Published on Tue Mar 16 2021 19:46:16 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

PolyTerra PLA: Printing a Brighter Future (One Layer at a Time)

PolyTerra PLA from Polymaker has been generating quite a buzz in the 3D printing community, and for good reason. Marketed as a “sustainable PLA,” it aims to reduce its environmental impact without sacrificing print quality. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s take a deep dive into what makes PolyTerra PLA unique and how it performs.

What is PolyTerra PLA?

PolyTerra PLA is a PLA-based filament specifically designed with environmental consciousness in mind. Polymaker claims a fully carbon neutral footprint, achieved through a combination of responsible sourcing, manufacturing processes, and carbon offsetting initiatives. It comes packaged in recycled cardboard and spools, further reducing waste.

Key Specifications

• Material: PLA (Polylactic Acid) blend, enhanced for better printability.
• Diameter: 1.75mm (commonly available) +/- 0.05mm tolerance.
• Density: 1.18 g/cm³
• Glass Transition Temperature (Tg): ~ 60°C
• Recommended Printing Temperature: 190°C - 220°C (Check recommended range on your specific spool).
• Recommended Bed Temperature: 25°C - 60°C (Unheated bed is also possible with good adhesion).
• Recommended Printing Speed: 30 - 70mm/s (adjust according to your printer and model complexity).
• Spool Size: Typically available in 1kg spools.
• Colors: A wide range of vibrant colors are available, including pastel shades.

Using PolyTerra PLA: Tips for Optimal Prints

Getting the best results with PolyTerra PLA involves understanding its nuances and adjusting your printing parameters accordingly. Here are some tips:

• Temperature Tuning: The recommended temperature range is a starting point. Experiment within that range to find the optimal setting for your printer and ambient conditions. Start on the lower end and increase in 5°C increments.
• Bed Adhesion: PolyTerra PLA generally adheres well to a variety of surfaces. Clean and level bed are essential. A thin layer of glue stick or hairspray can improve adhesion on glass or other smooth surfaces, especially for large prints.
• Cooling: While PLA requires cooling, excessive cooling can lead to warping on larger parts. Find a balance that allows for layer adhesion without causing stress.
• Retraction Settings: Experiment with retraction distance and speed to minimize stringing and oozing. These settings will vary depending on your printer’s extruder type.
• Drying (If Necessary): While less hygroscopic than some other filaments, PolyTerra PLA can still absorb moisture, leading to print quality issues like bubbles and stringing. If you suspect moisture absorption, drying the filament is recommended before use. A filament dryer or a low-temperature oven (around 50°C for a few hours) can be used.
• Storage: Store PolyTerra PLA in a cool, dry place, preferably in a sealed container with desiccant, to prevent moisture absorption.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Environmentally Conscious: Carbon neutral footprint and sustainable packaging.
• Good Print Quality: Capable of producing detailed and accurate prints.
• Wide Color Range: Offers a diverse selection of colors.
• Easy to Print: Generally forgiving and suitable for beginner users.
• Good Bed Adhesion: Adheres well to various build surfaces.
• Improved Toughness has some improvements in Toughness compared to basic PLA’s

Cons:

• Not as Strong as Some Alternatives: While tougher than regular PLA, it’s not suitable for high-stress applications.
• Moisture Sensitive: Needs to be stored properly to prevent moisture absorption.
• Temperature Range while the range is very wide it needs some experimetntation to tune it in
• Odor/Fumes although it has none is not the most important thing, can cause problems in an enclosed space with bad ventilation

Scoring

Here’s my subjective scoring of PolyTerra PLA based on the provided categories (out of 10):

• Print Quality: 9/10 - Produces very detailed and clean prints with proper settings.
• Toughness: 6/10 - Improved compared to standard PLA but still not ideal for high-stress parts.
• Flexibility: 3/10 - PLA is inherently rigid; PolyTerra PLA is no exception.
• Warping: 8/10 - Minimal warping, especially with a heated bed.
• Adhesion: 9/10 - Excellent adhesion to various build surfaces.
• Moisture Sensitivity: 6/10 - Requires proper storage and drying if exposed to moisture.
• Color Range: 9/10 - Offers a wide and appealing selection of colors.
• Temperature Range: 7/10 - The recommended range is wide, but some experimentation may be needed to find the sweet spot.
• Odor & Fumes: 9/10 - Minimal odor during printing.
• Spool Winding Quality: 8/10 - Generally well-wound, minimizing the risk of tangles.

Average Score: 7.4/10

Final Verdict

PolyTerra PLA is a solid choice for hobbyists and makers who value print quality and environmental responsibility. While not the strongest filament available, its ease of use, wide color range, and sustainable profile make it an attractive option for a wide range of projects. Just be sure to store it properly to prevent moisture absorption.

Written by Alex