Is PLA Conductive? 3D Filament Electric Properties.

by Mike Brooks | Last Updated: May 5, 2022

Yes and no. PLA isn’t a good conductor of electricity, but it will conduct a small current that can cause problems with electronics. The conductivity comes from impurities in the PLA material, typically moisture.

The good news is that most filaments are well below what’s considered dangerous conductivity and volume resistivity levels.

You have to pay attention to the type of filament you’re using and the application you’re using it for.

PLA falls somewhere between, with about 60% crystallinity, which means some areas where the molecular structure is ordered and others where it’s not.

So, is PLA conductive? Keep reading to learn more about the electric properties of PLA Filament below.

What Is Conductive Filament?

The conductive filament is a type of 3D printing material that contains metal particles or other conductive materials. It enables it to conduct electricity, which is helpful for applications like antennas, EMI shielding, and electrical wiring.

The most common type of conductive filament is carbon-filled PLA. This filament is made by adding carbon black powder to PLA plastic.

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The carbon black powder acts as a conductor, allowing the PLA to carry a small current.

Carbon-filled PLA is the best choice for most applications that require conductivity. It’s easy to print with and has good electrical properties.

PLA Thermal Conductivity. Is PLA Conductive?

PLA is a poor conductor of heat because the movement of electrons conducts heat.

Since PLA is only 60% crystalline, there are areas of the molecule that are not ordered. These unordered areas act as insulators, preventing the flow of electrons and heat conductivity.

The type of PLA determines PLA’s thermal conductivity and the quantity of carbon black powder incorporated.

The thermal conductivity of conductive PLA is typically 0.2-0.4 W/mK. Copper has a thermal conductivity of 401 W/mK, while silver has 429 W/mK.

The PLA is not a good choice for applications where you need to conduct heat, like in a heatsink. However, it’s still useful for applications where you need to dissipate heat, such as in an LED light.

How Can You Make PLA Conductive?

There are a few ways to make PLA conductive. The most common way is to add carbon black powder to the PLA. It creates a carbon-filled PLA that has good electrical and thermal conductivity.

Another way to make PLA conductive is to add metal particles to the PLA. It can be done by mixing the PLA with metal powder or using a metal-filled PLA filament.

Metal-filled PLA typically has a conductivity of 10-20 S/m.

A third way to make PLA conductive is to use a conductive polymer. Conductive polymers are plastics that have been specifically designed to be conductive. They typically have a conductivity of 100-1000 S/m.

Conductive polymers are the best choice for applications that require high conductivity levels. However, they are more expensive and challenging to work with than carbon-filled PLA.

How Much Does PLA Conduct?

PLA conducts electricity, but it does not have good conductive properties. The reason for this is that PLA is only 60% crystalline. There are areas of the PLA molecule that are not ordered.

These unordered areas act as insulators, preventing the flow of electricity.

The electrical conductivity of PLA depends on the type of PLA, and the amount of carbon black powder added. Conductive PLA typically has a conductivity of 1-10 S/m. For comparison, copper has a conductivity of 58 S/m, and silver has a conductivity of 63 S/m.

So, PLA is unsuitable for applications requiring high conductivity levels, such as electrical wiring. However, it’s still useful for applications where you need to dissipate static electricity or shield against electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Conductive Filaments. Do They Exist?

Yes. Conductive filaments do exist, and they can be used for 3D printing. These filaments are made by adding carbon black powder or metal particles to PLA plastic.

The resulting filament is electrically conductive and can be used for electrical conductivity applications.

Conductive PLA filaments are the most common type of conductive filament. They are easy to print with and have good electrical properties. However, they are not a good conductor of heat.

Metal-filled PLA filaments are another type of conductive filament. They are made by adding the metal powder to PLA plastic.

Metal-filled PLA filaments have a higher conductivity than carbon-filled PLA filaments. However, they are more challenging to print with and have poorer electrical properties.

3D Printing with Conductive Filaments

3D printing with conductive filaments is a great way to create electrical circuits and components. Conductive filaments can create 3D printed circuit boards, antennas, and sensors.

3D printing with a touch sensor that comes with conductive filaments is similar to traditional 3D printing. The main difference is that you need to use a conductive filament instead of a standard PLA filament.

Conductive filaments are more expensive than standard PLA filaments. However, they are widely available and easy to use.

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Can Conductive PLA Filaments Be 3D Printed (Used in a 3D Printer)?

Yes, you can 3D print with conductive filaments. Conductive filaments are made by adding conductive carbon black powder or metal particles to PLA plastic.

The resulting filament is electrically conductive with a volume resistivity of 3D printed objects and can be used for electrical conductivity applications.

Conductive filaments are more expensive than standard PLA filaments. However, they are widely available and easy to use.

FAQs

What Is the Density and Melting Point of PLA Plastic?

PLA plastic has a density of 1.25-1.40 g/cm3, which is similar to the density of water while the PLA plastic melting point stands at 150-160°C.

What Are the Electrical Properties of PLA Plastic?

PLA plastic has good electrical properties and can be made into conductive filament. However, it is not a good conductor of heat.

Is PLA Good for Electronics?

PLA is a good material for electronics because it has good electrical properties and can be made into conductive filament.

However, PLA is not a good conductor of heat. Its shows that it is not suitable for applications requiring high conductivity levels.

Is PLA Electrically Conductive?

Yes, PLA is electrically conductive. However, it is not a good conductor of heat because it is not suitable for applications requiring high conductivity levels. so it should be used in low voltage circuitry applications or a normal PLA.

Is PLA an Insulator?

No, PLA is not an insulator. It has a semi-conductive contact surface that conducts electricity, but not as well as a conductor.

Is PLA Electrostatic?

No, PLA is not electrostatic and has very low voltage circuits. It is a semi-conductive layer of lines and materials that can conduct electricity, but not as well as a conductor.

Final Thought

PLA plastic is an excellent material for 3D printing. It is strong, durable, and easy to use. PLA filaments also have good electrical properties and can be made into conductive filaments.

However, PLA is not a good conductor of heat, so it’s not suitable for applications requiring high conductivity levels.

Michael Brooks is the founder of M3DZone.com. He sees a very bright future for 3D printing that's why his mission is to try and make this easy for everyone. Discover your hidden talent and creativity. You can follow here: Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest.