PLA vs. PLA+: Differences and Comparisons
Learn about these two materials commonly used in 3D printing applications.
When deciding between PLA (polylactic acid) and PLA+ filaments, it can be difficult for you to discern which one is best for your project. While the two materials have many similarities, they also have three notable differences: mechanical properties, ease of printing, and cost.
PLA is the most commonly used filament in fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printers. It’s affordable, readily available, and easy to print. However, it lacks the mechanical strength for use under load-bearing conditions compared to PLA+. PLA+ is an augmented version of PLA. PLA+ contains additives and modifiers that enhance its strength and toughness, resulting in improved layer-to-layer adhesion compared to conventional PLA.
This article will dive deeper into the differences between PLA and PLA+, and present you with comparisons of the two materials to help you understand which material is best for your project.
PLA Definition and Comparison to PLA+
PLA is one of the most commonly used thermoplastics. Unlike other thermoplastics, which are typically petroleum-based, PLA is made from lactic monomers extracted from natural sources such as corn or sugarcane. Polylactic acid was first synthesized through polycondensation in 1845 by Théophile-Jules Pelouze. In 1932, Wallace Hume Carothers and his team synthesized PLA into a polymer material. Dupont later patented this process in 1954.
Since it’s derived from natural sources, PLA is eco-friendly and biodegradable. It exhibits characteristics similar to those of polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE). PLA can be used in 3D printers, injection molding machines, and extruders. PLA is preferred over PLA+ for general-purpose 3D printing because it’s easy to print, doesn’t require a heated build platform, and is highly affordable.
To learn more, see our article on What is PLA.
The parts in the image below were 3D printed by Xometry using our online 3D printing service in various colors of PLA:
What are the Advantages of PLA Compared to PLA+?
Listed below are some advantages of PLA vs. PLA+:
- It is inexpensive and readily available since PLA is the most commonly used filament for 3D printing.
- PLA is an environmentally friendly “bioplastic,” as it is derived from cornstarch and sugarcane.
- It is easy to print due to the low temperatures needed to extrude PLA, which eliminates the need for a heated build platform.
What are the Disadvantages of PLA Compared to PLA+?
Listed below are the disadvantages of PLA vs. PLA+:
- Its low impact strength makes PLA-printed parts unsuitable for applications requiring high mechanical strength for load-bearing purposes.
- The slower crystallization rate of PLA can lead to poor dimensional control. This is due to PLA’s short monomer length.
- PLA’s low melting point and poor thermal stability make PLA-printed parts unsuitable for high-temperature applications.
- PLA has a relatively high permeability to both liquids and gases, making it unsuitable for containment purposes.
PLA+ Definition and Comparison to PLA
PLA+ is derived from standard PLA (Polylactic Acid) and is produced by adding modifiers or additives during the polymer formulation or post-processing stages. Several types of PLA+ are available on the market, manufactured by different companies. The exact formulations used to create each PLA+ variant are proprietary and considered trade secrets, so there is no universally defined or standardized composition for PLA+.
PLA+ addresses some of the limitations associated with standard PLA. It typically exhibits enhanced tensile strength, ductility, and impact resistance, making it more suitable for applications requiring greater mechanical performance, including light load-bearing components. Additionally, PLA+ can withstand moderately higher temperatures than standard PLA, which allows for its use in warmer service conditions. However, it still lags behind materials like PETG or ABS in heat resistance. PLA+ printed parts also tend to exhibit a smoother surface finish and improved aesthetic quality compared to those made with standard PLA. This improvement is largely due to reduced surface porosity and better layer adhesion, which contribute to a more refined appearance.
What are the Advantages of PLA+ Compared to PLA?
Listed below are the advantages of PLA+ vs. PLA:
- Improved mechanical properties (flexibility, strength, ductility, etc.) make PLA+-printed parts suitable for functional use.
- The increased heat resistance of PLA+-printed parts makes them useful in high-temperature applications.
- Better print quality leads to PLA+-printed parts being more dimensionally accurate and aesthetically pleasing.
- Reduced creep and increased strength in cantilevered components with PLA+ due to increased heat resistance.
What are the Disadvantages of PLA+ Compared to PLA?
Listed below are the disadvantages of PLA+ vs. PLA:
- PLA+ is more expensive than standard PLA because it contains additives to enhance its mechanical properties.
- PLA+ is more difficult to print than standard PLA because it requires higher extrusion temperatures.
| Attribute | PLA | PLA+ |
|---|---|---|
Attribute High-resolution | PLA No | PLA+ Yes |
Attribute Dimensional accuracy | PLA +0.05 mm | PLA+ +0.03 mm |
Attribute Easy setup for printing | PLA Yes | PLA+ Yes |
Attribute Use for proof-of-concept | PLA Yes | PLA+ Yes |
Attribute Use for parts required in load-bearing applications | PLA No | PLA+ Yes |
Attribute Use in high-temperature environments | PLA No | PLA+ Yes (up to ~60-75°C) |
Attribute Environmentally friendly “bioplastic” | PLA Yes | PLA+ Partially; depends on additives |
Attribute Cost | PLA $15 to 20 | PLA+ $25 to 35 |
Although PLA and PLA+ share many similarities, they differ in mechanical performance and environmental friendliness, as PLA is derived from starch and sugar, whereas PLA+ contains additives. PLA is brittle and weak. PLA+ is stronger, more flexible, and more ductile. The use of additional fillers/additives makes PLA+ have greater heat resistance than standard PLA. PLA+ materials are used in high-temperature environments—so long as the temperature doesn’t exceed their glass-transition temperature of 130 °F.
