Materials we manufacture / PLA
PLA Glow
Filament guide.
WJ PLA Glow contains a phosphorescent pigment that absorbs light from sunlight or a UV/bright light source and releases it gradually as a visible glow in darkness. The pigment loading raises density and is mildly abrasive, so a hardened nozzle is recommended for long-term use.
WJ-TDS-PLAGLOW-001 · Rev V1.0 · Issued 2026-08-01
- Nozzle temperature
- 200 – 230 °C
- Bed temperature
- 35 – 45 °C
- Printing speed
- 50 – 150 mm/s
- Enclosed chamber
- Not required
Technical data sheet
Overview & applications.
WJ PLA Glow contains a phosphorescent pigment that absorbs light from sunlight or a UV/bright light source and releases it gradually as a visible glow in darkness. The pigment loading raises density and is mildly abrasive, so a hardened nozzle is recommended for long-term use.
Typical applications
night lights and signage, safety markers, toys and novelty items, and any print meant to glow after the lights go out.
Product specifications
| Parameter | Unit | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Filament diameter | mm | 1.75 |
| Diameter tolerance | mm | ± 0.02 |
| Net filament weight | kg | 1 |
| Spool material | · | ABS spool, Ø 200 × 65 mm, hub Ø 55 mm, 4 locating holes |
| Spool size (Ø × H) | mm | Ø 200 × 65 mm |
| Colour range | · | Stock colours as listed on the product page; RAL / Pantone matching and custom colour development on request |
Technical data sheet
Recommended printing parameters.
Use the grade-specific ranges as a starting point and tune settings for your printer and part geometry.
| Parameter | Unit | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Drying before printing | °C / h | 50 °C for 8 h |
| Printing and storage humidity | · | Dry storage; sealed with desiccant |
| Nozzle size | mm | at least 0.4 |
| Nozzle type | · | Hardened steel (recommended – abrasive pigment) |
| Nozzle temperature | °C | 200 – 230 |
| Build plate type | · | Cool Plate, Engineering Plate or Textured PEI |
| Bed surface preparation | · | Clean; no adhesive typically needed |
| Bed temperature | °C | 35 – 45 |
| Part cooling fan | · | High (80 – 100 %) |
| Printing speed | mm/s | 50 – 150 |
| Enclosed chamber | · | Not required |
| Chamber temperature | °C | Ambient |
| Retraction length / speed | mm / mm/s | 0.4 – 0.8 mm / 20 – 40 mm/s |
| Max overhang angle | ° | ~ 50 |
| Max bridging length | mm | ~ 25 |
This technical data sheet provides typical reference values for material comparison and selection only. It is not an independent third-party test report and does not constitute a product specification, warranty or guarantee of performance. Test methods and specimen conditions are stated in the corresponding sections. The user must verify suitability for the intended application.
Technical data sheet
Material properties.
Typical values from the original TDS. Preserve the test method and specimen orientation when comparing materials.
Physical & thermal properties
| Property | Test method | Unit | Typical value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | ISO 1183 | g/cm³ | ~ 1.35 |
| Melt flow rate (MFR) | 210 °C, 2.16 kg | g/10 min | ~ 7 ± 1 |
| Melting temperature | DSC | °C | ~ 155 |
| Glass transition temperature | DSC | °C | ~ 58 |
| Vicat softening temperature | ISO 306 | °C | ~ 58 |
| Heat deflection temperature | ISO 75, 0.45 MPa | °C | ~ 52 |
| Heat deflection temperature | ISO 75, 1.8 MPa | °C | ~ 46 |
| Saturated water absorption | 25 °C, 55 % RH | % | ~ 0.5 |
Mechanical properties
| Property | Test method | Unit | Typical value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young's modulus (X·Y) | ISO 527 / GB/T 1040 | MPa | ~ 2400 ± 160 |
| Young's modulus (Z) | ISO 527 / GB/T 1040 | MPa | ~ 2100 ± 160 |
| Tensile strength (X·Y) | ISO 527 / GB/T 1040 | MPa | ~ 40 ± 4 |
| Tensile strength (Z) | ISO 527 / GB/T 1040 | MPa | ~ 34 ± 4 |
| Elongation at break (X·Y) | ISO 527 / GB/T 1040 | % | ~ 4 |
| Elongation at break (Z) | ISO 527 / GB/T 1040 | % | ~ 2 |
| Flexural modulus | ISO 178 / GB/T 9341 | MPa | ~ 2450 ± 150 |
| Flexural strength | ISO 178 / GB/T 9341 | MPa | ~ 65 ± 5 |
| Impact strength, notched | ISO 179 / GB/T 1043 | kJ/m² | ~ 2.5 |
| Impact strength, unnotched | ISO 179 / GB/T 1043 | kJ/m² | ~ 8 |
Chemical & physical characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Composition | Polylactic acid (PLA) with phosphorescent (strontium aluminate) pigment |
| Odour | Mild, faintly sweet odour when printing |
| Skin hazard | No hazard in solid filament form |
| Chemical stability | Stable under normal storage and handling |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water |
| UV and weathering resistance | Poor for the PLA base; the glow pigment itself is UV-charged |
| Acid resistance | Limited resistance |
| Alkali resistance | Limited resistance |
| Organic solvent resistance | Softened or dissolved by some solvents |
| Oil and grease resistance | Limited resistance |
| Flammability | Flammable |
| Combustion products | Carbon oxides |
N/A values remain as reported. Material-family compatibility statements require application-specific validation.
