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PLA
Custom PLA Machining Service
NOBLE offers a full range of PLA CNC machining services for rapid prototyping and small to medium batches of PLA CNC machined parts. We continually invest in advanced technology and CNC machining equipment to ensure you quickly receive high-precision PLA CNC machined parts with complex geometries.
- Advanced Equipment & Cost-Effective Price
- 10+ years of PLA Machining Service
- ISO 9001 & ISO13485 Certified Factory
- 99.8% On-time Delivery
- Quote Within 1 Hours
- 24/7 Engineering Support
Our PLA CNC Machining Capabilities
At NOBLE, we provide custom PLA CNC machining services, combining advanced technology with sustainable materials to provide environmentally friendly PLA CNC machining solutions without compromising quality. We are committed to turning your designs into reality. From prototyping to production, we provide high precision and superior craftsmanship every time.
| Price | $$$ |
| Lead Time | <5 days |
| Wall Thickness | 0.047 in. – 0.140 in |
| Tolerances | +/- 0.003 in. (0.08mm) with an included resin tolerance that can be greater than but no less than +/- 0.002 in./in. (0.002mm/mm) |
| Max Part Size | 20 in. x 29.3 in. x 8.2 in |
| Available PLA at NOBLE | Standard PLA, High-Strength PLA (Enhanced PLA), PLA+ (PLA Plus), Transparent PLA, High-Temperature PLA |
Characteristics of PLA CNC Machining Materials
PLA is an ideal material for CNC machining due to its easy machinability, low cost, and smooth surface finish, making it perfect for rapid prototyping and low-volume production, though its low heat resistance requires careful handling.
Features | Info |
Subtypes | Standard PLA, High-Strength PLA (Enhanced PLA), PLA+ (PLA Plus), Transparent PLA, High-Temperature PLA… |
Process | 3D Printing, Injection Molding, Extrusion, Blow Molding |
Tolerance | +/- 0.003 in. (0.08mm) with an included resin tolerance that can be greater than but no less than +/- 0.002 in./in. (0.002mm/mm) |
Applications | Automotive industry, Automation parts, New Energy, Medical Devices, Robotics Parts, Aerospace Parts |
Finishing Options | Polishing, Sand Blasting, Painting, Chemical Polishing, Tumbling |
Pros and Cons of PLA for CNC Machining
PLA is cost-effective and easy to CNC machine, ideal for rapid prototyping, but its brittleness and low heat resistance require careful handling. With NOBLE’s advanced equipment and skilled engineering team, we enhance the strength and precision of your PLA parts, helps you gain a competitive edge and stand out in the market.
Types of PLA CNC Machining Materials
Each PLA variant offers unique properties for different CNC machining needs. NOBLE’s expert engineers will develop customized solutions, delivering high-quality PLA CNC parts from design to final product. Stay ahead of the competition with rapid prototyping and production, driven by our innovative solutions.
Standard PLA
Standard PLA is widely used in CNC machining and 3D printing for its strength, stiffness, and smooth finish. While ideal for prototyping and low-stress parts, its low heat resistance limits high-temperature use. Careful heat management is needed during CNC milling or turning.
Tensile Modulus: 3,500–4,000 MPa
Tensile Strain (Yield): 6–8%
Rockwell Hardness: 70–80 R
Heat Deflection Temperature: 130–150°F
High-Strength PLA (Enhanced PLA)
High-strength PLA is enhanced with additives to improve tensile strength and heat resistance, making it ideal for functional prototypes and components under moderate stress. It offers better dimensional stability and performance while maintaining the ease of CNC machining found in standard PLA.
Tensile Modulus: 4,000–6,000 MPa
Tensile Strain (Yield): 4–6%
Rockwell Hardness: 80–90 R
Heat Deflection Temperature: 150–160°F
PLA+ (PLA Plus)
PLA+ is a modified PLA, blended with toughening agents for improved impact and heat resistance. It combines PLA’s biodegradability with enhanced toughness, resilience, and the ability to withstand higher temperatures and mechanical stresses. PLA+ is ideal for applications like automotive parts and enclosures.
Tensile Modulus: 3,500–5,000 MPa
Tensile Strain (Yield): 4–6%
Rockwell Hardness: 80–90 R
Heat Deflection Temperature: 160–180°F
Transparent PLA
Transparent PLA shares properties with standard PLA but offers a clear, glass-like finish, ideal for applications requiring optical transparency, such as display panels and containers. While easy to CNC machine, care must be taken to avoid scratches or surface defects that can impact its clarity.
