Optical properties and lampshade design applications of PLA 3D printing materials

Abstract

The optical properties of PLA 3D printing materials and their influencing factors were considered relative to the manufacture of personalized 3D printing PLA lampshades. Rectangular PLA 3D printing specimens were designed, and their light transmittance and haze were analyzed in terms of color, layer height, and wall thickness using UV spectrophotometer. Using the preferred molding parameters for 3D printing of PLA lampshade, three lampshades were designed and completed via 3D printing model fabrication. The results revealed that the milky white specimen had stronger light scattering and better luminous uniformity than the colorless specimen, making it more suitable for the manufacturing of 3D printing lampshades. Among the 3D printing molding parameters, the effect of layer height on the light transmittance and haze of the specimen was not significant. Considering the factors such as time and cost, a 0.3 mm layer height was selected as the preferred molding parameter. The effect of wall thickness on the light transmittance and haze of the specimen was significant. As the wall thickness of the specimen increased, the light transmittance of the specimen decreased, and the haze increased. Considering the factors such as optical performance, time, and cost, a 0.8 mm wall thickness was selected as the preferred molding parameter.