Polylactic acid

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a type of plastic. Specifically it is a type of polyester. It is the most popular plastic for 3D printing. It has many properties that make it an ideal material for 3D printing. It has a low melting point, and it does not shrink much when it cools. PLA is usually made from sugar or starch.

Environmental impact

PLA can break down in a compost, but the most common way of disposing of it is burning it; it does not release any toxic fumes because it is only made of hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon; it releases carbon dioxide but that's it.

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