New application: Total develops PLA high temperature 3D printed aircraft
On October 7th, colorFabb, a Dutch 3D printing filament specialist, launched a new generation of lightweight PLA high temperature 3D printing consumables (LW-PLA-HT), jointly developed by TotalEnergies Corbion (Total Corbion) and colorFabb, which can print lighter filaments. weight, and is better able to withstand high temperatures.
The new product will meet the needs of remotely controlled (RC) aircraft enthusiasts who can use the material to design and produce 3D aircraft that can withstand the sun's temperatures.
To develop this formulation, colorFabb used Total Corbion’s Luminy PLA technology to enhance the temperature resistance of existing lightweight PLA 3D printing filaments.
The Total Corbion R&D laboratory has optimized the new formulation to achieve high heat resistance while maintaining excellent 3D printability and low weight. While thermal exposure still needs to be controlled, the aircraft will not deform as quickly as the original LW-PLA.
According to reports, LW-PLA uses temperature-triggered active foaming technology to achieve lightweight and low-density materials. At around 230°C, the material will begin to foam, and at its peak, it can expand up to nearly 3 times its volume.
