PLA becomes brittle when exposed to moisture, heat, ultraviolet light or long-term storage stress. Keep it sealed, cool, dry and use older spools first.
Storage rules
- Sealed container.
- Desiccant.
- Cool dark location.
- FIFO stock rotation.
Evidence of degradation
Compare bending, surface and layer strength with a new spool. Very old PLA may remain brittle after drying.
Prevention
- Avoid hot cars.
- Do not leave spools open.
- Record lot and opening date.
| Factor | Effect | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture | Brittle/foaming | Seal |
| Heat | Aging | Cool storage |
| UV | Degradation | Dark |
| Time | Brittle | FIFO |
Common engineering mistakes
- Leaving spools open.
- Storing near windows.
- Ignoring age.
- Comparing by touch.
- Mixing old and new.
Buyer checklist
- Is storage sealed?
- Is temperature stable?
- Is the spool old?
- Was a reference print made?
- Is FIFO used?
Ask about storage and packaging through our quote form.