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PLA Impact filament

Impact-resistant PLA from Fiberlogy: tougher and less brittle, yet as easy to print as PLA.

PLA Impact is PLA that can take a knock. Regular PLA is stiff and can break when it is hit or dropped; Fiberlogy PLA Impact is far more impact-resistant, while printing stays just as easy. A practical choice for holders, brackets, clips, toys, props and cosplay. Choose from solid colours, military shades and glitter, some also as a refill. Below the products you can read when to choose it and how to print it. Read more…

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What is PLA Impact?

PLA Impact, also called impact PLA or impact-resistant PLA, is PLA modified to be less brittle. Regular PLA is stiff: when hit, it breaks rather than gives. Fiberlogy PLA Impact absorbs such a knock much better. According to Fiberlogy, its impact strength is up to 8 times that of regular PLA, and up to 50% higher than that of ABS. At the same time it keeps the accuracy and ease of printing of PLA: no enclosure, little warping and no strong smell. Read more in Fiberlogy Impact PLA, 8x stronger than regular PLA.

PLA Impact or another filament?

FilamentChoose it for
Standard PLAModels and decoration. Stiff, and can break on impact.
PLA ImpactIndoor parts that have to survive a knock or a fall, with the ease of printing of PLA.
PLA + CFStiff, dimensionally stable parts instead. Less impact-resistant.
PETG and PCTGTough parts that also need to handle heat and moisture, or stay outdoors.

Printing PLA Impact

  • Nozzle: 220–245 °C, slightly hotter than regular PLA.
  • Print bed: 50–70 °C.
  • Cooling: as with PLA. For heavily loaded parts you can cool a little less for better bonding between layers.
  • Strength: more walls (perimeters) often make a part stronger than a higher infill.
  • Enclosure: not needed.
  • Spool: 1.75 mm on 0.85 kg spools. The spools fit in the Bambu Lab AMS.

Something going wrong? In solving 3D printing problems you will find the most common problems and how to fix them.

Pros and cons of PLA Impact

Pros

  • Far more impact-resistant and less brittle than regular PLA
  • Prints almost as easily, without an enclosure
  • Accurate, with good adhesion to the bed and between layers
  • Easy to finish and paint
  • Some colours also available as a refill

Cons

  • Prints slightly hotter than regular PLA
  • More expensive than standard PLA
  • Still PLA: for parts that get warm or stay outdoors for years, choose PETG or ASA

Uses of PLA Impact

  • Home: holders, brackets, clips, handles and trays.
  • Toys: building blocks, cars, robots and figures.
  • Props and cosplay: helmets, weapons and armour parts.
  • Parts: spare parts for appliances and machines.
  • Workshop: tools, jigs and functional prototypes.

You will find all other types under PLA filament.

Frequently asked questions

  • How much stronger is PLA Impact than regular PLA?

    The difference is mainly in impact strength: how much a part can take before it breaks when hit. According to Fiberlogy, it is up to 8 times higher than with regular PLA. A tough filament does flex a little more; for maximum stiffness choose PLA + CF.

  • What is the difference between PLA Impact and PETG?

    Both are tough. PLA Impact is easier to print, at lower temperatures, and gives sharp details. PETG handles heat and moisture better, which makes it more suitable for outdoor use or warm places.

  • Can I use PLA Impact outdoors?

    For a short time, such as a prop at an event, that is no problem. But like other PLA it softens at high temperatures, for example in a car in the sun, and can become brittle outdoors over time. For parts that stay outdoors for years, choose PETG or ASA.

  • What is a PLA Impact refill?

    A refill is PLA Impact without a plastic spool, wound on a cardboard core. You mount it on a reusable spool, such as the Fiberlogy twist-lock spool. That leaves you with less plastic waste and costs a little less.

  • Is PLA Impact suitable for cosplay and props?

    Yes. Helmets, weapons and armour parts are handled a lot and need to take a knock. PLA Impact breaks less easily than regular PLA, prints well in large pieces and can be sanded and painted. For a military look there are colours such as Army Green, Olive Green and Khaki.