Polymaker HT-PLA Pro is a tough PLA filament for functional prototypes, housings, brackets, jigs and fixtures. It combines the familiar PLA printing workflow with improved impact strength and layer bonding compared with Polymaker HT-PLA. Choose Black or Grey, 1.75 mm, 1 kg.
Key benefits
- Around twice the notched impact strength of HT-PLA: 9.94 versus 4.94 kJ/m² in X–Y.
- Stronger layer bonding, with Z-axis tensile strength of 26.8 MPa.
- 3D printing speeds up to 300 mm/s with suitable hardware and settings.
- A standard brass nozzle is sufficient; no enclosure is required.
- Finished parts can be annealed to improve heat resistance under load.
HT-PLA Pro vs HT-PLA
Pro offers higher impact strength and improved strength between layers. This is useful for parts that are assembled, handled frequently or exposed to impacts. Compare it with Polymaker HT-PLA for your application.
| Property | HT-PLA Pro | HT-PLA |
|---|---|---|
| Notched Charpy, X–Y | 9.94 kJ/m² | 4.94 kJ/m² |
| Tensile strength, Z | 26.8 MPa | 20.8 MPa |
These are typical laboratory values. Part orientation, geometry, walls, infill and print settings affect the strength of the finished part.
Heat resistance: Vicat and HDT
A Vicat softening temperature of 148.3°C does not mean a loaded part can operate continuously at that temperature. For parts exposed to both heat and mechanical load, use HDT — the heat deflection temperature at a specified load — as the more relevant reference.
| Thermal property | As printed | After annealing |
|---|---|---|
| Vicat softening temperature | 148.3°C | 150.5°C |
| HDT at 0.45 MPa | 56.3°C | 107.6°C |
| HDT at 1.8 MPa | 53.8°C | 68.6°C |
Anneal at 100°C. Allow 30–60 minutes for walls under 4 mm, 1–2 hours at 6 mm, 2–4 hours at 8 mm and 3–6 hours at 10 mm. Use uniform heating, let the part cool inside the chamber and check its dimensions. Expected dimensional change is around 0.3–0.6%, so test a sample first for assemblies with tight tolerances.
3D printing settings
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Nozzle | 230°C; working range 210–230°C |
| Bed | 25–65°C |
| Build surface | PC or textured PEI |
| Speed | Up to 300 mm/s |
| Cooling fan | On |
| Enclosure | Not required |
| Direct-drive retraction | 1–3 mm at 20–40 mm/s |
| Drying if moisture is absorbed | 60°C for 6 hours |
Start with a proven PLA profile and a short temperature, flow and layer-bonding test. Match the speed to your hotend flow and required finish. At 230°C the surface is semi-gloss. Around 210°C it becomes more matte, but strength may decrease.
Suitable applications
HT-PLA Pro is a practical choice for functional prototypes, brackets, clips, housings and workshop fixtures. For parts near a heat source, check the actual load and temperature against HDT. UV resistance is similar to ordinary PLA; ASA may be a better choice for prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
Technical specifications and storage
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | PLA |
| Diameter | 1.75 mm |
| Net filament weight | 1 kg |
| Colours | Black and Grey |
| Density | 1.24 g/cm³ |
| Tensile strength, X–Y / Z | 37.6 / 26.8 MPa |
| Notched Charpy, X–Y | 9.94 kJ/m² |
Keep the spool in a sealed dry box with desiccant. If needed, dry at 60°C for 6 hours. Explore the other PLA filaments for 3D printing.