Heat is the main hazard in processing. Above the melt, PLA gives off acetaldehyde, carbon monoxide and hexanal.
points:
- label: Decomposition
line: Residues held above the melting point for more than 24 hours at 175 °C decompose significantly (3D850 datasheet).
- label: Fumes
line: Above the melt, typically at 175 °C, fumes that irritate the eyes and mucous membranes can form (3D850 datasheet).
- label: Fire
line: The resin burns with clear to white smoke. Toxic fumes form on incomplete combustion, and suspended dust can explode (3D850 datasheet).
- title: Handling and storage
points:
- label: Moisture
line: Dry the resin below 0.025 % (250 ppm) moisture before melting, or viscosity degrades (3D850 and 2003D datasheets).
- label: Dust
line: Dust and vapours may irritate the eyes and upper airways. Use an approved dust respirator where dust forms (3D850 datasheet).
- label: Disposal
line: Recycle unused, uncontaminated resin into the process where possible, otherwise send it to incineration (3D850 datasheet).
uses:
- where: Electronics housings
line: NatureWorks lists electronics housings and semi-durable building materials as uses of Ingeo 3100HP, a medium-flow injection-moulding grade.
- where: 3D printing
line: The 3D850 and 3D870 monofilament grades are sold for 3D printers. The 3D850 is a high-heat grade, and the 3D870 is a high-heat and impact grade.
- where: Cups, cutlery and food packaging
line: NatureWorks names Ingeo 2003D for fresh food packaging and food serviceware, and Ingeo 3052D and 3001D for cutlery, cups, plates and outdoor novelties.
can_do:
- label: Stiff
line: Ingeo biopolymer 3052D has a flexural modulus of 3600 MPa, and Ingeo 3100HP reaches 4357 MPa when crystallised with 1 wt % nucleating agent.
benchmark: flexural_modulus
value: 3600 MPa to 4357 MPa
- label: Strong
line: Tensile yield strength is 62 MPa for Ingeo biopolymer 3052D, and 64 to 65 MPa for Ingeo 3100HP, amorphous or crystallised (ASTM D638).
benchmark: yield_strength
value: 62 MPa to 65 MPa
- label: Clear
line: The clarity rows read transparent for Ingeo biopolymer 3052D, Ingeo 3001D and the amorphous-moulded 3100HP.
value: Transparent (amorphous)
- label: Heat
line: Heat deflection temperature is 54 °C for amorphous 3100HP, and 149 °C for 3100HP crystallised with 1 wt % nucleating agent, at 0.455 MPa.
benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
value: 54 °C to 149 °C
- label: Printed heat
line: After annealing, the high-heat monofilaments reach a heat deflection temperature of 75 to 90 °C (3D870 and 3D850, ASTM E2092).
benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
value: 75 °C to 90 °C
compare: 'Among the grades in these datasheets, density is 1.22 to 1.24 g/cc, and the glass transition is 55 to 60 °C where it is printed. The big spread is in heat: 54 to 55 °C for the moulded grades 3100HP (amorphous), 2003D and 3052D, 75 to 90 °C for the printed high-heat monofilaments, and 144 to 149 °C for nucleated crystalline moulded formulations.'
compare_rows:
- label: Density
benchmark: density
scope: material
- label: Glass transition temperature
benchmark: glass_transition_temperature
scope: material
- label: Heat deflection temperature
benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
scope: material
handling:
- Dry the resin below 0.025 % (250 ppm) moisture before melting. The 3D850 datasheet gives 4 hours at 80 °C as a typical condition.
- Keep dried resin sealed, and reseal unused material promptly.
- Keep the melt at or below 250 °C in extrusion coating, with resin dried to 50 ppm.
- Use local exhaust ventilation at melt operations and insulated gloves where the melt is handled.
- Anneal printed parts at 80 to 130 °C to raise the heat deflection temperature (3D850 datasheet).
good_for:
- Clear moulded cups, cutlery and plates from the clear grades Ingeo 3052D and 3001D (flexural modulus 3600 MPa for 3052D).
- 'Printed parts from the monofilament grades: Ingeo 3D850 (heat deflection 80 to 90 °C) and Ingeo 3D870 (75 to 85 °C, with a notched Izod of 160 J/m in the XY direction).'
- Electronics housings and semi-durable building materials from Ingeo 3100HP, a medium-flow injection-moulding grade.
- Fresh food packaging and food serviceware from Ingeo 2003D, an extrusion grade for sheet and roll stock.
watch_out:
- 'Heat: the 2003D, 3052D and amorphous 3100HP grades reach a heat deflection of only 54 to 55 °C. Only nucleated crystalline formulations (144 to 149 °C) are used above that.'
- 'Moisture: dry the resin below 0.025 % (250 ppm) before melting, or viscosity degrades.'
- 'Decomposition: residues held above the melt for more than 24 hours at 175 °C decompose significantly.'
- 'Space: no flight, outgassing or atomic-oxygen data for PLA was found in the sources read.'
verdict: 'PLA is a stiff, bio-based polyester that moulds, extrudes and prints well, with a density of 1.22 to 1.24 g/cc and a glass transition of 55 to 60 °C. Heat resistance depends on crystallinity: the 2003D, 3052D and amorphous 3100HP grades soften at 54 to 55 °C, and nucleated crystalline formulations reach 144 to 149 °C. For space use, no flight, outgassing or atomic-oxygen data was found, so PLA is not verified for orbit.'
References
Every number above carries a reference number. Click one to see the source and where in it the value comes from.