PLA filament has been on the rise for years. It is easy to print, but it certainly has disadvantages. Many refer to ABS, where 3D printing started. What is actually the difference and what are the advantages and disadvantages of both? Filamentz tells more!
What is PLA filament?
PLA stands for Polyactic Acid. It is a product made from organic products and is now one of the most used 3D printer filaments worldwide. It has a naturally glossy appearance and is mainly used for prototypes and models with a high degree of detail. It cannot withstand impact very well and PLA must fail quickly, especially at higher temperatures. It is not considered a technical filament and can be processed by almost any 3D printer.
| Advantages of PLA filament | Disadvantages of PLA filament |
| Can be printed at a wider range of temperatures | Deformed at about 60 degrees Celsius |
| Printing details is possible | Fairly brittle material |
| Takes less energy to 3D print | Relatively expensive per kilogram of material |
| A huge variety of colors and blends are available | |
| Besides the added substances, it is an environmentally friendly material | |
| No harmful substances during printing process |
What is ABS filament?
ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. It is a thermoplastic and unlike PLA, it does not come from organic sources, but is made from petroleum. ABS is seen as a material that is more suitable for engineering applications and can better withstand impact, for example. It has good resistance to chemicals and can better withstand vibrations and other loads.
| Advantages of ABS filament | Disadvantages of ABS filament |
| Commonly used hard plastic | Adhesion to print surface is more difficult to keep flat |
| Only deforms at approximately 100 degrees Celsius | Details are difficult to 3D print due to the use of the cooling fan |
| Takes less energy to 3D print | Supply is decreasing every year, PLA and PETG are taking over |
| To be used for end products | Harmful substances during 3D printing, closed printer is recommended |
What is the difference between PLA and ABS filament?
The biggest difference between PLA and ABS filament is that PLA filament is much easier to 3D print. PLA is made to be processed on almost any 3D printer, over a wide range of temperatures without being very dependent on the environment. PLA filament is slightly more expensive, cannot withstand high temperatures as well and will be somewhat more brittle than ABS filament. ABS filament, on the other hand, is more difficult to 3D print. It is sensitive to ambient temperature and is best 3D printed in a closed 3D printer, something that not everyone has available. It gives off a nasty odor and the substances it releases are also considered harmful. Furthermore, ABS filament is not suitable for printing fine details and with large objects it can be difficult to find the perfect bond between the printing layers and on the printing surface.
Should I use ABS or PLA filament?
We at Filamentz almost always recommend starting with 3D printing of PLA filament. It is a bit more forgiving, can be printed over a wider temperature range and is better for printing both functional models and details. If a product transitions from a prototype to a final product with the certain requirements, it can always be decided to switch to ABS filament , so that all requirements and wishes are met.