While recently trying to apply my limited chemistry knowledge to work out which solvents will dissolve ABS (and failing miserably) I came across the handy table shown below. It depicts which solvents will effect a range of thermoplastics and is otherwise self explanatory. I can only assume that “No effect” means that its safe to store the solvent in a container made of that particular plastic.
PLA is not shown but its fair to assume it would be highly susceptible to most of the solvents listed, but again, I’m no chemist.
Now if only it was practical to use PTFE filament feedstock, then I could one day print my own chemistry set!
Just a word of warning, most of the solvents on the list above are highly volatile, flammable and toxic. So please read the relevant MSDS before handling any solvent!
The original pdf file can be found here.
Hi, I was trying to find info on PLA. Did you find any information on solvents in the mean time? If I do, I’ll report back to you. I’ve been asking in various places
Hi Erik
A quick google suggests that PLA is soluble in Dichloromethane, (source) which I believe is found in some common pain strippers. So that could be a starting point worth trying.
I would be interested to hear how you go!