Tensile Modulus: 3,500–4,000 MPa
Tensile Strain (Yield): 4–6%
Rockwell Hardness: 70–80 R
Heat Deflection Temperature: 130–150°F
High-Temperature PLA
High-temperature PLA is engineered to withstand higher heat deflection temperatures, making it ideal for parts subjected to thermal stress. It performs well in CNC machining at elevated temperatures, though heat buildup must still be managed to ensure optimal machining results.
Tensile Modulus: 3,500–5,000 MPa
Tensile Strain (Yield): 6–8%
Rockwell Hardness: 80–90 R
Heat Deflection Temperature: 190–230°F
Surface Finishing Options for PLA CNC Machining
Surface finishing improves both the durability and appearance of custom PLA parts, offering added protection against corrosion and wear. At NOBLE, we provide a range of surface finishing options, including polishing, sand blasting, painting and so on. Each finish delivers unique benefits, allowing you to select the best option for your specific needs.
Polishing
Working on metal and hard plastics, our polishing uses highly efficient machinery to get our parts between Ra 0.8~Ra0.1 for a cleaner surface.
Sand Blasting
Sand blasting cleans the surface of any impurities and peels coating through the propelling of blast media streams over the parts
Painting
Painting involves Spray droplets can be dispersed uniformly or in fine amounts to cover a wide surface area and bring out greater color to the part.
Chemical Polishing
Utilizes chemical reagents to selectively dissolve uneven areas on the surface of a sample, thereby eliminating grinding marks and achieving an etching and flattening effect.
Tumbling
Tumbling PLA smooths its surface, often resulting in a matte finish. It’s used for deburring or preparing PLA parts for further finishing or aesthetic enhancement.
Custom PLA CNC Machining Parts Display
Check out our over a decade of custom PLA machining parts, including precision PLA prototypes and parts from our valued customers.
Applications of PLA CNC Machining
PLA CNC machining is widely used in prototyping, consumer products, educational projects, medical device prototyping, and artistic applications due to its low cost, ease of machining, and environmentally friendly properties. It is ideal for non-load-bearing parts, low-stress applications, and products that require fine detail and surface finish. While PLA may not be suitable for high-performance or high-temperature environments, its unique properties make it an excellent choice for many industries. The following is a detailed overview of PLA CNC machining applications, focusing on the industries and fields where PLA is suitable as a material:
Automotive Parts
PLA is used for prototyping and creating concept models of interior parts, lightweight enclosures, and non-structural automotive components. PLA’s low cost and ease of machining make it ideal for early-stage design testing. However, its brittleness, low impact resistance, and poor heat tolerance limit its use in high-performance parts like engine components, chassis, or braking systems.
Automation Industry
PLA is commonly used for prototyping and producing test fixtures, non-load-bearing parts, and enclosures in automation systems. Its ease of CNC machining allows rapid development of functional prototypes. However, due to its brittleness and low heat resistance, PLA is not suitable for high-stress or high-temperature components in automated machinery.
New Energy
PLA finds application in new energy sectors for prototype components like solar panel mounts, battery housings, and wind turbine parts. Its biodegradable and easy-to-machine characteristics make it suitable for concept designs and small-batch production. However, PLA’s limited heat resistance restricts its use in energy components that require high durability or long-term performance。
Medical Devices
In the medical field, PLA is used for creating prototypes of surgical instruments, medical models, and training aids due to its biocompatibility and non-toxicity. It can be easily machined to create functional prototypes for testing. However, its limited strength and low heat resistance make PLA unsuitable for implantable medical devices or parts that require high durability or exposure to harsh environments.
Robotics Parts
In robotics, PLA is used primarily for prototyping and creating structural components such as robotic arms, sensor mounts, and frames. PLA is ideal for quick iterations of parts, thanks to its easy machining on CNC machines. However, its low mechanical strength and brittleness make it unsuitable for high-performance or load-bearing parts in functional robotic systems.
Aerospace Parts
In aerospace, PLA is used for creating concept models, mock-ups, and prototype components during the initial stages of design. Its ease of CNC machining makes it ideal for aerodynamic testing and low-volume production. However, PLA is not suitable for functional aerospace parts due to its low strength, brittleness, and low heat resistance, which are critical in aerospace applications that require high durability and extreme conditions.
If you are looking for a rapid prototyping manufacturer or a CNC machine shop to fabricate small, medium-volume, or mass-production products, NOBLE is an ideal choice.Our well-trained and experienced staff manufactures parts in line with drawings on modern CNC machines, with the highest accuracy and processing quality in all sizes.In addition, we provide professional design considerations for your CNC machining projects.
Want to get the most professional and fastest service for your CNC machining project? Upload your CAD files now and obtain a quote!
