Overview
PLA-LW is a lightweight PLA filament developed by eSUN, designed especially for cosplay applications. Using active foaming technology, it enables lightweight, low-density prints with superior surface finish and excellent interlayer bonding. Compared to ordinary PLA, one roll of ePLA-LW is equivalent to 2.2 rolls, thanks to its foaming expansion.

Product Features

• Ultra-low density, down to 0.54 g/cm³

• Foaming volume ratio up to 220% (1 roll ≈ 2.2 rolls of normal PLA)

• Adjustable strength and foaming ratio by printing temperature

• Excellent matte, delicate surface finish with reduced layer visibility

• Strong interlayer bonding, resistant to explosion, easy to repair

• Easy to paint, strong paint adhesion

• Excellent printability, large models do not warp, no heated chamber required

Product Parameters

Unfoamed filament performance (test standards applied):

• Melt Flow Index: 8.1 g/10min (190℃/2.16kg)

• Density: 1.2 g/cm³

• IZOD Impact Strength: 8.58 kJ/㎡

• Tensile Strength: 32.2 MPa

• Elongation at Break: 68.9%

• Flexural Strength: 41.31 MPa

• Flexural Modulus: 1701 MPa

Printing Guidelines

• Recommended Printing Temperature: 190–270℃

• Unfoamed Printing: 190–210℃

• Foaming Printing: 210–270℃

• Maximum Foaming Temperature: 270℃

• Maximum Foaming Rate (270℃): 122%

• Lowest Extrusion Rate (270℃): 45%

• Bed Temperature: 45–60℃ / or no heating (masking tape, glue, glass, carbon fiber, PEI)

• Printing Speed: 40–80 mm/s

Temperature vs. Foaming Ratio

Temperature (℃)Foaming Rate (%)Volume Ratio (%)Extrusion Rate (%)Density (g/cm³)20001001001.2021001001001.2022011111901.0823033133750.9024082182550.66250100200500.60260122222450.54270122222450.5428082182550.66

(Test conditions: nozzle 190–280℃, bed 45℃, layer height 0.2mm, speed 40 mm/s)

Precautions

1. First layer speed and extrusion must match actual foaming rate (e.g., at 270℃ use 45% extrusion).

2. Printers with PTFE (Teflon) tubes should avoid long-term printing above 250℃ to prevent clogging. Use all-metal hotends for >250℃.

3. High-temperature foaming may cause yellowing; lowering temperature reduces this.

4. Retraction is ineffective due to continuous foaming, stringing is normal. Use vase mode for RC planes.

5. Foaming ratio depends on temperature, speed, and nozzle size. Adjust extrusion rate and design wall thickness accordingly.