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Why High-speed Filaments? HS PLA vs PLA

2024-02-03
3D Printing

PLA vs High-speed PLA

1-What is High-speed PLA?

As 3D printing gains popularity among individuals and institutions, PLA has emerged as one of the most widely utilized filaments. This is attributed to its stable physical performance, ease of 3D printing molding, and environmental-friendly biodegradability. Advancements in FDM printers technology such as more stable CoreXY structures, advanced motion control, and vibration compensation algorithms all empower them to achieve higher-speed motion performance, establishing a steady foundation for the era of high-speed 3D printing. High-speed 3D printing filaments, such as HS PLA and HS PETG, emerges with a significant role in complementing the puzzle of high-speed advancement.

High-speed PLA represents an enhanced variation of PLA filament specifically designed for high-speed FFF 3D printers. This type of filament exhibits outstanding fluidity characteristics, rapid cooling, and solidification properties. Flashforge HS PLA is manufactured using a modified polylactic acid material fortified for toughness and maintains its biodegradability from standard PLA filaments. Below is a brief comparison of high-speed PLA and PLA filaments.

Figure 1 Technical parameters for HS PLA

2-How HS PLA boosts High-Speed 3D Printing

Flashforge HS PLA filament boasts the same excellent dimensional stability, bending strength, and rigidity as PLA filament. With minimal drawbacks at higher printing speeds, High Speed PLA stands out as an optimal selection for those prioritizing efficiency.

Figure 2 The path towards next level efficiency

Moreover, Flashforge has always been committed to pioneering an efficient, stable, reliable, convenient, safe, and cost-effective experience for 3D printing enthusiasts. The Adventurer 5M Pro printer stands out with its high-speed CoreXY design, enclosed chamber for better temperature control, fast heating capabilities and quick-change nozzles. Now with the assistance of high-speed filaments, your incubation of creativity is now ready to thrive.

3- Recommended Print Setting for HS PLA

Considering all the advanced features of HS PLA, you might be curious: is HS PLA significantly harder to print than common PLA? The answer is no. The primary distinction in printer settings lies in the fact that HS PLA enables faster print speed and a higher volumetric speed, thanks to its superior fluidity and heat dissipation. Below is the recommended parameter to print with HS PLA filament for quick pick-up.

Table 1 Recommended setting for HS PLA

4-Speedy Print Performance: HS PLA vs PLA

Here we perform a few tests to compare the performances of HS PLA with PLA filament. The luminous green filament is HS PLA, and the mint green is PLA. These comparison groups have similar settings in OrcaSlicer and are printed with a 0.4mm nozzle. If you are interested in carrying out this test yourself, all the Gcode files are ready on Flashforge Wiki: Test print models for HS PLA print with ad5m series) | Flashforge Wiki

a) Benchy fast print (13-minute)

With AD5M series printers and a bit tweaking in OrcaSlicer, the Benchy (Designed by CreativeTools) only takes 13 minutes to print with satisfying quality. Both the HS PLA and PLA Benchy look pretty neat.

Figure 3 Speed test with Benchy

b) Flow and dissipation test (1h)

This test uses a calibration model (Designed by majda107) for flow and dissipation performance. The HS PLA outperforms PLA in the stringing test, benefiting from its high fluidity and cooling capabilities. Both parts retain nice details in other items such as overhang and bridging tests.

Figure 4 Flow and dissipation performance test

c) Articulation print (2.5h)

This test uses the articulated snake (Model by TechnicaL50) with multi-segments. A model like this requires a high level of accuracy to prevent the mini parts from fusing together. Both the filament produces a snake that can move its joints smoothly without obstruction.

Figure 5 Articulation test

5-Grab your Flashforge HS PLA

With the above discussed, the HS PLA remains the ideal partner for the AD5M series high-speed printers. The print experience can save one much effort and time to wait. Have a try and grab one from our official shop now.

Flashforge High-Speed PLA Filament | Flashforgeshop