Three-Dimensional Prototyping with PLA for the Electrical Sector: Perspectives and Challenges in Material Development

Additive manufacturing with polylactic acid (PLA) presents significant potential for the electrical sector, especially in rapid prototyping and customized component fabrication. While PLA is valued for its biodegradability and ease of processing, its limited thermal stability and poor electrical con...

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Main Authors: Diana Aline Gomes, Luís Fernando Cusioli, Daniel Mantovani, Angelo Marcelo Tusset, Silvio Miguel Parmegiani Marcucci, Giane Gonçalves Lenzi, Antonio Benjamim Mapossa, Rosângela Bergamasco
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Energies
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/11/2844
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author Diana Aline Gomes
Luís Fernando Cusioli
Daniel Mantovani
Angelo Marcelo Tusset
Silvio Miguel Parmegiani Marcucci
Giane Gonçalves Lenzi
Antonio Benjamim Mapossa
Rosângela Bergamasco
author_facet Diana Aline Gomes
Luís Fernando Cusioli
Daniel Mantovani
Angelo Marcelo Tusset
Silvio Miguel Parmegiani Marcucci
Giane Gonçalves Lenzi
Antonio Benjamim Mapossa
Rosângela Bergamasco
author_sort Diana Aline Gomes
collection DOAJ
description Additive manufacturing with polylactic acid (PLA) presents significant potential for the electrical sector, especially in rapid prototyping and customized component fabrication. While PLA is valued for its biodegradability and ease of processing, its limited thermal stability and poor electrical conductivity restrict its use in high-performance applications. This study investigates the enhancement of PLA through the incorporation of conductive and thermally resistant fillers, aiming to expand its functional properties. Advances in multimaterial and 4D printing are also explored as strategies to increase the applicability of PLA in the production of sensors, flexible circuits, and tailored electrical devices. The findings support PLA’s potential as a sustainable, high-value material for next-generation electrical manufacturing.
format Article
id doaj-art-db6391dcb1d7403aa33dc82f86083539
institution Kabale University
issn 1996-1073
language English
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series Energies
spelling doaj-art-db6391dcb1d7403aa33dc82f860835392025-08-20T03:46:38ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732025-05-011811284410.3390/en18112844Three-Dimensional Prototyping with PLA for the Electrical Sector: Perspectives and Challenges in Material DevelopmentDiana Aline Gomes0Luís Fernando Cusioli1Daniel Mantovani2Angelo Marcelo Tusset3Silvio Miguel Parmegiani Marcucci4Giane Gonçalves Lenzi5Antonio Benjamim Mapossa6Rosângela Bergamasco7Department of Chemical Engineering, State University of Maringá, Maringá 87020-900, Paraná, BrazilDepartment of Chemical Engineering, State University of Maringá, Maringá 87020-900, Paraná, BrazilPost-Graduate Program in Production Engineering (PPGEP), Federal University of Technology (UTFPR), Ponta Grossa 84017-220, Paraná, BrazilPost-Graduate Program in Production Engineering (PPGEP), Federal University of Technology (UTFPR), Ponta Grossa 84017-220, Paraná, BrazilPost-Graduate Program in Production Engineering (PPGEP), Federal University of Technology (UTFPR), Ponta Grossa 84017-220, Paraná, BrazilPost-Graduate Program in Production Engineering (PPGEP), Federal University of Technology (UTFPR), Ponta Grossa 84017-220, Paraná, BrazilDepartment of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calagary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calagary, AB T2N 1N4, CanadaDepartment of Chemical Engineering, State University of Maringá, Maringá 87020-900, Paraná, BrazilAdditive manufacturing with polylactic acid (PLA) presents significant potential for the electrical sector, especially in rapid prototyping and customized component fabrication. While PLA is valued for its biodegradability and ease of processing, its limited thermal stability and poor electrical conductivity restrict its use in high-performance applications. This study investigates the enhancement of PLA through the incorporation of conductive and thermally resistant fillers, aiming to expand its functional properties. Advances in multimaterial and 4D printing are also explored as strategies to increase the applicability of PLA in the production of sensors, flexible circuits, and tailored electrical devices. The findings support PLA’s potential as a sustainable, high-value material for next-generation electrical manufacturing.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/11/2844additive manufacturingpolylactic acidreinforced composites3D printingsustainability
spellingShingle Diana Aline Gomes
Luís Fernando Cusioli
Daniel Mantovani
Angelo Marcelo Tusset
Silvio Miguel Parmegiani Marcucci
Giane Gonçalves Lenzi
Antonio Benjamim Mapossa
Rosângela Bergamasco
Three-Dimensional Prototyping with PLA for the Electrical Sector: Perspectives and Challenges in Material Development
Energies
additive manufacturing
polylactic acid
reinforced composites
3D printing
sustainability
title Three-Dimensional Prototyping with PLA for the Electrical Sector: Perspectives and Challenges in Material Development
title_full Three-Dimensional Prototyping with PLA for the Electrical Sector: Perspectives and Challenges in Material Development
title_fullStr Three-Dimensional Prototyping with PLA for the Electrical Sector: Perspectives and Challenges in Material Development
title_full_unstemmed Three-Dimensional Prototyping with PLA for the Electrical Sector: Perspectives and Challenges in Material Development
title_short Three-Dimensional Prototyping with PLA for the Electrical Sector: Perspectives and Challenges in Material Development
title_sort three dimensional prototyping with pla for the electrical sector perspectives and challenges in material development
topic additive manufacturing
polylactic acid
reinforced composites
3D printing
sustainability
url https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/11/2844
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