PLA vs. PLA+: Applications Comparison
Both PLA and PLA+ are commonly used in applications such as non-colored food packaging (primarily for products with short shelf lives), biomedical devices, and textiles. However, these applications typically rely on standard, unmodified PLA, particularly in regulated industries where material certification is required. PLA+ extends the usability of PLA by offering improved mechanical and thermal performance. It is therefore suitable for additional applications, including automotive interior components such as trim pieces, door panels, and floor mats—particularly in low-stress, non-structural roles. Standard PLA is well-suited for low load-bearing applications and moderate temperature environments (generally below 50°C). In contrast, PLA+ can be used in similar applications where enhanced strength, impact resistance, or elevated heat tolerance (typically up to 60-75°C) is desired.
PLA vs. PLA+: Part Accuracy Comparison
PLA-printed parts tend to have lower dimensional accuracy compared to PLA+. When parts are printed via an FDM printer, they shrink as they cool. On average, standard PLA has a dimensional accuracy of ±0.05 mm, while PLA+ filaments have a dimensional accuracy of around ±0.03 mm.
PLA vs. PLA+: Speed Comparison
Standard PLA parts can be printed faster than PLA+ parts. Average print speeds using standard PLA filaments are around 40-100 mm/s, while print speeds for PLA+ average 40-80 mm/s.
PLA vs. PLA+: Surface Comparison
PLA-printed parts have a relatively rough surface texture due to the extrusion process used for printing. Smooth, shiny surfaces can only be achieved on PLA parts with post-processing. PLA+ printed parts tend to have smoother, glossier surfaces as-printed.
PLA vs. PLA+: Heat Resistance Comparison
Most PLA+ formulations have better heat resistance than PLA. This is because PLA+ usually contains additives that allow it to maintain its mechanical properties at higher temperatures than standard PLA. However, not every PLA+ material will have better heat resistance than PLA. Some PLA+ materials have equivalent heat resistance to standard PLA.
PLA vs. PLA+: Biodegradability Comparison
PLA has a higher degree of biodegradability than PLA+, as PLA is derived from plant materials such as cornstarch and sugarcane. PLA+ is also biodegradable to a certain extent. However, because of the additives used to make PLA+, it may not be as environmentally friendly as standard PLA. It is recommended to check the material data sheet of the PLA+ grade you’d like to purchase, particularly if biodegradability is a critical consideration.
PLA vs. PLA+: Toxicity Comparison
Though PLA+ contains additives not used in standard PLA, PLA+ is not toxic. This is because the additives used in PLA+ are non-toxic elastomers such as TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). Toxicity levels are then approximately the same between PLA and PLA+.
PLA vs. PLA+: Cost Comparison
PLA+ tends to be more expensive than standard PLA due to the addition of special-purpose modifiers in PLA+. Standard PLA costs about $15 to 20 per kg of filament. PLA+, on the other hand, starts at $25 per kg and can be as much as $35 per kg.
Frequently Asked Questions About PLA vs. PLA+
What are the Mutual Alternatives to PLA and PLA+?
Mutual alternatives to both PLA and PLA+ includes:
- PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol)
- ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
PETG and ABS are plastics that are often used in FDM printers. Their material properties are similar to those of PLA and PLA+. Both PETG and ABS have about the same mechanical strength as PLA+. Additionally, they are relatively easy to print and can be used for functional parts.
What are the Similarities Between PLA and PLA+?
Similarities between PLA and PLA+ include:
- Both are easy to print compared to other FDM filament types.
- Both are great for proof-of-concept prototypes.
- Both are relatively cheap compared to other FDM filaments.
- Both exhibit minimal shrinkage after printing compared to other filaments.
What are the Other Comparisons for PLA Besides PLA+?
Listed below is another comparison for PLA besides PLA+:
- PLA vs. PE: PE is an alternative to PLA, which has comparable thermal and mechanical properties. However, PE is a bit stronger and more flexible. Like PLA, PE can be used for food packaging as long as there are no harmful additives present. Additionally, both materials are inexpensive compared to other filaments.
What are the Other Comparisons for PLA+ Besides PLA?
Listed below is another comparison for PLA+ besides PLA:
- PLA+ vs. Nylon: Nylon is an alternative to PLA+ with similar mechanical properties. Like PLA+, nylon is durable, flexible, and resistant to high temperatures. Additionally, it can be used for functional prototypes similarly to PLA+.
Summary
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