PLA vs PVA Filament: Which One is Best for Water-Soluble Support Material

3D printing continues to be a game-changer in various industries, from rapid prototyping and tooling to producing art and fashion objects. However, the printing process can sometimes require a support material to hold up your design, especially for complex geometries. And while there are many filaments to choose from, PLA and PVA remain popular options for water-soluble support material. In this post, we will analyze the pros and cons of each and determine which one is the best fit for your 3D printing projects.

PVA Filament

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a synthetic polymer that dissolves in water, making it an ideal support material for 3D printing. Since PVA is water-soluble, it eliminates the need to scrape or sand off the support material after printing, making it an environmentally friendly option. However, PVA filament is more expensive than traditional support materials like ABS and can only be used with certain types of printers. Here are the pros and cons of PVA filament as support material:

Pros

• Dissolves in cold or warm water within a few hours
• Leaves no residue, making it excellent for detailed prints
• Can be used with PLA and other eco-friendly filaments
• Suitable for printing complex and intricate models

Cons

• Higher cost compared to other support materials
• Prone to moisture damage, which affects the quality of prints
• Can clog the nozzle if not used for a long time
• Requires a printer with a dual extruder system

PLA Filament

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable, plant-based filament that is used in a wide range of 3D printing applications. Whilst not soluble in water, it can be printed alongside PVA material as its water-soluble support filament. PLA is a safe material to print with since it is derived from sustainable sources like corn starch, and it's easy to work with, even for beginners. Here are the pros and cons of PLA filament as support material:

Pros

• Low cost and readily available
• Safe to print since it's plant-based and non-toxic
• Easy to print with even for beginners
• Exudes less odor than other filaments

Cons

• Difficult to remove support material, as it has to be peeled or cut off after printing
• Not ideal for intricate designs since it needs to be sanded and filed manually
• Can be brittle and break easily if exposed to excessive heat or light
• Limited to printing with PLA material only

Conclusion

Now that we've analyzed both filaments let's summarize it in the table below:

PLA filament is an excellent option to print most models, especially if you're on a budget. However, suppose support material plays a critical role in your model's complexity, detail, or aesthetic, and you don't mind spending more. In that case, PVA filament is your best choice for water-soluble support material.

Ultimately, the choice of filament will depend on your 3D printing needs and budget. However, no matter which filament you decide to use, always follow best printing practices, and work in a well-ventilated environment.

References

1. Mostefa Mouri, "3D Printing Materials: What They Are & How They Work", All3DP.com, May 25, 2020.
2. "PVA 3D Printer Filament", MatterHackers.com, Retrieved August 10, 2021.
3. "PLA 3D Printer Filament", MatterHackers.com, Retrieved August 10, 2021.