Member since September 2, 2024
From:Adelaid, CA
So, you have a 3D printer, and here you are in front of a couple of spools of 3D printing filaments, thinking which one to insert into that wonder. PLA? ABS? It is somewhat like having to decide between cake and pie – both are good but in different occasions. The decision is not always clear, but come on, that’s the beauty of 3D printing, isn’t it? Now let’s look at the details of what makes PLA and ABS different—because, believe me, the differences are important.
Okay, let’s begin with PLA. PLA, or Polylactic Acid if you fancy it, is the most popular among many, especially those who are just starting. And why? Well, for one, it’s made from stuff like cornstarch Well, for one, it’s made from stuff like cornstarch. Yes, you read it here, corn! It is the type of material that gives you an impression that you are making the world a better place even if you are printing a funny calendar. PLA is biodegradable, which is awesome, but come on, it is not going to become compost on your backyard tomorrow.
PLA is crafted through the fermentation of starch from crops like corn or sugarcane. And no, that doesn’t mean your print will smell like popcorn—though wouldn’t that be a fun feature? The result is this eco-friendly plastic that can technically break down in industrial composting facilities. I say "technically" because, well, it needs just the right conditions—kind of like how you technically could cook a pizza on your car’s dashboard if you lived in a desert.
So, why is PLA such a big deal? For starters, it’s really easy to work with. I’m talking low printing temperatures, minimal warping, and—get this—you don’t even need a heated bed. It's like the training wheels of 3D printing filaments. But, let’s be honest, PLA has its drawbacks too. It's strong, but not tough, if you know what I mean. Drop a PLA print, and it’s more likely to snap than bounce. So, while it’s great for models and prototypes, I wouldn’t trust it to hold up your shelf of antique teacups.
Now, onto ABS—Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. Rolls right off the tongue, doesn’t it? ABS is like the beefier, tougher sibling of PLA. It’s what LEGO bricks are made of, so if that doesn’t scream durability, I don’t know what does. This stuff is petroleum-based, which, okay, might not win any green awards, but if you need something that can take a beating, ABS is your go-to.
ABS is a result of polymerizing three different monomers—acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. Yeah, it sounds like a mouthful, and it kind of is, but the bottom line is that this process gives you a tough, impact-resistant plastic. It’s the kind of material you want when you’re printing something that’s going to see some action, like a phone case or even a prototype part for an engineering project.
Let’s talk about what ABS can do for you. It’s durable, flexible, and can handle higher temperatures than PLA. Need a part that won’t melt in your car on a hot day? ABS has got your back. But here’s the rub—printing with ABS can be a bit of a headache. It likes to warp, especially on larger prints, so you’ll need a heated bed and maybe even an enclosed print space to keep things from going sideways. It’s like a high-maintenance friend who’s worth the effort because they always come through in a pinch.
First of all, what these filaments are made of. PLA is the granola eating, compost loving material that is derived from renewable resources such as corn. ABS, on the other hand, is more of the diesel truck of filaments, it is rugged and made from petroleum. That’s not a bad thing, necessarily, but it does mean ABS isn’t going to biodegrade anytime soon. It is a bit closer to the “it will last forever” type of material.
If you’re the type who brings your own bags to the grocery store, you’re probably leaning towards PLA. It’s biodegradable, which sounds awesome, but remember, it needs industrial composting conditions to break down. ABS? Not so much on the biodegradability front, but it is recyclable. Although, finding the right facility can be a bit of a treasure hunt.
That is where the fun begins. PLA is the same kind of friend who is always ready for anything – low temp printing, no need for a heated bed, and little to no issues. It is almost like you can print it in your sleep. ABS, though, it is the one who needs everything in its rightful place. You have to set the temperature, use a heated bed and possibly an enclosure to avoid warping of the printed parts. It is like comparing a cake made from a box mix and a soufflé, both are good but the latter is a lot harder to prepare.
When it comes to strength, PLA and ABS are like night and day. PLA is strong but brittle. Think of it like a dry twig—it’s sturdy until it snaps. ABS, however, is the sturdy oak—tough, flexible, and able to take a beating. If you need a part that’s going to survive being tossed around, ABS is your guy. PLA is great for looks, but if it’s going to see some rough handling, ABS might be the safer bet.
PLA is perfect for projects where ease of use and aesthetics are key. Printing a model, a figurine, or something decorative? PLA will do the job beautifully. It’s also a great choice for those just getting their feet wet in 3D printing. Plus, it’s the more eco-friendly option, which is a nice bonus if you’re trying to keep your carbon footprint in check.
