PLA LW
Grade
also PLA Plus
LW = active-foaming lightweight PLA
Chemically foams above ~230 °C to cut part density by 40–65 % — the standard choice for RC aircraft and lightweight cores.
Values for the LW condition
Other PLA grades and fills
PLA is listed in 10 conditions; see the grade overview at PLA.
Compare all 10 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LWThis page Active-foaming lightweight PLA | Chemically foams above ~230 °C to cut part density by 40–65 % — the standard choice for RC aircraft and lightweight cores. | 15 | 16 | 3 | 58 Shore D |
Metal-powder filled PLA | For heavy, metallic-looking display parts that can be tumbled and polished to a real metal sheen; very abrasive and mechanically weak. | — | 25 | 1.5 | 86 Shore D |
Wood-flour filled PLA | Decorative composite that sands and stains like wood; mechanically weaker, clog-prone in small nozzles and needs low print temperatures to avoid charring. | 30 | 32 | 2 | 78 Shore D |
Conductive / static-dissipative PLA | For ESD-safe fixtures, sensor pads and low-current traces where surface resistance must be well below insulating PLA. | 34 | 35 | 2 | 83 Shore D |
Halogen-free flame-retardant PLA | Specify for electrical enclosures and rail/transport interior parts needing a V-0 rating; FR loading lowers impact strength and flow. | 40 | 42 | 2.5 | 82 Shore D |
Impact-modified PLA | Pick when parts must survive drops, screw bosses or snap fits — 3–5× the notched impact of plain PLA at slightly lower stiffness. | 45 | 48 | 15 | 79 Shore D |
Nucleated high-temperature PLA | Choose when the printed part must stay stiff above 60 °C: post-print annealing at 100–110 °C crystallises the resin and lifts HDT to ~90–120 °C (with ~1–2 % shrinkage). | 52 | 55 | 3 | 85 Shore D |
Carbon-fibre filled PLA | Use for stiff, matte-black, low-warp structural prints; nearly doubles modulus but is brittle and requires a hardened steel nozzle. | — | 52 | 1.5 | — |
Injection-moulding / extrusion resin grade | Pellet grades (e.g. Ingeo 2003D/3251D class) for moulded rigid packaging and cutlery — highest as-moulded strength but the same 55 °C HDT ceiling. | 58 | 60 | 5 | 84 Shore D |
Glass-fibre filled PLA | Cheaper stiffening route than CF with better strength retention; abrasive to brass nozzles and gives a rough, light-grey surface. | — | 62 | 1.8 | — |
What is PLA LW?
PLA LW is PLA in the LW grade — chemically foams above ~230 °C to cut part density by 40–65 % — the standard choice for RC aircraft and lightweight cores. PLA LW has a yield strength of 15 MPa (2.18 ksi) and a tensile strength of 16 MPa (2.32 ksi) — weaker than 84% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 3% and the elastic modulus is 0.8 GPa (0.116 Msi). PLA LW has a density of 0.55 g/cm³ (0.0199 lb/in³), lighter than 84% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 60°C (140 °F).
Advantages
- Low embodied carbon — 1.8 kg CO₂/kg, better than 99% of polymer grades
- Lightweight — 0.55 g/cm³ (0.0199 lb/in³), better than 84% of polymer grades
- Low, predictable mold shrinkage — 0.4%, better than 82% of polymer grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 50°C (122 °F), worse than 94% of polymer grades
- Needs corrosion protection — 55/100, worse than 94% of polymer grades
- Low strength — 15 MPa (2.18 ksi), worse than 84% of polymer grades
- Poor heat conductor — 0.06 W/m·K (0.0347 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 84% of polymer grades
- Limited ductility — 3%, worse than 83% of polymer grades
PLA LW properties
Typical room-temperature values for PLA LW; 23 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are PLA reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among polymer grades.
Physical7
PLA LW has a density of 0.55 g/cm³ (0.0199 lb/in³), lighter than 84% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 60°C (140 °F).
Mechanical16
PLA LW has a yield strength of 15 MPa (2.18 ksi) and a tensile strength of 16 MPa (2.32 ksi) — weaker than 84% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 3% and the elastic modulus is 0.8 GPa (0.116 Msi).
Thermal11
PLA LW is rated for continuous service to 50°C (122 °F). It conducts heat at 0.06 W/m·K (0.0347 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 84% of polymer grades. Thermal expansion is 70 µm/m·K (38.9 µin/in·°F).
