A 3D printed PLA object would degrade faster than an injection molded one. Because the layer lines provide much, much more surface area for bacterial infiltration.
I read a study about that specific thing once but I searched just now and can’t find it (from my phone). I’ll search again when I’m back at my PC later so I can give you a link but… That makes sense, right?
For plastics like PET and ABS microbial breakdown doesn’t occur but with PLA and PHA it does. The more surface area, the faster it can be broken down.
Whereas with ABS and PET, the more surface area, the faster it will turn into long-lasting microplastics.
A 3D printed PLA object would degrade faster than an injection molded one. Because the layer lines provide much, much more surface area for bacterial infiltration.
I read a study about that specific thing once but I searched just now and can’t find it (from my phone). I’ll search again when I’m back at my PC later so I can give you a link but… That makes sense, right?
For plastics like PET and ABS microbial breakdown doesn’t occur but with PLA and PHA it does. The more surface area, the faster it can be broken down.
Whereas with ABS and PET, the more surface area, the faster it will turn into long-lasting microplastics.