Published on Fri Oct 02 2020 13:53:44 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

Hatchbox PLA: A Deep Dive into a 3D Printing Staple

Hatchbox PLA is a name synonymous with reliability and value in the 3D printing world. It’s a filament that many beginners and experienced makers alike turn to for its consistent performance and wide availability. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Hatchbox PLA a popular choice.

What is PLA?

Before diving into the specifics of Hatchbox PLA, it’s useful to understand what PLA is in general. Polylactic Acid (PLA) is a thermoplastic polymer derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane. This makes it biodegradable under specific industrial composting conditions, a factor that contributes to its popularity for environmentally conscious users. It’s also known for being relatively easy to print with, making it a great starting point for those new to 3D printing.

Hatchbox PLA: Specifications

• Diameter: Typically available in 1.75mm and 2.85mm (verify the size you need for your printer).
• Tolerance: +/- 0.03mm (Hatchbox claims even tighter tolerances, but this is a reasonable expectation)
• Printing Temperature: 180-220°C (optimal temperature may vary depending on your specific printer and environment)
• Bed Temperature: 20-60°C (although many users find success printing directly on a clean, level bed without heat)
• Density: 1.25 g/cm³ (This value is helpful for calculating material usage in slicer software)

Working with Hatchbox PLA: Practical Tips for Success

While Hatchbox PLA is generally forgiving, following these tips can help you achieve optimal print results:

• Level Your Bed: A well-leveled print bed is crucial for any filament, but especially important for PLA, as it needs to adhere well in the initial layers.
• Clean Your Bed: PLA sticks best to a clean surface. Wipe down your build plate with isopropyl alcohol before each print.
• Experiment with Temperature: While the recommended temperature range is 180-220°C, finding the sweet spot for your specific printer is key. Start with a temperature in the middle of the range and adjust based on your results. Too low, and you might see poor layer adhesion. Too high, and you might experience stringing or warping.
• Control Your Cooling: PLA benefits from good cooling. Most slicers have settings to adjust the fan speed during the print. A higher fan speed can prevent warping and improve surface finish, especially on overhangs.
• Address Stringing: If you’re experiencing stringing (thin strands of filament between printed parts), try reducing the printing temperature, increasing retraction settings in your slicer, or adjusting your travel speed.
• Storage is Key: PLA is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. Store your filament in a sealed container with desiccant packs when not in use. This prevents brittleness and potential printing issues. If your PLA does absorb moisture, you can dry it in a filament dryer or a low-temperature oven before printing.
• Use a Brim or Raft: For parts with small footprints or sharp corners, consider using a brim or raft to improve bed adhesion and prevent warping.
• First Layer Height: Setting a good first layer height is critical for good adhesion. Experiment with thicker layers that will ‘squish’ into the bed.
• Print Slow: The slower you print with PLA the easier it is to control the material.

Hatchbox PLA: Strengths and Potential Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Ease of Use: Beginner-friendly and widely compatible with various 3D printers.
• Consistent Quality: Hatchbox is known for its consistent filament diameter and color accuracy.
• Minimal Odor: PLA has a relatively mild, non-offensive odor compared to some other filaments like ABS.
• Wide Color Range: Hatchbox offers a vast selection of colors, including standard, translucent, and specialty options.
• Affordable Price: Hatchbox PLA is typically priced competitively, making it a budget-friendly choice.

Potential Weaknesses:

• Lower Heat Resistance: PLA has a relatively low glass transition temperature (around 60°C). This means it can soften or deform in high-heat environments, making it unsuitable for applications where the printed part will be exposed to high temperatures.
• Limited Flexibility: PLA is not very flexible. Parts printed with PLA are more prone to cracking or breaking under stress compared to more flexible filaments like TPU.
• Moisture Sensitivity: As mentioned earlier, PLA is hygroscopic and can absorb moisture from the air, which can negatively impact print quality.

Hatchbox PLA: Performance Ratings (Out of 10)

• Print Quality: 8/10 (Generally excellent, but dependent on proper settings and printer calibration)
• Toughness: 6/10 (Reasonable for general use, but not ideal for high-stress applications)
• Flexibility: 3/10 (Very limited flexibility)
• Warping: 7/10 (Less prone to warping than ABS, but still possible with large prints or poor bed adhesion)
• Adhesion: 9/10 (Excellent adhesion to a clean, leveled bed)
• Moisture Sensitivity: 5/10 (Requires proper storage to avoid issues)
• Color Range: 10/10 (Extensive selection of colors and finishes)
• Temperature Range: 7/10 (Relatively narrow, but sufficient for most PLA applications)
• Odor & Fumes: 9/10 (Very minimal odor)
• Spool Winding Quality: 8/10 (Generally well-wound, minimizing tangles)

Average Score: 7.2/10

Conclusion

Hatchbox PLA is a reliable and versatile filament that’s well-suited for a wide range of 3D printing projects. Its ease of use, consistent quality, and affordable price make it a popular choice for beginners and experienced users alike. While it may not be the best choice for applications requiring high heat resistance or flexibility, it excels in general-purpose printing and is an excellent starting point for anyone new to 3D printing. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can achieve excellent results with Hatchbox PLA and bring your creative ideas to life.

Written by Alex