PLA vs. PLA+: A Complete Guide to 3D Printing

One of the key factors in your 3D printing journey is choosing the material that best suits your application. It determines not just the appearance of your model but also its strength and even ease of printability.

The two most common materials you will hear about are PLA and PLA+, even found in some of the best 3D printing setups. They may seem similar, but they have different behaviors based on the type of project you're working on.

In this guide, we are going to dive into PLA and PLA+ on a side-by-side comparison and tell you when you should choose one over the other. We will also find out if there are better alternatives available and even materials that work in a resin 3D printer setup for detailed prints.

What is PLA?

PLA, or Polylactic Acid, is the biodegradable plastic derived from renewable plant resources such as corn starch or sugarcane. It is among the most user-friendly and environmentally friendly choices in FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) printing.

Key Features

• Easy to Print: PLA is easily printed as it melts between 180-220 degrees Celsius. It doesn’t require a heated bed and is easily compatible with most 3D printers.
• Low Warping: PLA is loved for its low warping capabilities as it rarely curls or warps during the print process.
• Biodegradable: PLA is more sustainable than plastic-made products as it is created from natural products.

Common Uses

• Prototypes
• Decorative items
• Educational models
• Toys and miniatures

Limitations

• Brittle: PLA has low flexibility, meaning that it is prone to snapping instead of bending under pressure.
• Low Heat Resistance: PLA is not meant for use in car parts or kitchenware as they tend to soften over 60 degrees Celsius.

What is PLA Plus?

PLA Plus or PLA Pro are acronyms for PLA+, an enhanced version of standard PLA. It includes added materials, such as TPU and ABS, to improve print quality and strength of durability. It is still based on plant materials like PLA, but in many ways, it works more like industrial plastics.

Key Features

• Stronger and Tougher: Compared to standard PLA, PLA+ parts can undergo greater stress and pressure.
• Improved Surface Finish: Prints come out smoother, less brittle, and easier to work with.
• Better Layer Bonding: Compared to standard PLA, PLA+ provides better adhesion between the individual layers, hence making the prints solid and reducing the chances of cracks occurring in the prints.

Printing Notes

• Uses a higher temperature range of 200 to 230 °C.
• More costly than standard PLA.
• Requires fine-tuning of print settings.

Common Uses

• Mechanical parts
• Tools and brackets
• Wearables
• Smartphone holders and mounts

PLA vs. PLA Plus: Comparison, Pros and Cons

Here is a simple comparison table for easy understanding of the pros and cons to get the perfect one for your project.

Feature	PLA	PLA+
Ease of Printing	Very Easy	Easy
Strength	Moderate	High
Flexibility	Low	Moderate
Heat Resistance	Low	Better than PLA
Layer Adhesion	Good	Excellent
Surface Finish	Glossy	Matte/Smoother
Biodegradable	Yes	Yes
Cost	Lower	Slightly Higher
Best For	Beginners, simple prints	Functional and tough parts

 

This table shows the most relevant differences between the two in the day-to-day 3D printing experience. 

PLA is more accessible and affordable, and the ideal solution for uncomplicated prints, but PLA+ has better durability and delivers more precise external finish quality for functional prints.

Your choice depends on the requirements of your project, its complexity, and how the final part will be used.

When Should You Use PLA or PLA Plus?

Having a solid understanding of when to use each material will result in more efficient workflows and better outcomes.

Choose PLA if

• You are new to 3D printing and need a material that is easier to work with.
• The project does not require extreme strength, like a figurine or a desk organizer.
• You are doing bulk printing and want to minimize the material cost.
• You are teaching or learning in an educational environment.

Choose PLA Plus if

• The project involves the design of components that are prone to more wear and tear.
• You want to achieve improved surface quality and aesthetics.
• Spending extra on filament doesn’t bother you if it leads to better quality output.
• Your design includes delicate, tiny features that are susceptible to breakage with standard PLA.

Are There Better Alternatives to PLA and PLA Plus?

Definitely. Other materials can be used depending on the requirements of your project.

Popular FDM Alternatives

• ABS: Stronger and more heat resistant than PLA. Difficult to print because of warping and fumes.
• PETG: Offers a combination of strength and flexibility. Easier to print than ABS but stronger than PLA.
• TPU: Used for flexible parts that need to stretch or bend.

These options are great for printing functional items such as enclosures, brackets, or other moving parts, though they may be somewhat difficult for beginners.

When to Consider Resin Printing

For ultra-detailed features, you may want to switch from an FDM printer to a resin printer. These printers utilize UV resin, which cures when exposed to light, allowing for the creation of highly accurate models.

There are multiple types of resins available:

• ABS Like Resin: Provides the strength of ABS but in a resin form.
• Heat Resistant Resin: Excellent for components subjected to high temperatures.
• Durable Resin: Outperforms as a material that is wear-resistant and resilient to stress compared to standard resins.

Resin printing is often used in:

• Jewelry design
• Dental models
• Figurines and miniatures
• Prototyping with fine details

Analogy Substitution in Resin Printing

Consider resin 3D printing as addressing the shortcomings of PLA and PLA+. A custom UV resin can fill the gaps where PLA is too brittle and PLA+ is lacking in heat resistance.

For instance, if a small but durable gear is required, one could use a reinforced PLA+, or a better option would be to use a stress-resistant, durable resin.

Hence, in functional designs, interchanging these materials as per requirements is akin to precision work.

Conclusion

When deciding between PLA and PLA+, it all comes down to the project. For beginners, general-purpose models, and low-stress items, PLA is a perfect choice.

While for more advanced projects, PLA + offers an additional smoother surface, enhanced strength, and added flexibility with tougher designs.

If you're looking for more specific performance, other FDM materials such as PETG or ABS may be more suitable.

And if you care more about details or unique properties, it may be the right decision to change to a resin 3D printer and use uv resin, abs like resin, or heat-resistant resin.

 

Related articles: