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Glossary: Polylactic Acid

 
 
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a bioplastic used for 3D models and DIY prototyping. It is less flexible than acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).
 
 

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3D Printer for Professional Workflows

Ultimaker also debuts new material and mobile app.

How to 3D Print High-Strength Workholdings

Tough, stiff and precise 3D printed parts made of composite materials can handle the beating workholdings and fixturings get during machining applications.

The State of Electronic 3D Printing

Innovative additive manufacturing solutions appear poised for more growth

Transforming Ankle Foot Orthosis with 3D Printing

With the help of large-format 3D printing technology via 3D Platform and research conducted by students at Gonzaga University, patients may soon be able to count on 3D printed orthotics that are affordable and produced in a timely fashion.

3D-Printed Electronics Charge Ahead

Small teams and big companies are developing a wide range of 3D-printed electronics applications.

Aleph Objects Grows Business, Expands Offerings

The company's revenue tripled in 2015.

3D Printing Thinks Really Big

Additive manufacturing systems offer amazing build volumes.

Airwolf 3D Launches AXIOM Desktop Printer

The system has a build envelope of 12.5 x 8 x 10 in.

3D Printing at Your Door

Start-up company 3D Hubs aims to bring additive manufacturing to a local level on a global scale.

LulzBot Unveils New Multi-Tool Heads for 3D Printing

The technology supports multi-material and multi-color printing.

How an Engineer Survives a Zombie Apocalypse

Figure out how to protect your house from the undead with SolidWorks.

Rapid Prototyping Opens Doors for Kisi

MakerBot Ships Replicator Z18 3D Printer

This professional-grade printer is equipped with a 12 x 12 x 18 inch build envelope.

3D Printers Get Personal

Led by the fanfare over low-cost, consumer 3D printers, a new genre of professional-grade desktop models is helping engineers more quickly iterate, test and optimize design concepts.

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