High Impact PLA

VO3D is an easy-to-print, high impact PLA filament based on patented nanotechnology. It has been developed by US scientists with the support of professional and hobbyist printers.

This filament has been independently tested and demonstrated to be up to four times tougher than standard PLA from leading brands. This analysis was conducted using Notched Izod Impact Strength testing (ASTM D256).

VO3D PLA filaments are manufactured in the US to the highest quality standards and currently come in eight colors.

Patented Nanotechnology

VO3D PLA filaments use a unique blend of additives to enable these exceptional impact properties without affecting printing performance.

The additives are compatible with PLA, meaning printing is as consistent and smooth as standard PLA.

When VO3D printed parts experience an impact, the additives de-bond from the PLA. This debonding disperses the energy of the impact, helping to prevent material failure.

These images were produced at the VO3D labs in Wisconsin using a Scanning Electron Microscope and show standard PLA vs VO3D PLA with the toughening additives clearly visible.

Polylactic Acid (PLA)

PLA is a bio-based polymer derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugar cane, meaning it doesn’t rely on fossil fuels for production. Today, PLA is the most widely-used 3D printer filament polymer as it is easy-to-print even with a basic set-up, as it doesn’t need high extrusion temperatures, heated beds, or ventilated enclosures.

VO3D printing filaments combine a PLA grade that has been specially developed for 3d printing with our additive nanotechnology. This unique combination gives VO3D filaments high impact strength and a range of high-quality processing benefits, including the ability to anneal printed parts at 80˚C – 130˚C to promote crystallization. This crystallization improves mechanical properties further and increases the heat distortion temperature of the printed parts to around 80˚C.