1 Topic by georgehine

  • georgehine
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  • Registered: 2014-11-29
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Topic: PLA vs ABS

I am going to print some bushings and I was printing some test ones to check clearance. I dont currently have PLA so I was printing test bushings in ABS. my question is will the tolerances of the 2 prints be the same or will they be differant?

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2 Reply by carl_m1968

  • carl_m1968
  • carl_m1968
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Re: PLA vs ABS

PLA has less shrinkage than ABS so your tolerances will be closer but you will still have to adjust after a few prints to find out what your shrinkage ratio is. Like ABS it varies from vendor to vendor and batch to batch.

Also don't use PLA where it will be exposed to UV light or the elements. It is biodegradable and will break down after a few years under such conditions. Just so you know, PLA is the same chemical they make veggie containers out of at the supermarket. It is FDA approved for food storage.

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3 Reply by evanalmighty

  • evanalmighty
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  • Registered: 2015-01-04
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Re: PLA vs ABS

ABS shrinks somewhere in the vicinity of 1%.  Your mileage may vary.  PLA shrinks less, but it has a much lower TG and will start to warp/deform at around 90-100F.