The lifespan of PLA filament is about one year if stored properly in a cool, dry, and dark place. However, this can vary depending on the quality of the filament, the environmental conditions, and the usage frequency. In this article, we will explore the factors that affect the lifespan of PLA filament, how to tell if your filament has gone bad, and how to extend its shelf life.
PLA filament is one of the most popular materials for 3D printing. PLA stands for polylactic acid, which is a biodegradable and renewable polymer derived from corn starch, sugarcane, or other plant sources. PLA filament is easy to print with, has a low melting point, and produces smooth and glossy prints. PLA filament is also environmentally friendly, as it can be composted or recycled after use.
What affects the lifespan of PLA filament?
The lifespan of PLA filament depends on several factors, such as:
Quality: The quality of PLA filament can vary depending on the manufacturer, the raw materials, and the production process. High-quality PLA filament will have consistent diameter, color, and strength, and will last longer than low-quality PLA filament that may have impurities, bubbles, or cracks.
Storage: The storage conditions of PLA filament can have a significant impact on its lifespan. PLA filament is sensitive to moisture, heat, and light, which can degrade its properties and performance over time. Moisture can cause PLA filament to swell, bubble, or snap, while heat can cause PLA filament to melt, warp, or lose its shape. Light can cause PLA filament to fade, discolor, or become brittle. Therefore, PLA filament should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place, preferably in a sealed bag with a desiccant packet.
Usage: The usage frequency of PLA filament can also affect its lifespan. PLA filament that is used regularly will have less exposure to the elements and will maintain its quality better than PLA filament that is left unused for a long time. PLA filament that is left in the printer nozzle for too long can also degrade, as the heat can cause it to oxidize, clog, or burn.
There are some signs that can indicate that your PLA filament has gone bad, such as:
Color change: If your PLA filament has changed color, it may be a sign of oxidation, UV damage, or thermal degradation. PLA filament that has oxidized will turn yellowish or brownish, while PLA filament that has been exposed to UV light will fade or bleach. PLA filament that has been overheated will turn black or charred.
Brittleness: If your PLA filament breaks easily or snaps when bent, it may be a sign of moisture absorption, UV damage, or aging. PLA filament that has absorbed moisture will become brittle and weak, while PLA filament that has been exposed to UV light will lose its flexibility and elasticity. PLA filament that has aged will also become brittle due to the loss of plasticizers.
Bubbles: If your PLA filament has bubbles or holes, it may be a sign of moisture absorption or impurities. PLA filament that has absorbed moisture will release steam when heated, creating bubbles or holes in the filament or the print. PLA filament that has impurities will also create bubbles or holes due to the uneven melting or burning of the foreign particles.
Poor print quality: If your PLA filament produces poor print quality, such as stringing, warping, under-extrusion, or layer separation, it may be a sign of degradation or damage. PLA filament that has degraded or damaged will have inconsistent flow, adhesion, and strength, resulting in poor print quality.
There are some tips that can help you extend the lifespan of PLA filament, such as:
Buy high-quality PLA filament: High-quality PLA filament will have better durability, stability, and performance than low-quality PLA filament. High-quality PLA filament will also have less impurities, bubbles, or cracks, which can reduce the risk of degradation or damage. You can check the reviews, ratings, and specifications of PLA filament before buying to ensure its quality.
Store PLA filament properly: PLA filament should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place, preferably in a sealed bag with a desiccant packet. You can also use a filament storage box, a filament dryer, or a vacuum sealer to protect your PLA filament from moisture, heat, and light. You should also label your PLA filament with the purchase date and the storage conditions to keep track of its age and quality.
Use PLA filament regularly: PLA filament that is used regularly will have less exposure to the elements and will maintain its quality better than PLA filament that is left unused for a long time. You should also remove PLA filament from the printer nozzle when not in use and store it properly to prevent degradation or damage.
Conclusion
PLA filament is a great material for 3D printing, but it has a limited lifespan that can vary depending on the quality, storage, and usage of the filament. PLA filament can degrade or damage over time due to moisture, heat, light, oxidation, or impurities, which can affect its properties and performance. To extend the lifespan of PLA filament, you should buy high-quality PLA filament, store it properly in a cool, dry, and dark place, and use it regularly. By following these tips, you can enjoy your PLA filament for longer and produce better prints.
