Polylactic acid is also known as PLA. It is a prominent polymer designed from various renewable resources. Unlike other thermoplastics with petroleum, the raw materials utilized in the production of PLA are such as sugarcane and starch. Its properties are significantly comparable to a variety of plastic brands available on the market. These characteristics, coupled with the consumer demand to make great use of a material with little impact on the environment, have contributed to the intense growth of the material in the plastic market.

Today, PLA filament is a popular material commonly utilized in 3D printing. And of course, there are plenty of reasons appended to this fact. Not only does the material come in various shapes and styles, but it is also affordable. These features make it an ideal material for a broad range of several applications. So in this blog post, we shall have an extensive discussion about applications of PLA filament, its benefits, and the actual buying guide to follow as a prospect user.

Everything You Should Know About PLA Filament

If you are on the market search for brighter colors or just unique blends, then PLA filament could be precisely what you are looking for. The filament is easy-to-use. It is also aesthetically pleasing. In this buying guide, we shall provide you with insight regarding everything you should know about this material, including what to look for in the market. Thereafter, we shall discuss detailed features of the material and the manufacturing journey of the material.

If you aspire to go through the diverse segments of blends or jump into the expansive section regarding how this material compares to its ABS, then you can read our next series of PLA materials and its counterparts where we shall discuss various blends. Otherwise, let us delve into the apparent buying guidelines of this incredible printing material.

How PLA Is Made – PLA filament has several impeccable properties. It is not just bio-based but also biodegradable. To understand this feature, you need to comprehend the basics of biodegradable materials. A biodegradable material is exactly like a spell. It can meet the package requirements of a commodity without harming the environment. This is because the material does not break down into an organic matter. Biodegradable here is also used to imply that the compound is generated from biomass. Therefore, in the case of PLA filament, it means that the material goes through a significant transformation into natural material. Some of these materials are such as composite, as well as water.

PLA Filament Is Thermoplastic– thermoplastics are known for making up most of the filament types used in the process of fused deposition and modeling. Filament created from thermoplastic materials has often been used in creating several colors in 3D printing. When we say that PLA filament is thermoplastic, we imply that it is easily melted as well as reshaped without degrading its mechanical properties. As such, PLA filament is mechanically recyclable.

PLA Decomposes Slowly– PLA filament is made of lactic acid, and lactic acid is a crucial element in our lives. The muscle pains a person experiences, when they overwork, is just an ideal example of the role of lactic acid in life.  Other than that, you should know that any element with glucose can also quickly be transformed into lactic acid, with glucose generated directly from corn. 3D printers could be defined as corny.

Therefore, while the PLA plastic is known for its biodegradable nature, it only decomposes in the first three months, it is exposed to controlled composting conditions. This means it has to be sent to commercial compost facilities.

 Take-Home

There you have it from us when it comes to purchasing a PLA filament for your 3D printing needs. Whether it’s ABS or Nylon, they should be of exceptional quality. You also need to ensure that they are well stored because quality is a fundamental aspect to consider in the printing world.

If you’ve ever wondered how the LCD module works, then you are not alone. Millions of electronic users who use devices with a liquid crystal display don’t have an idea of what its function is or how it operates. But I can tell you it is not magic but pure science. So just in case you are one of them, here is how the LCD works.

How it Works

The technology behind liquid crystal display is not a new one, and it has been in existence since the advent of calculators, wristwatches, and large television sets. The only difference is that there has been a massive upgrade to the entire outlook of these displays. Before, it was common to find TVs with display units that produce a lot of heat, and this was mainly due to how the display picture was generated. Older models made use of cathode-ray tubes that light up once current passes through the filament.

But the latest models of TVs make use of flat screens without the need for large fluorescent tubes that make them weigh a lot less than the older models. The secret behind the clear pictures of LCD screens without the heat is how the light is blocked. The liquid crystal display comprises two substrates, also known as polarized glass. And in between these substrates is a liquid crystal material.

A backlight forms the light that moves through the first substrate, and simultaneously, as current passes through, the molecules of the liquid crystal bind together to allow different ranges of light to get through to the second substrate, which results in the images and colors that you see.

This video gives a vivid explanation.

In the case of TFT LCD

The secret behind how TFT LCD display works is with the help of an active matrix technology. The thin-film transistor places the tiny capacitors and conductors in a matrix on the display screen. To be able to produce a particular pixel, the appropriate row is turned on, and an electric charge passes down the specified column. Since the rest rows are off and idle, only the specified pixels receive the charge.

As you already know, there are three states of matter, solid, liquid, and gas. While it is impossible to change the molecules to a solid-state, the liquid molecules can be altered to move about. And this is why liquid molecules are easily affected by temperature. This is why you may find difficulties with your computer display when in extreme weather.

The native resolution present in LCD is what makes the monitors display their designed resolution, unlike in the case of cathode-ray tubes. All other features such as response rate, adjustability, and contrast ratio are all enhanced with LCD. When it comes to luminance or brightness, the rating range differs, and for monitors that perform a varying degree of tasks like the microwave and watches, a rating of 250 to 350 could get the job done. But for much higher ratings for more explicit pictures in the case of TVs and mobile phones that show picture quality in HD, you need a rating of 500 candelas per meter square cd/m2.