Technical data sheet
Data source & test conditions.
| Parameter | Unit | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle temperature | °C | 215 |
| Bed temperature | °C | 40 |
| Printing speed | mm/s | 100 |
| Infill density | % | 100 |
| Layer height | mm | 0.2 |
| Specimen conditioning / annealing | °C / h | 23 °C / 50 % RH for 24 h (ISO 291) |
| Topic | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Typical, not minimum | The property tables describe specimens printed exactly as stated in Section 5. They describe the material, not a machined or moulded part. |
| Orientation matters | Values marked X·Y apply to specimens printed flat on the build plate. Z values are measured on parts printed standing up and are typically lower than X·Y. Design for the direction that carries the load. |
| Batch variation | Values carry a ± range where extrusion, pigment and ambient humidity vary between batches; colour masterbatch can shift impact strength noticeably. Where no deviation is given, the value is a single representative test. |
| Not a certificate | This sheet is not an inspection certificate, a Declaration of Conformity, or a certificate of analysis. Batch-specific CoA, RoHS / REACH declarations and safety data sheets are issued separately on request. |
Technical data sheet
Storage, handling & safety.
| Topic | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Storage before use | Sealed bag, 15 – 25 °C, below 50 % RH, away from direct sunlight and UV, away from ignition sources. Shelf life 24 months. |
| Storage after opening | Reseal with the supplied desiccant. In humid climates print within 4 weeks of opening; the spool can be re-dried at 45 – 55 °C for 4 – 6 h. |
| Symptoms of moisture | Bubbling or popping sounds at the nozzle, rough surface, stringing, weak layer bonding, inconsistent extrusion. Dry the spool before changing settings. |
| Handling | PLA filament is brittle when overloaded. Keep the spool on its holder and avoid sharp bends at the extruder inlet, especially on direct-drive toolheads. |
| Ventilation | Printing releases trace lactide vapour with a faintly sweet odour. Print in a ventilated area and avoid breathing the fumes directly. Not for use in enclosed occupied spaces without extraction. |
| Fire and disposal | PLA is a combustible solid. Keep away from open flame and hot surfaces above 250 °C. Spool, bag and carton are recyclable; offcuts can go to industrial composting per EN 13432. |
| Personal protection | No special protection required for normal use. Wear gloves when handling hot parts and safety glasses when cutting filament. |
Technical data sheet
OEM & ordering.
| Topic | Ordering information |
|---|---|
| Standard spool | 1.00 kg net, Ø 200 mm, 68 mm hub bore, 4 locating holes. 0.25 / 0.50 / 3.00 kg spools on request. |
| Standard diameter | 1.75 mm (2.85 mm on request). Tolerance per Section 2. |
| Export carton | 10 rolls per carton, 5-ply corrugated. Carton net 10.0 kg, gross approx. 13.1 kg. Neutral print as standard. |
| Colour range | Stock colours as listed in Section 2. Custom colours matched to RAL, Pantone or a physical sample, subject to a minimum batch quantity. |
| OEM services | Spool label, shrink film print, spool material and colour, carton artwork and user manual. Artwork setup and MOQ are quoted per project. |
| Order confirmation | Every order is confirmed by a proforma invoice stating grade, colour, diameter, quantity, unit price, Incoterms and lead time. |
| Shipping and quality documents | Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin and batch certificate of analysis as standard. RoHS / REACH declaration and safety data sheet on request. |
Confirm current commercial terms with WJ for your project.
Data disclosure
Disclaimer & data status.
The data in this document are typical values obtained from tests on standard specimens produced under the conditions described in Section 5. They are provided for material comparison and selection only and do not constitute a specification, warranty or guarantee of performance. Properties of an actual printed part depend on printer hardware, slicing parameters, part geometry, build orientation, ambient conditions and post-processing. WJ reserves the right to amend this document without notice. The buyer is responsible for verifying that the material is suitable for the intended application, including any regulatory or food-contact requirement.
Typical reference values / no third-party report
This technical data sheet provides typical reference values for material comparison and selection only. It is not an independent third-party test report and does not constitute a product specification, warranty or guarantee of performance. Test methods and specimen conditions are stated in the corresponding sections. The user must verify suitability for the intended application.
PDF disclosure addendum A1 · 2026-08-01. Numerical properties and processing ranges are unchanged.
Technical data sheet
Original TDS & revision.
| Rev | Date | Description | Approved |
|---|---|---|---|
| V1.0 | 2026-08-01 | First issue of PLA Glow technical data sheet. | QC / WJ |
Document WJ-TDS-PLAGLOW-001. This TDS is not a batch certificate of analysis or conformity.
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