PLA vs ABS
How PLA and ABS compare, from typical settings across every filament we list.
Short answer
Choose PLA unless your parts need to cope with heat. PLA is far easier to print and needs no enclosure; ABS is tougher and stays rigid to around 95–100 °C, but it warps on open printers and needs good ventilation.
- PLA is easier to print and stiffer; ABS is tougher, more heat resistant, better outdoors and more flexible.
- ABS typically prints about 35 °C hotter at the nozzle.
- ABS typically prints about 40 °C hotter on the bed.
- ABS is less dense, so a 1 kg spool holds about 65 m more 1.75 mm filament.
- There are 880 PLA filaments in 8,714 colours, and 151 ABS filaments in 1,021 colours.
At a glance
Our rating, out of 5| PLA | ABS | |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | Easier to print | |
| Toughness | Tougher | |
| Stiffness | Stiffer | |
| Heat resistance | More heat resistant | |
| Outdoor and UV | Better outdoors | |
| Flexibility | More flexible | |
| Setup | No enclosure or special setup needed | Needs an enclosure, Needs ventilation |
| PLA | ABS | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Polylactic acid | Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene |
| Filaments listed | 880 | 151 |
| Brands | 145 | 72 |
| Colours | 8,714 | 1,021 |
| Nozzle temperature | 190–230 °C | 230–260 °C |
| Bed temperature | 50–70 °C | 90–110 °C |
| Density | 1.24 g/cm³ | 1.04 g/cm³ |
| Length of 1 kg (1.75 mm) | about 335 m | about 400 m |
| Max drying temperature | 55 °C | 80 °C |
Temperatures are medians across each material's filaments, rounded to 5 °C. Always check the maker's settings for a specific filament.
Brands that make both
69 brands make both PLA and ABS; these have the most of each.
PLA vs ABS questions
Is ABS stronger than PLA?
ABS is tougher and much more heat resistant; PLA is stiffer but brittle. For parts that take knocks or get warm, ABS lasts far longer.
Can I print ABS without an enclosure?
Is ABS safe to print at home?
Only with good ventilation. ABS gives off styrene and fine particles while printing, so print in a separate, ventilated room or use an enclosure with filtration. PLA gives off far less.
Which is better for car parts?
ABS, or better still ASA for parts in direct sun. PLA softens at around 55–60 °C and will warp inside a hot car.
Is there something between PLA and ABS?
Yes: PETG. It is tougher and more heat resistant than PLA but prints without an enclosure. See PETG vs ABS.