If you are familiar with the Chitu slicer, then you already know that it is an excellent tool for making humanized designs of all kinds. So whether you are looking to create a face, palm, head, gorilla face, babyface, or any drawings for your 3D renditions, you can be sure it can do all of it and more.

And just in case you don’t already know, there has been an upgrade to the older model. The upgraded version, which is the LD-002, promises to provide more useful features than its predecessor. So here are some of the upgrades you can expect from the new Chitu slicer.

Processes Multiple Files

One of the drawbacks of the earlier model was that it was unable to process multiple files at a time. But all that is a thing of the past now that the LD-002 Chitu slicer is available for purchase. It can handle both large formats of 2D and 3D work models at high speeds, providing you with a quick result when using the machine. Although the older model seemed like it worked at lightning speed, you cannot compare it to this one.

Generates Files Automatically

You get the freedom to program your files into the machine, while you go on a coffee or smoke break without worrying about the design. It can be time-consuming to make small parts on the older model.

You would have to handle the process manually. But all that is in the past with the latest model. You can automatically prompt 3D print build without having to sit in front of the machine for long hours.

Edit Files

The Chitu slicer can make edits to 3D files in a variety of formats. And again, you don’t need to spend long hours doing the edits like before. So whether you are looking to make edits such as hollowing out, infilling, cloning, mirroring, or scaling to improve the outcome, you can be sure to get it done with the new device.

Easy to Operate

The software is equally easy to use. A newbie can get used to it after a few practices. It is equally worth mentioning that you can watch previous edits made on the software. So learning with it is entirely possible, but you will need a bit of tutorial on how to use the interface.

There is a lot of Support

You also get all the help you need to get the best out of your designs. Firstly, there is the option to include support to your designs manually or automatically. So whether you are interested in rafts at the top, middle, or bottom, it is entirely possible.

In addition, the software also supports a variety of 3D formats, and these include obj, stl, wow, slc, chitubox, fhd, and many other content files that work with 3D formats.

So if you need an upgrade to your slicing software, you should think of getting the new Chitu slicer LD-002.

Chlorpheniramine Maleate is a medication that functions by inhibiting the production of certain substances (in this case, histamine) during the event of an allergic reaction. Histamine is a natural substance produced by the body as well as acetylcholine. By blocking these substances from being produced, chlorpheniramine maleate helps to dry up some body fluids, which results in relieving symptoms of allergic reactions to the likes of watery eyes and running nose. Chlorpheniramine maleate’s main component is chlorpheniramine, which is an antihistamine. In this article, we look at the uses and side effects of chlorpheniramine maleate.

The uses of chlorpheniramine maleate

The chlorpheniramine found in chlorpheniramine maleate is used to:

• Relieve symptoms like rashes
• Watery eyes
• Itchiness of the nose and other parts of the body
• Coughing
• Running nose and sneezing
• Common cold symptoms
• And hay fever symptoms as well

The medication comes in either liquid, capsule, or tablet form. Chlorpheniramine maleate can be acquired off the counter. However, some instructions come as part of the package that needs to be followed keenly. Further instructions and directions on usage can also be acquired from a pharmacist or a doctor during prescription.

Chlorpheniramine maleate should only be taken until the symptoms clear up and not longer. In most cases, a physician’s advice that the medication is taken for seven days. If the seven days lapse and the symptoms are yet to clear up, then you ought to seek advice from a doctor before continuing usage. In case you miss a dose when taking chlorpheniramine maleate, worry not about making up for the dosage as no dosing schedule is needed for this type of medication.

Important considerations

Before taking chlorpheniramine maleate, make sure that you do not suffer from conditions the likes of narrow-angle glaucoma, intestine or stomach blockages, asthma, or enlarged prostate as it may result in some undesirable side effects. Also, make sure that you are not allergic to the medication itself or its components.

Side Effects of chlorpheniramine maleate

Some of the side effects that may arise from using chlorpheniramine maleate include;

• Drowsiness
• Stomach upsets and or constipation
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Dryness of the throat, nose or mouth

While some of these side effects are normal and indicate the functionality of the medication, the persistence of the side effect may warrant a visit to the doctor. The less serious side effects like dryness of the mouth and throat can be relieved by sucking a sugarless bar of candy, ice chips, sugar-free gum, or only drinking a lot of water. A doctor may also help you determine if the symptoms are severe or not hence whether to stop using the medication or not.

Some of the severe side effects include;

• Mood changes
• Trouble urinating
• Irregular heartbeat
• Seizures

Bottom Line

Chlorpheniramine maleate can be bought from physical drug stores or online stores as well. Before determining where to purchase the medication, make sure to check on the reliability of the store, and ensure that the drugs sold in the store are not counterfeit. Before choosing to medicate yourself with chlorpheniramine maleate, make sure that the symptoms (of allergic reactions) that you are experiencing are severe and would otherwise not go away.

