ABS and PLA filaments are the most popular materials for 3D printing. But one is stronger and more flexible while the other is more convenient to use and easier to print.
Do you agree that one of the vital parts of 3D printing is to know that you are using the right kind of material to do the job? When looking for the building material that you will be using, there are plenty of things that you have to consider like accuracy, flexibility, and strength so that it will properly and accurately print what you want.
While they may seem similar, they do have their respective differences. In this blog post, we will explore the two most commonly used filaments and which between them is better for 3D printing.
Contents
PLA vs ABS 3D Printing: What’s the Difference?
There are many materials that you can use for 3D printing. However, the most popular plastics are PLA and ABS. Since they are the two dominant materials among 3D printer users, ABS and PLA are often compared.
In fact, if you search the web, you will often encounter the words: “filament pla vs abs,” or “3d printer filament abs vs pla.” A number of people just like you wish to know which is better between the two.
The first thing that we will do is to define these materials to grasp a better understanding of them. Then we will examine its temperature, price and availability.
Furthermore, you can do this process over and over without losing the materials’ integrity. One of the key similarities between these two is the process they go through in the course of 3D printing.
But just like what was mentioned earlier, they do differ in some ways especially when it comes to their melting temperature, strength, and flexibility. Let’s take a closer look at each of these thermoplastics in the next sections.
What is ABS Filament?
Lego building blocks are made of this material. Many businesses and professionals prefer this printer material for the construction of car parts and musical instruments. This material is usually used for protective headgear, automotive trim, pipe systems, and toys.
Melting Point
ABS (acrylo butadiene styrene) is considered to be amorphous. Thus, it has no definite melting point. However, the standard temperature for printing is high at 230°C while the temperature for glass transition is at about 105°C.
Meanwhile, others suggest setting 3D printers at 210-240º C with a heated print bed at 80º C or more. Thus, you may need to experiment until you get the best result.
Printing Process and Performance
As mentioned, ABS filaments have the tendency to warp and must be printed in a heated bed. Since this feature is not readily available in most at-home 3D printers, newbies and hobbyists may find it difficult to print with ABS even if they love this material.
In addition, you need ventilation when using this thermoplastic because the fumes may be unpleasant. ABS’ fumes are considered more toxic than PLA.
However, under normal processing conditions, it is safe, but the fumes during the melting processing may cause eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation. Overexposure may cause nausea and headache.
These factors are what you have to consider if you are planning to use ABS thermoplastics. While it may not be preferable for hobbyists, they certainly make great 3D printing material for more professional end use applications.
Availability and Price
ABS filaments are readily available in online stores. You can check out several brands. You can also go through the forums so you can see which brand is most preferred and used by users.
Always bear in mind that the quality of your filament affects the quality of your output. Thus, make sure to only purchase the real deal.
Also, buying a poor quality thermoplastic might not serve its purpose. It will cost you more if you can’t use it as you need to purchase another one.
What is PLA Filament?
PLA (Polylactic acid or polylactide) thermoplastic is made from sugars in corn starch, cassava or sugar cane which are organic materials. Unlike ABS, the fumes from this plastic smell sweet and like candy.
When you use PLA, your final product tends to be shinier and smoother. It is generally more pleasing aesthetically.
PLA is one of the most popular bioplastics. This is usually used in plastic cups, disposable tableware, food packaging, and medical implants.
Melting Point
This material melts at a much lower temperature which is at 180°C to 220°C. It can be printed without a heated bed, but it is recommended that you run one at 60º C
Its temperature for glass transition temperature is at 60°C to 65°C. This is actually its downside as it limits the uses of this plastic.
Print Process and Performance
You will probably have a better 3D printing experience with PLA because it does not exude an unpleasant odor. In fact, since it is made from a sugar-based material, it smells sweet. It’s the complete opposite of what users hate about ABS.
Also, PLA is easier and more convenient to use. Unlike ABS, it lays on the print bed with little to no shrinkage. You will have more peace of mind and little fear that it will lift, warp or crack during printing.
