How to print BCN3D Tough PLA

What is Tough PLA?

Tough PLA (Polylactic Acid) is engineered for the high impact ability and strength of ABS and the stiffness of a PLA.

The material shows excellent results in layer adhesion and is the perfect match for tooling or manufacturing aids where a high impact is needed.

Tough PLA is an easy-to-print material with very good surface quality.

You can buy Tough PLA in our shop: BCN3D Tough PLA

Properties of the BCN3D Tough PLA

BCN3D_Filaments_Tough_PLA_BCN3D_tooling_ Epsilon series

High impact and stiffness
Easy to print
Excellent surface quality
Alternative to ABS

Tough PLA compatibility with BCN3D printers/hotends:

✔	✔	✔	✔	✔

0.4 / 0.6 / 0.8 / 1	0.4 / 0.6 / 0.8 / 1	0.4 /0.8	0.4 / 0.6 / 0.8 / 1	0.4 / 0.6 / 0.8 / 1

Supported material combinations

The BCN3D Tough PLA is compatible with the following BCN3D Filaments.

Standard materials

PLA ✔

TPU ✔

PVA ✔

BVOH ✔

TPLA ✔

PET-G

Technical materials

ABS

PA ✗

PP ✗

Composite materials

PAHT CF15

PP GF30 ✗

PET CF15 ✗

316L ✗

17-4 PH ✗

Tough PLA printing configuration - 0.4 mm Nozzle:

Extrusion temperature	190ºC-220ºC
Extrusion temperature	190ºC-220ºC
Printing surface temperature	45ºC-60ºC
Printing surface temperature	45ºC-60ºC
Speed	25-60mm/s
Retraction speed	50 mm/s
Retraction distance	5 mm
Fan speed	100%
Minimum layer height	0.15-0.4

Note: BCN3D lab develops specific configurations for each printer and material. Be sure that you are using the latest BCN3D Stratos version.

Printing surface adherence

Apply a thin and uniform Magigoo layer in order to have a good adherence between the printing surface and the print.

Not only does it provide good adherence, but it also helps prevent glass wear and chipping. This phenomenon is due to the adhesive physically preventing the glass from deforming as the material contracts.

The best option is to apply Magigoo when the printing surface is cold.

BCN3D_Technologies-Magigoo_original-50ml_bottle-0

Recommendations

Plastic absorbs humidity from the air. For long periods of time without printing, it is recommended to keep Tough PLA in a box or an airtight container with desiccant so they remain dry. The Smart Cabinet is your best friend when it comes to filament stocking. It maintains suitable temperature and humidity conditions to ensure the best performance.

Tough PLA emits nearly no dangerous particles and fumes when it is being printed. We recommend you print in a well-ventilated area to ensure a healthy environment.