Teflon textile is prominent for finishing work just as a shield for clothes as well as other fabrics. The elements form a protective barrier around every fiber to repel water, stains, coupled with dirt. The fabric finisher usually applies invisible finishes that do not interfere with the weight of the fabric, color, breathability, and or look. Teflon wire has two main elements of finishing. In this article, we shall look at the fabric protector, which originates from PTFE materials.

Fabric protector– The fabric protector enhances the look and texture of materials by repelling water, stains, as well as oil. Whether it is upholstery, patio cushions, or just mere awnings, Teflon materials are strong enough to resist soil and spills. It also keeps fabrics looking new and sturdy while facilitating easier cleanup. The fabric protector is pumped with chemicals that can easily protect fabrics from harsh environmental conditions such as high heat temperatures.

PTFE, high quality is woven fiberglass membrane, is coated with polytetrafluoroethylene- making it an ideal material for designing tensile membrane structures.  PTFE is also a high- quality compound. It can resist harsh weather conditions, UV rays, and fire. It is also durable in that it can be used in the coating of various industrial materials on the market. Teflon coating is also known for creating a smooth surface on products. This allows the said fabric to successfully be washed by the rain, thereby decreasing the demand for cleaning the materials frequently.

The membrane of the Teflon protective material behaves like elastic under certain normal conditions. It neither creeps nor stresses the fabric. With a life expectancy of 25 years and above, this protector is perfect for sturdy textile materials. PTFE is also reflective. This makes it ideal for the shade structure. It can easily withstand high temperatures ranging between -80 and 200 degrees Celsius- making it a defining feature of PTFE. This can be achieved without transferring heat.

Over the years, testing has been done to establish the actual impact of PTFE materials as protective elements on various products. Results indicated that 70 percent of the solar energy was reflected coupled with a slightly lower absorption rate. There are different grades of PTFE materials. Most of the materials can absorb up to 16 percent of solar energy-this allows a 10 percent rate of transmission via the fabric. PTFE materials can also be spot-welded to create fabric strength and remove creases and splitting from fabrics. Considering its permeability, PTFE has numerous absorption properties. For that reason, the external noise may easily be isolated in order to meet the noise criterion of a variety of buildings.

In Closing

PTFE is easy to maintain. This quality makes it a viable material to use in designing various products in the textile industry. Its strength is admirable when it comes to designing durable products. Besides, the self-cleaning features of this material make it an ideal choice for industrial products. These features and more make Teflon elements the perfect solution for several problems surrounding the textile industry.

Digital light processing (DLP) sounds like a complex or magical concept that involves tons of enchanting features on a chip of a thumbnail. For most learners in the tech world, these elements are capable of moving a couple of times every second to form a digital image. Being a trademark in the formation of different products, digital light processing is also fondly referred to as smoke and mirrors. While it sounds complicated, digital light processing is a nanotechnology implementation of a technique that utilizes a DLP 3D printer to signal for assistance. The purpose of this technology is to shine a variety of controlled series of flashes in order to pass some message across a platform.

Brief Introduction To DLP 3D Printing

As you may now know, there are different 3D printing technologies in the tech world. Some utilize solid filaments, while others use resins. In fact, some may even use photopolymer resins, which are elements that cure under a source of light. These are known as vat polymerization. Let’s dive into the digital applications of vat polymerization, shall we?

Also known as an industrial 3D printing technology, vat polymerization is a technique used to build parts that cure the resin into a robust solid layer using some source of light.  The idea is usually to create a 3D structure. With that said, there are two major vat polymerization technologies in the 3D printing world:

1. SLA (stereolithography)
2. DLP (Digital Light Processing)

One interesting factor about the two is the fact that they are somewhat similar and different in extraordinary ways.

Keep reading through the next paragraphs to grasp more knowledge as we explain how the two work: you will also learn more about their differences.

How A DLP 3D Printer Works

One of the best ways to comprehend how a machine works is by learning its anatomy. Well, for this reason, we shall first highlight and then discuss components of a DLP 3D printer prior to explaining the entire printing process.

The primary features of a 3D printer include a light projector screen, vat resin tank, coupled with the elevator, which is also known as a structure used mainly for the printer’s build plate.

Let’s disintegrate the functionalities of these components, shall we?

1. The Light Projector– This is the light source of your 3D printing machine. It has a digital element made of millions of micromirrors often used to navigate the light beam that’s projected by the printer’s light projector.
2. Vat– This feature is the tank of the printer’s resin. Usually, to function appropriately, its bottom must be transparent. This ensures that the light projected to the object is channeled to the resin, which cures it.
3. The printer’s build platform-This component is the surface of the printer. Printer objects stick to it during printing. Surprisingly, it has a z-axis, which is often used to lift the build platform.

You’ll be surprised to learn that 3D printing technology can be used in different manufacturing industries. The jewelry sector is just one of them. This market segment requires absolute precision coupled with great details, which makes the DLP 3D printing technology an ideal tool for production.

 The Bottom Line

As you can see, the DLP 3D printing technology is an interesting subject undergoing several developments. Following its speed and accuracy, it primarily holds its promise of fostering mass production. Even so, the DLP 3D printing technology is unable to produce elements with great strength. This feature makes it a suitable device for manufacturing accurate yet beautiful parts that may not need a robust weight to function correctly.