🧩 PLA+Luminy – Polylactic Acid (Luminy® Total Corbion)
(Bio-based biodegradable material derived from renewable plant resources. Luminy® PLA, produced by Total Corbion PLA (Netherlands), offers mechanical strength comparable to ABS, high gloss, and excellent dimensional stability.)
🔹 What is PLA+Luminy
PLA (Polylactic Acid) in its Luminy® version is a molecularly refined bio-aliphatic polyester. At ReplastMD, we treat it as a high-purity commercial PLA, preferred for eco-design and visible high-quality parts. It combines high hardness with superior visual gloss and industrial compostability. It is the gold standard for sustainable interior accents and precise functional prototypes.
🔧 Composition & Properties
- Polymer Base: Polylactic Acid (PLA).
- Source: Sugar cane / Corn (renewable resources).
- Density: 1.23 – 1.26 g/cm³.
- Melting Point: 150 – 170 °C.
- Operating Range: –20 °C to +55 °C (softens > 60 °C).
- Chemical Resistance: Moderate (alcohols, mild detergents).
🚗 Where PLA+Luminy is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Interior Decorative Trim | Glossy covers, plates, inserts | Premium appearance, bio-eco-friendly |
| Light Rigid Parts | Sensor housings, protectors | Precision and dimensional stability |
| Bio Films & Sheets | Glossy sheets, aesthetic finishes | Compostable, smooth |
| Design Prototypes | Eco-testing and design models | High resolution, technical gloss |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Optimal Temp | Observations |
| Hot Air | ⚠️ 110 – 130 °C | Possible, but risk of cracking if cooled fast |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | ✅ 120 – 130 °C | Smooth, clear bonding |
| Manual Extrusion | ⚠️ 130 – 150 °C | Possible, requires flow control |
| Chemical Bonding | ✅ Recommended | Polyester or cyanacrylate adhesives |
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation: PLA+Luminy can be welded at 120 °C with hot air, but it is highly sensitive to thermal shock. For aesthetic repairs or prototypes, epoxy or bio-based two-component bonding is often preferred over direct welding.
🧠 How to Identify PLA+Luminy
- Glossy, hard, smooth surface.
- Color: Milky white, transparent, or translucent colored.
- ReplastMD practical test: Rigid but brittle under sudden bending; softens quickly at ~60 °C without visible smoke.
- Common markings: >PLA<, >LUMINY<, >TOTAL CORBION<, >BIOPLA<.