ABS is for the heavy-duty stuff. Need a part that’s going to endure some stress, heat, or impact? ABS is what you want. It’s used in everything from car parts to protective gear, so you know it’s tough. But be ready to deal with the quirks—like warping and the need for proper ventilation. ABS doesn’t play around.
Generally speaking, PLA is a bit easier on the wallet. You’re looking at around $20 to $40 per kilogram, depending on the brand and any special qualities (like glow-in-the-dark or extra strength). It’s accessible and doesn’t require a ton of extra gear, which keeps costs down overall.
ABS might cost you a bit more, sometimes running between $25 to $45 per kilogram. And don’t forget, you’ll need that heated bed and maybe even an enclosure if you’re printing something big. So, while the filament itself isn’t prohibitively expensive, the accessories can add up if you’re not already set up.
One of the great things about PLA is that it’s relatively safe to print with. It doesn’t give off any nasty fumes, which means you can use it in less-ventilated spaces without worrying about your lungs. It’s kind of like the fresh air of filaments—nice and clean.
ABS, on the other hand, can be a bit of a stinker—literally. It gives off fumes that can be harmful if you’re not careful, particularly styrene, which isn’t something you want to breathe in too much. So, if you’re using ABS, make sure you’ve got good ventilation or, better yet, an enclosed printer with proper filtration.
PLA is decent when it comes to post-processing. You can sand it, paint it, and even glue it without too much trouble. But if you’re thinking of smoothing it out with acetone vapor, think again—PLA doesn’t react to acetone the way ABS does.
ABS is the king of post-processing. Sanding, painting, gluing—it all works beautifully. And if you’re into that glossy, smooth finish, you can give your print an acetone vapor bath and it’ll come out looking like it was injection-molded. Just be careful with those fumes!
PLA tends to produce prints with a smooth, shiny surface. It’s great for making things that look polished right off the printer. The downside? If you’re aiming for a more matte or textured look, you might need to do some extra work.
ABS, by contrast, usually gives you a matte finish, which can be nice for more functional parts. However, you might see some layer lines, especially if you’re printing something tall or large. But hey, that’s what post-processing is for, right?
PLA is pretty gentle on your printer. It doesn’t require extreme temperatures, and it won’t wear down your nozzle too quickly. But there’s a catch—if you leave it in the hot end for too long without printing, it can crystallize and clog things up. Annoying, but not the end of the world.
ABS, on the other hand, is a bit rougher on your equipment. The higher temperatures can take a toll, especially on your nozzle. If you’re printing with ABS regularly, you might want to invest in a hardened steel nozzle to keep things running smoothly.
PLA prints fast. Since it’s not as prone to warping, you can crank up the speed without worrying too much about things going awry. Perfect for those quick-turnaround projects or when you’re just too impatient to wait.
ABS, on the other hand, likes to take its time. If you rush it, you’re more likely to run into warping and layer adhesion issues. It’s like slow-cooking a roast—it might take longer, but the results can be worth the wait.
PLA doesn’t love heat. Leave a PLA print in your car on a hot day, and you might come back to a melted mess. Its glass transition temperature is around 60°C, which is fine for most indoor uses but not ideal for anything that’s going to be exposed to heat.
ABS, on the other hand, can handle higher temperatures—up to around 105°C before it starts to soften. That makes it a better choice for things like car parts or anything that might see some sun or friction.
When it comes to color, PLA has got you covered. It comes in just about every shade you can think of, and some brands even offer specialty filaments with sparkles, translucency, or glow-in-the-dark properties. If you’re going for something visually striking, PLA is a great option.
ABS is no slouch in the color department either, but it’s generally more opaque and doesn’t have quite the same range of special effects as PLA. Still, it’s more than enough for most practical applications.
So, what’s the verdict? If you’re just starting out, or if you’re printing things that are more about form than function, PLA is probably the way to go. It’s easy to use, looks great, and won’t give you much trouble. But if you’re tackling a project that needs to stand up to some serious wear and tear, ABS might be worth the extra effort. Just be ready to deal with its quirks—and maybe invest in some good ventilation while you’re at it.
At the end of the day, PLA and ABS each have their own strengths and quirks, and the best choice really depends on what you’re trying to do. PLA is user-friendly and environmentally conscious, perfect for most casual or creative projects. ABS, on the other hand, is tougher and more resilient, making it ideal for functional parts that need to last. Whichever you choose, knowing the ins and outs of each material will help you get the most out of your 3D printing adventures.
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