Glass-filled Polypropylene vs PLA
Compare Glass-filled Polypropylene and PLA filaments side-by-side. See which one is best for your 3D printing project.
Glass-filled Polypropylene
BGFPP / PP-GF
Very tough, durable, all-weather, extremely lightweight
PLA
APolylactic Acid
Easiest to print, cheap, widely available, fast, good bridges/overhangs, easy support removal
Detailed Comparison
Property
Glass-filled Polypropylene
PLA
Tier Rating
Tier B
Tier A
Family
PP
PLA
Nozzle Temp
230-260°C
185-235°C
Bed Temp
80-100°C
50-60°C
Enclosure
required
not needed
Cooling
Low cooling
High part cooling usually beneficial
Moisture Sensitivity
low
moderate
Strengths Comparison
Glass-filled Polypropylene Strengths
- Very tough, durable, all-weather, extremely lightweight
- Industrial-relevant material properties
PLA Strengths
- Easiest to print, cheap, widely available, fast, good bridges/overhangs, easy support removal
- Stiff non-composite thermoplastic, good tensile strength
Considerations
Glass-filled Polypropylene Caveats
- Even harder to print than PP; peels/curls more aggressively
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
Is Glass-filled Polypropylene or PLA better for 3D printing?
PLA is generally rated higher (Tier A) compared to Glass-filled Polypropylene (Tier B). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: Glass-filled Polypropylene is best for Very tough, durable, all-weather, extremely lightweight, while PLA is best for Easiest to print, cheap, widely available, fast, good bridges/overhangs, easy support removal.
What are the temperature differences between Glass-filled Polypropylene and PLA?
Glass-filled Polypropylene prints at 230-260°C nozzle / 80-100°C bed. PLA prints at 185-235°C nozzle / 50-60°C bed.
Do Glass-filled Polypropylene and PLA need an enclosure?
Glass-filled Polypropylene: required. PLA: not needed.
Which is more beginner-friendly: Glass-filled Polypropylene or PLA?
PLA is more beginner-friendly as it doesn't require an enclosure.