Electrical6
PLA LW is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 19 kV/mm (482.6 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (55/100), worse than 94% of polymer grades. UV resistance is fair.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of PLA LW takes about 50 MJ of energy and emits 1.8 kg of CO₂ — less than 99% of polymer grades. Typical recycled content is 2%.
Manufacturability8
PLA LW's machinability is fair (45/100, worse than 78% of polymer grades); weldability poor (30/100); formability poor (20/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with PLA LW
Is PLA easy to machine?
Machines easily with sharp single-flute cutters, high rpm and low feed, but heat build-up melts and re-welds chips — use air blast, avoid coolant with hot water, and expect brittle edge chipping when drilling.
Can PLA be welded?
Hot-plate, ultrasonic and friction welding all work below ~200 °C; solvent bonding with dichloromethane or ethyl acetate gives strong joints, and cyanoacrylate/epoxy adhere well after light sanding.
Can PLA be formed, bent or molded?
Prints at 190–220 °C nozzle / 50–60 °C bed with almost no warp and no enclosure needed; injection moulds at 185–215 °C into a 20–30 °C mould with 0.2–0.6 % shrinkage — dry pellets/filament to <250 ppm to prevent hydrolytic MW loss.
What surface finishes work on PLA?
Sand wet with 400–2000 grit, then polish or spray with acrylic/2K primer; acetone smoothing does not work (use ethyl-acetate wipe or UV/epoxy coat), and painting after a light key gives the most durable finish.
PLA chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| D-lactide unitshigher D content = more amorphous, lower Tm; 3DP grades ~4 % | 0.5 – 12 | 4 |
| residual lactide monomerISO/producer spec | 0 – 0.3 | 0.1 |
| nucleating agent / chain extendertalc, epoxy-functional oligomer in HT and IM grades | 0 – 3 | 0.5 |
| impact modifier (PBAT / acrylic core-she5–15 % in Tough / PLA+ variants | 0 – 15 | 0 |
| pigment / masterbatchcoloured filament | 0 – 4 | 2 |
| poly(L-lactide) (PLLA)backbone from fermented plant starch (corn/sugarcane) | ≥ 88 (balance) | — |
PLA LW — frequently asked
What is PLA LW used for?
PLA LW is typically used for concept models, quick visual prototypes, form and fit-check parts, architectural and display models, low-temperature assembly jigs and master patterns for silicone moulds. In short: easy printable bioplastic.
What is the yield strength of PLA LW?
PLA LW has a typical yield strength of 15 MPa (2.18 ksi) and a tensile strength of 16 MPa (2.32 ksi) — weaker than 84% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 10 listed tempers.
Is PLA LW easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (45/100, worse than 78% of polymer grades). Machines easily with sharp single-flute cutters, high rpm and low feed, but heat build-up melts and re-welds chips — use air blast, avoid coolant with hot water, and expect brittle edge chipping when drilling.
Can PLA LW be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (30/100). Hot-plate, ultrasonic and friction welding all work below ~200 °C; solvent bonding with dichloromethane or ethyl acetate gives strong joints, and cyanoacrylate/epoxy adhere well after light sanding.
What surface finishes work on PLA LW?
Sand wet with 400–2000 grit, then polish or spray with acrylic/2K primer; acetone smoothing does not work (use ethyl-acetate wipe or UV/epoxy coat), and painting after a light key gives the most durable finish.
Can PLA LW be formed, bent or molded?
Prints at 190–220 °C nozzle / 50–60 °C bed with almost no warp and no enclosure needed; injection moulds at 185–215 °C into a 20–30 °C mould with 0.2–0.6 % shrinkage — dry pellets/filament to <250 ppm to prevent hydrolytic MW loss.
What is the maximum service temperature of PLA LW?
PLA LW is rated for continuous use to about 50°C (122 °F), and briefly to 65°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Can FabDigit make parts in PLA LW?
Yes — PLA LW is available for 3D printing with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- Ingeo Biopolymer 4043D / 3D850 / 2003D Technical Data Sheets — NatureWorks LLC (2023)
- Luminy PLA Grade Portfolio (L105, LX175, PLA+ blends) — TotalEnergies Corbion (2023)
- ISO 527-2 / ISO 178 / ISO 75-2 plastics test methods — ISO (2019)
- ASTM D638 / D256 / D648 / D792 — ASTM International (2022)
- CAMPUS Plastics — PLA datasets — CWFG / CAMPUS consortium (2024)
- Materials and the Environment / CES eco-property data for PLA — Ashby (Butterworth-Heinemann) (2021)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.