Key Takeaways
- Polymaker releases HT-PLA Pro filament for improved performance and thermal stability
- HT-PLA Pro offers increased tensile strength, impact resistance, and heat deflection temperature
- The filament can print at speeds up to 300 mm/s with a 230°C nozzle temperature and 25-65°C build plate temperature
- HT-PLA Pro is compatible with standard nozzles and heated chambers, eliminating the need for hardened nozzles
- The Vicat softening temperature is 148.3°C, which can be raised to 150.5°C through annealing
Introduction to HT-PLA Pro
Polymaker has reengineered its HT-PLA filament to create a better-performing, heat-stable PLA, resulting in HT-PLA Pro. This new filament aims to address the limitations of traditional PLA, which is often brittle and prone to melting. With HT-PLA Pro, Polymaker has improved the material's intra-layer bonding, impact resistance, and thermal stability.
Technical Specifications
The HT-PLA Pro filament has undergone significant improvements, including:
- Increased tensile strength in the Z direction from 20.8 MPa to 26.8 MPa
- Doubled notched Charpy impact strength to 9.94 kJ/m²
- Vicat softening temperature of 148.3°C, which can be raised to 150.5°C through annealing
- Heat deflection temperature of 107.6°C with annealing
Comparison of HT-PLA Pro with Other Filaments
| Filament | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Impact Resistance (kJ/m²) | Heat Deflection Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| HT-PLA Pro | 26.8 | 9.94 | 107.6 |
| Standard PLA | 20.8 | 4.97 | 50-60 |
| ABS | 30-40 | 10-20 | 80-100 |
Printing Performance
HT-PLA Pro is designed to print well without hardened nozzles and heated chambers. The recommended printing settings include:
- Nozzle temperature: 230°C
- Build plate temperature: 25-65°C
- Printing speed: up to 300 mm/s
Conclusion
The release of HT-PLA Pro marks a significant improvement in the performance and thermal stability of PLA filaments. With its increased tensile strength, impact resistance, and heat deflection temperature, HT-PLA Pro is an attractive option for applications that require a balance of strength, durability, and printability.
Bottom Line
Polymaker's HT-PLA Pro filament offers a compelling solution for users seeking a high-performance PLA that can withstand moderate temperatures and stresses. With its improved technical specifications and printing performance, HT-PLA Pro is poised to become a popular choice among 3D printing enthusiasts and professionals alike.