Mildew on PLA printed parts?
Hey dudes,
I'm very confused right now. I've printed a "mouse bungee" for a friend of mine. I designed the body as a hollow cylinder, and poured concrete inside of it to make it heavy, so it wouldn't move when using the mouse. This is my second time pouring concrete into a print, after the first time was a success.
The concrete hardened, and the piece is indeed heavy, but it has these white spots on the outside:
It looks like mildew, but I can't be sure. I washed it off, and then it appears again. I thought that at some point it's going to stop, but it didn't. For the last 5 days I've been washing it off, sometimes with water, sometimes with alcohol and sometimes with dishwashing liquid, but it comes right back after a few hours.
Do you think it's indeed mildew? Any idea why that would happen? Any way to get rid of it without having it come back again?
Thanks for your help,
Ram Rachum.
Re: Mildew on PLA printed parts?
Maybe a small (really minute) bit of concrete seeped out between layers and stained it.
Neal
Re: Mildew on PLA printed parts?
I have no experience with this, I have just been thinking about it.
When concrete drys, it puts out a lot of water. PLA is biodegradable. If the PLA, in this constantly moist state starts to biodegrade, that would make a very nice environment for molds and mildews (food+water).
Once it drys thing should be better, but once you start a process like that, it tends to keep going.
At paint stores they sell small paint additives to prevent mold and mildew (e.g. if you are painting a bathroom or other humid room). Such an additive to the concrete should prevent this process from starting.
I am curious. While PLA is basically corn starch with some additives, which seems like it would be safe for the little guys to chew on (the gnaw on everything), I was wondering if you had done any research for filament that are chewing pet friendly.
Any advices given are offered in good faith. It is your responsibility to ensure that by following my advice you do not suffer or cause injury, damage or loss. If you solve your problem, please post the solution…
Re: Mildew on PLA printed parts?
When concrete drys, it puts out a lot of water. PLA is biodegradable. If the PLA, in this constantly moist state starts to biodegrade, that would make a very nice environment for molds and mildews (food+water).
Well I have had PLA printed plant holders inside a fish tank for over 6 months and a printed fish tank lid for about 8 months. No sign of any degradation. Only thing I have seen on the lid is white calcium deposits from the water as it dries.
Peter
Please note: I do not have any affiliation with Prusa Research. Any advices given are offered in good faith. It is your responsibility to ensure that by following my advice you do not suffer or cause injury, damage…
Re: Mildew on PLA printed parts?
Thanks for your input guys!
I was wondering if you had done any research for filament that are chewing pet friendly.
I have not, sorry.
Re: Mildew on PLA printed parts?
I am new to 3d printing, but I have some experience with concrete. I think it could be Efflorescence, which is a common problem when working with concrete. I think there are some products available at the hardware store, to remove it.
Re: Mildew on PLA printed parts?
Thank you Walter! I'll check it out.