Availability and Price
Usually, the price per kilogram of PLA Filaments is at $19USD. There are many brands of PLA thermoplastics in the market that are readily available. Thus, you have a lot of options to choose from.
Again, to check the performance of these brands, go to forums where you can read customer reviews before buying. This will help you greatly in deciding which brand has the best reputation.
PLA vs ABS Strength
There are times when the answer to this comparison “pla vs abs plastic” depends on the 3D printed object that you want to accomplish. PLA and ABS do not share the same strength and one of them is best used when you 3D print objects that will be subjected to wear and tear.
When it comes to strength, PLA filaments have greater tensile strength. But as for the elongation at break, you can expect these printing materials to have the same performance as the ABS filaments. The elongation at break is the measure of the object’s maximum length before breaking when it is being stretched.
This is one of the important reasons why many prefer to use ABS filaments over PLA filaments. ABS bounces back when dropped while PLA can be a bit brittle. Thus, PLA may chip or break.
To give you an overview of the differences between ABS and PLA, you can check the table below.
| Specifics | PLA | ABS |
| Print Bed | Optional | Mandatory |
| Print Bed Temperature | 20°C to 60°C | 80°C to 110°C |
| Printing Temperature | 180°C to 230°C | 210°C to 250°C |
| Enclosure | Optional | Recommended |
| Clogs Nozzle | Occasionally | Never |
| Fumes | Little/None | Intense/Bad |
| Strength | A little brittle | Impact resistance |
| Price | $19USD/kg. | $20USD/kg. |
ABS vs PLA Filament: Which Printing Materials Better?
Considering all of this information, we can clearly see the similarities between the two. Both need dry locations for storage, they have a close price and are both strong.
The two materials produce certain scents during printing because heating the materials produce fumes. It is the temperature of the printing process that affects the fumes’ intensity, not completely the material alone.
Like what we mentioned above, ABS needs ventilation because it smells like hot plastic while the PLA smells a bit sweet. The intensity of the scent they give off will also depend on the printer you are using.
These 3D printer materials also differ in many ways. ABS will provide you with 3D printed products that have greater structural integrity. They are also better when it comes to mechanical use because the material can tolerate harsh elements.
However, ABS material will require particular kinds of printers as well as surfaces for printing. On the other side, PLA is more precise and results in better quality and aesthetically pleasing 3D objects. PLA is also more flexible with 3D printing conditions and is easier to use.
If we take a look at these differences, we can say that PLA is great for hobbyists while ABS is better for those who are looking to produce parts that are commercial grade. Also, always consider the object that you are about to 3D print. If you need a strong and high quality material, ABS is better than PLA. But if you want an easier and smoother 3D printing experience, go for PLA.
Conclusion
ABS and PLA are the most commonly used materials for prototyping applications and end use parts. But, they offer different advantages when it comes to 3D printing. PLA is easier and convenient to use compared to ABS. It is also safer than its counterpart.
However, ABS is stronger and more flexible. You can print more things with ABS, but it is not as easy to handle. PLA is more user-friendly for beginners.
Have you used these 3D printer materials for your 3D printed projects? Which do you prefer between PLA and ABS? Do tell us what you think and what your experiences are with these materials.
If you have any comments or questions, do share them in the comment section and we’ll be sure to get back to you.
Also, if you wish to learn more about 3D printing and 3D printers, feel free to check out our homepage.
References:
www.3ders.org/pricecompare/
https://www.allthat3d.com/best-3d-printer/
https://www.allthat3d.com/3d-printing-benefits/
https://www.allthat3d.com/3d-printed-objects/
reprap.org/wiki/PLA
reprap.org/wiki/ABS
www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/abs-vs-pla-3d-printing-materials-comparison/
all3dp.com/pla-abs-3d-printer-filaments-compared/
ss.whiteclouds.com/blog/toxicity-abs-plastic-3d-printing
