ABS vs PLA

Compare ABS and PLA filaments side-by-side so you can pick the right one for your 3D printing project.

ABS vs PLA: ABS is known for fast printing, while PLA is known for easiest to print. PLA is easier to print; ABS prints at higher nozzle temperatures (230-255°C vs 190-220°C). Choose ABS for fast printing, or PLA for easiest to print.

Key differences at a glance

Property
ABS
PLA
Nozzle temp
230-255°C
190-220°C
Bed temp
95-110°C
50-60°C
Enclosure needed
Recommended
No
Ease of printing
Moderate
Easy
Moisture sensitivity
moderate
moderate

ABS

C

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

Fast printing, acetone soluble (weld/vapor smooth), cheap, tough, decent heat resistance

PLA

A

Polylactic Acid

Easiest to print, cheap, widely available, fast, good bridges/overhangs, easy support removal

Detailed Comparison

Property
ABS
PLA
Tier Rating
Tier C
Tier A
Family
ABS
PLA
Nozzle Temp
230-255°C
190-220°C
Bed Temp
95-110°C
50-60°C
Enclosure
recommended
not needed
Cooling
Low cooling; avoid drafts
High part cooling usually beneficial
Moisture Sensitivity
moderate
moderate

Green marks the generally easier or more forgiving option in that row, based on tier, enclosure needs, and moisture sensitivity. It is not always the better choice for a specific job, so weigh it against what your project actually needs.

Strengths Comparison

ABS Strengths

  • Fast printing, acetone soluble (weld/vapor smooth), cheap, tough, decent heat resistance
  • Good impact toughness for the price

PLA Strengths

  • Easiest to print, cheap, widely available, fast, good bridges/overhangs, easy support removal
  • Stiff non-composite thermoplastic, good tensile strength

Considerations

ABS Caveats

  • Warps heavily
  • Strong fumes/off-gassing; enclosure plus ventilation recommended
  • Poor UV resistance; yellows and gets brittle outdoors (ASA is the better outdoor/UV choice)

PLA Caveats

  • Creeps under sustained load
  • Poor heat resistance, UV degradation, can shatter on drops
  • Not great for sanding/gluing/painting/touch-ups

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ABS and PLA?
ABS prints at 230-255°C nozzle / 95-110°C bed (Recommended enclosure, moderate moisture sensitivity). PLA prints at 190-220°C nozzle / 50-60°C bed (No enclosure, moderate moisture sensitivity).
Is ABS or PLA stronger?
Our dataset does not include comparable tensile strength values for both. Qualitatively, ABS is suited to fast printing, while PLA is suited to easiest to print.
Which prints at a higher temperature, ABS or PLA?
ABS prints at a higher temperature (230-255°C nozzle vs 190-220°C for PLA).
Is ABS or PLA better for beginners?
PLA is better for beginners: enclosure is no and moisture sensitivity is moderate, vs recommended enclosure and moderate moisture for ABS.
Should I use ABS or PLA for high-temperature parts?
For high-temperature parts, ABS is usually the better fit (Fast printing). Choose PLA instead when easiest to print.

Other Popular Comparisons

PLA vs PETGPETG vs ABSPLA vs Tough PLAABS vs ASAASA vs PETGPETG vs PCTG