PLA vs. ABS 3D Printing: What You Need to Know

PLA and ABS are the two most common filaments used in FDM 3D printing. Each has unique properties, making them suitable for different projects. This guide compares PLA and ABS to help you choose the right material for your needs.

What is PLA and ABS?

• PLA (Polylactic Acid): A biodegradable plastic derived from renewable sources like corn or sugarcane. It’s eco-friendly and widely used.
• ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): A petroleum-based plastic known for its strength and durability, but less environmentally friendly.

How They Are Different

For precision manufacturing beyond 3D printing, explore CNC milling.

What You Need to Print

For PLA:

• Basic 3D printer (e.g., Ender 3)
• No heated bed required (or low heat)
• Prints well in open environments
• Cooling fan recommended

For ABS:

• Advanced printer with a heated bed
• Enclosure to maintain temperature
• Good ventilation due to fumes
• Heated bed (80-110°C) to prevent warping

ABS is prone to warping, where prints curl or deform, while PLA is more stable and easier to print. For comparison, selecting the right tools is critical in processes like CNC metal milling.

How Strong Are They?

• PLA:
  • Stiff but brittle
  • Suitable for decorative items (e.g., models, figurines)
  • Weakens in heat (softens at 60°C)
• ABS:
  • Flexible and impact-resistant
  • Ideal for functional parts (e.g., tools, toys)
  • Handles higher temperatures (up to 100°C)

For heat-resistant applications, ABS is comparable to materials used in titanium CNC machining for its toughness.

Making Prints Look Nice

For PLA:

• Can be sanded or painted
• Acetone has no effect
• Limited to mechanical finishing

For ABS:

• Can be sanded or painted
• Acetone vapor smoothing creates a glossy, line-free finish
• Offers superior aesthetic results

Acetone smoothing is a major advantage for ABS, producing professional-grade surfaces.

Which One Costs More?

• PLA: $15-$25/kg, more affordable due to simpler printing requirements
• ABS: $20-$30/kg, higher cost due to advanced printer needs (heated bed, enclosure)

Hidden costs for ABS include ventilation systems and enclosures.

Which is Better for Earth?

• PLA:
  • Biodegradable in industrial composting facilities
  • Renewable plant-based source
  • Lower energy consumption during production
• ABS:
  • Non-biodegradable
  • Petroleum-based, higher environmental impact
  • More energy-intensive to produce

The Best Uses for Each

Use PLA for:

• Decorative items (e.g., figurines, art)
• Beginner projects
• Low-odor printing
• Indoor applications

Use ABS for:

• Functional parts (e.g., gears, tool handles)
• Heat-resistant components (e.g., car interiors)
• Outdoor or durable items
• Acetone-smoothed finishes

Real Facts from Tests

• Print Success Rate:
  • PLA: 95% first-time success
  • ABS: 70% due to warping risks
• Durability:
  • ABS parts in automotive applications last 2-3 times longer than PLA
• User Preferences:
  • 75% of beginners prefer PLA
  • 60% of experts choose ABS for functional parts

Special Printing Tips

For PLA:

• Hot End: 215°C
• Bed: 50°C (or unheated)
• Bed Adhesion: Blue painter’s tape
• Cooling Fan: 100%

For ABS:

• Hot End: 235°C
• Bed: 100°C
• Bed Adhesion: Glue stick or ABS slurry
• Cooling Fan: 0% or minimal
• Enclosure: Required to prevent warping

For advanced plastic manufacturing, consider CNC plastic cutting.

Best Printers for Each

Good for PLA:

• Creality Ender 3
• Prusa Mini
• Most entry-level printers

Good for ABS:

• Prusa i3 MK3S+ (supports enclosure)
• Ultimaker S5 (built-in enclosure)
• Qidi Tech X-Plus (built-in enclosure)

Questions People Ask

Thermal Stability Matters

The glass transition temperature determines when a plastic softens:

• PLA: 60°C (vulnerable in hot environments)
• ABS: 105°C (resilient in higher temperatures)

This makes ABS suitable for hot climates or automotive parts.

Acetone Smoothing Magic

ABS benefits from acetone vapor smoothing, which:

• Eliminates layer lines
• Creates a glossy finish
• Enhances aesthetic quality

PLA cannot be smoothed this way, limiting its finishing options.

What The Experts Say

Experts recommend:

• PLA for beginners and non-functional parts
• ABS for durable, heat-resistant components
• Start with PLA to learn, then progress to ABS for advanced projects

Final Thoughts

PLA and ABS are both excellent, but serve different purposes:

• Choose PLA for:
  • Beginner-friendly printing
  • Eco-friendly projects
  • Decorative or indoor items
  • Basic printers
• Choose ABS for:
  • Functional, durable parts
  • Heat-resistant applications
  • Professional finishes with acetone
  • Advanced printers with enclosures

Having both filaments allows flexibility for diverse projects. For ultra-precise or industrial applications, explore ABS CNC machining.