The Difference Between PLA vs PLA+ Filaments for 3D Printing

The world of 3D printing filaments keeps expanding with new materials like flexible TPU and tough nylons. But when it comes to 3D printing, PLA remains one of the most popular go-to materials, especially for beginners.

PLA (polylactic acid) is loved for being easy to print, producing decent quality prints, and coming in a wide range of colors. It’s also praised for its low warping and limited fumes.

In recent years, an upgraded version of PLA filament called PLA+ has emerged. As the name suggests, PLA+ aims to improve on the properties of standard PLA. But what exactly are the differences between these two filaments? Is PLA+ worth the extra cost over regular PLA?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare PLA and PLA+ across the most important factors. Read on to find out which one is better suited for your next 3D printing project.

Key Differences Between PLA vs PLA+

While PLA and PLA+ are very similar, there are some notable ways in which PLA+ claims advantages:

• Higher temperature resistance – PLA+ can better withstand higher temps before deforming.
• Increased tensile strength – PLA+ is stronger and less likely to break under force.
• Reduced warping – PLA+ is less prone to warping and detaching from the print bed.
• Superior bridging – PLA+ can create sturdier bridges and overhangs.
• Higher impact resistance – PLA+ withstands sudden forces and shocks better.
• Better layer adhesion – PLA+ bonds layers together more tightly for sturdier prints.

So in summary, PLA+ aims to deliver better mechanical properties while retaining the ease-of-use of PLA. But how does this play out in real-world 3D printing? Let’s take a closer look…

Printing Temperature

PLA is known for printing at lower temperatures between 180°C to 220°C. This makes it easy to print even on basic 3D printers without heated beds.

PLA+ allows printing at slightly higher temperatures, typically around 210°C to 230°C. This gives it better thermal properties in terms of handling higher temperatures without deforming.

Many 3D printers these days can easily reach the higher PLA+ temps. And printing at higher temperatures also boosts the layer adhesion and strength.

Part Strength & Durability

Strength and durability are two of the biggest advantages of PLA+ over regular PLA.

The addition of impact modifiers and other compounds in PLA+ makes it stronger compared to unmodified PLA. PLA+ has higher tensile strength, so printed parts are less likely to break when pulled apart.

PLA+ also has superior toughness and impact resistance. Printed parts can withstand more sudden forces and shocks without cracking or shattering.

The thermal resistance of PLA+ also gives better strength retention if parts are exposed to higher temps. Automotive parts like dashboards and car interiors are situations where PLA+ would maintain its durability better than PLA.

So for functional prints that need more resilience, PLA+ is the way to go.

Bridging and Overhangs

Bridging in 3D printing refers to spans printed in open air without support material. Overhangs are similar – they protrude out past supported areas.

PLA+ is able to create better bridges and overhangs than PLA. The enhanced thermal properties let PLA+ filament stay hotter and flow easier through these tricky areas.

PLA+ also offers superior layer adhesion, so bridges and overhangs have better interlayer bonding for increased strength. The flexibility of PLA+ also allows some deformation to hold shape.

So if your print has a lot of bridging or overhangs, PLA+ can handle them more reliably than PLA. You’ll get less drooping and sagging.

Warping

PLA is already known for minimal warping compared to more finicky materials like ABS. But PLA+ takes this a step further.

The additives in PLA+ help it maintain its shape during printing and cooling better than standard PLA. Less warping also means parts adhere to the print bed better and won’t lift at the edges mid-print.

This makes PLA+ an excellent choice if your design has overhangs and bridges that benefit from the lowest warping possible.

Ease of Printing

A major appeal of PLA is beginner-friendliness. Compared to “expert” filaments like PETG and nylon, PLA prints smoothly with minimal adjustments. PLA+ retains this easy printing nature.

Like PLA, PLA+ sticks well to common print surfaces like glass and PEI with minimal extra adhesion methods needed. It flows easily through the nozzle at moderate temps.

Cooling requirements are similar to PLA – you’ll get good results from moderate fan speeds. No excess cooling or hotend tweaks are required.

For hassle-free printing with less failed prints, PLA+ behaves very much like standard PLA. The usual slicer profiles and printer settings deliver great prints.

Range of Colors & Finishes

PLA 3D printing filament comes in just about any color imaginable from bright neon shades to glittery translucent hues. PLA+ may not yet match this incredible variety, but the color selection keeps expanding.

Common colors like black, white, gray, red, blue, green, and yellow are widely available from major PLA+ brands. Specialty finishes like silk, gloss, luminescent, and metallic are also options.

And color compatibility with PLA means you can use leftover PLA and PLA+ on the same print. Just be mindful of the different temperature needs.

The range isn’t as vast as standard PLA yet, but you can likely find a PLA+ filament in your desired color.

Price

With its performance enhancements, it’s no surprise that PLA+ comes at a higher price than regular PLA. Expect to pay around 20-60% more for PLA+ filament.

For example, basic PLA may cost around $20 per kg, while PLA+ from the same brand is closer to $28-30. More advanced PLA+ blends are upwards of $35 per kg.

So if you’re new to 3D printing or on a tight budget, standard PLA remains the most cost-effective choice. Use PLA+ for prints where the added benefits warrant the extra expense.

Which is Better for Your Needs?

Now that we’ve compared the pros and cons, should you choose PLA or PLA+ for your next project? Here are some guidelines:

• For visual prototypes, non-functional prints, or display pieces, standard PLA works great. No need to spend extra on PLA+.
• If you need high strength, toughness, or heat resistance, opt for PLA+ instead.
• Choose PLA+ for complex prints with bridges, overhangs, and minimal warping.
• For large or very long prints, PLA+ gives better interlayer bonding and sturdiness.
• Beginners will find either PLA or PLA+ easy to print, but PLA may be more forgiving.
• If using exotic filament colors not offered in PLA+, stick with regular PLA.
• When cost is the priority, economical PLA can’t be beat. Use PLA+ only if the benefits warrant the price premium for your application.

So consider the needs of your specific model and application. In many cases, PLA+ is the superior material. But for more casual printing, don’t overlook the value of trusty PLA.

Whichever you choose, understanding the differences allows picking the right filament for every print. Both have a role in any 3D print enthusiast’s filament stash.