Researchers have made a breakthrough indeed in discovering a way to make PLA 3D printing filament more affordably, and even lending a greener spin to its image. As findings are released and the new processes find their way into the chemicals industry, 3D printing enthusiasts should be relieved at the eventual notion of spending less for PLA. Challenged by the expensive processes involved in making the thermoplastic, researchers are making use of the mineral zeolite as a catalyst for speeding up of the process, rendering some of the previous steps in the process obsolete. Read more about the process in the full article: http://3dprint.com/79209/pla-filament-cheaper-greener/


Below is a close-up look at zeolite: