PLA Plus vs ABS for 3D printing
Choose PLA Plus for prototypes and concept models; choose ABS for enclosures and housings.
PLA Plus — starting price
$4.60 / part
Strong, ductile, cost-effective. Great for most prints.
Full PLA Plus guideSide by side
| Property | PLA Plus | ABS |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | High, but stiffer/more brittle than PETG | High, impact-resistant |
| Flexibility | Low | Slight |
| Heat resistance | Low (softens ~60 °C) | High |
| Outdoor / UV | Indoor use only | Poor (choose ASA) |
| Finish | Crisp detail — easy to sand and paint | Acetone-smoothable to a gloss |
| Density | 1.24 g/cm³ | 1.04 g/cm³ |
| Starting price | $4.60 / part | $10.00 / part |
Choose PLA Plus when…
- Prototypes and concept models
- Brackets, jigs, and everyday functional parts
- Toys, figurines, and display pieces
- Anything used indoors
Reach for something else for
- Parts left in a hot car or direct sun — PLA softens around 60 °C
- High-heat or heavy-load engineering parts (choose PETG, ABS, or PPA-CF)
Choose ABS when…
- Enclosures and housings
- Mechanical parts that get drilled or tapped
- Parts that need a smooth, glossy finish
- Moderate-heat environments
Reach for something else for
- Outdoor parts — ASA resists UV where ABS yellows and gets brittle
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