PLA vs ABS

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

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

Key differences at a glance

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

PLA

A

Polylactic Acid

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

ABS

C

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

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

Detailed Comparison

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

PLA Strengths

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

ABS Strengths

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

Considerations

PLA Caveats

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

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)

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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