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While\u00a0PLA<\/a>\u00a0is a great material to print with, it has a few downsides. For example, PLA has always been criticized for being just a little too brittle but also for absorbing some moisture.<\/p>\n Most would probably say the next step up from PLA is either\u00a0PETG<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0ABS<\/a>. In general, both are stronger and more resistant than PLA, but neither are as simple to print with.<\/p>\n PLA plus sort of occupies the sweet spot between PLA and the next step up, or at least, it\u2019s supposed to. It\u2019s a confusing topic, but luckily, we\u2019re here to help. In the following paragraphs, we\u2019ll go into more detail about the mystery that is PLA plus, discussing its formula, different names, prices, and more.<\/p>\n At the very end, we\u2019ll reach a conclusion on whether or not PLA plus is worth the extra money.<\/p>\n Although we\u2019re using the term \u201cPLA plus\u201d, not everything belonging to the\u00a0category<\/em>\u00a0of \u201cPLA plus\u201d is the same.<\/p>\n Think of \u201cPLA plus\u201d as a general name for a large group of improved PLA filaments. Within this group, manufacturers use a variety of product names as a strategy for marketing a product, hence not all PLA plus filaments are called the same thing.<\/p>\n For instance, brands like eSun, Filiform, and Kodak use the slight variation \u201cPLA+<\/a>\u201c. On the other hand, ColorFabb refers to its superior blend of PLA as \u201cPHA<\/a>\u201c, and several others use \u201cPro PLA<\/a>\u201c.<\/p>\n Usually, different names are only there as a marketing strategy, but in some cases, they do actually represent different polymer blends. The best example is PHA, which stands for \u201cpolyhydroxyalkanoate\u201d.<\/p>\n Sadly, there are some cases where PLA plus filaments don\u2019t perform as they should. The possible answer as to why lays in marketing. Hungry for new customers, there\u2019s a chance some manufacturers just stick the name \u201cPLA plus\u201d (or some variation) to a generic PLA product. Luckily, this is something that probably won\u2019t happen if you\u2019re buying from a well-established brand.<\/p>\n For example, there\u2019s a slightly negative tone around Sunlu\u2019s PLA Plus on forums for not performing as expected. It could be the case of a few people getting bad spools, but it could also mean it\u2019s not a \u201cproper\u201d PLA plus.<\/p>\n In the end, it\u2019s always a good idea to read reviews and double-check with forums before making the purchase.<\/p>\n There\u2019s no single formula for PLA plus. Manufacturers either have their own formulas and mixtures or they source them. In the majority of cases, manufacturers stay tight-lipped about their formulas. However, with some digging around, one can discover a few things.<\/p>\n Because PLA plus should be less brittle and absorb less moisture than regular PLA, there\u2019s a chance it contains a bit of TPU, which helps it achieve better properties.<\/p>\n Most PLA plus filaments print at slightly higher temperatures than regular PLA. For example, eSun\u2019s regular PLA prints at 190-210 \u2103, while their PLA plus prints at 205-225 \u2103.<\/p>\n Not every filament is the same, and this is why there isn\u2019t a single temperature rule for every PLA plus. The majority is somewhere between 200 and 230 \u2103.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s face it, performance is the only reason why one would spend an extra buck on PLA Plus. So, how is it when compared to PLA? Well, most of the time PLA plus does indeed tend to show better results in tests for stiffness and resistance to higher temperatures, although not much.<\/p>\n The most noticeable performance upgrade is, of course, the stiffness PLA plus provides to parts. Parts made with regular PLA don\u2019t tend to flex, instead snapping quickly when under pressure. PLA plus parts, however, do tend to show better resistance to pressure as they flex better and withstand pressure for a longer time.<\/p>\n Better material properties come with a higher price to pay. Naturally, prices depend on the manufacturer, but in most cases, expect to pay between $5 and $15 more than you would for the same-sized spool of regular PLA.<\/p>\n For example, 3D-Fuel\u2019s Standard PLA costs roughly $30, while the superior Pro PLA costs roughly $40.<\/p>\n Once again, the answers depend on manufacturers. Some offer a limited range of colors for PLA plus, while others truly have many to choose from.<\/p>\n Take eSun and 3D-Fuel as an example. eSun has over 20 color options for PLA plus, and 3D-Fuel only has 7.<\/p>\n Once again, this is dependent on the manufacturer. Still, PLA plus is, in most cases, a little easier to print with. And in terms of temperature resistance, PETG is most likely to take a win in most scenarios.<\/p>\n PETG does require higher printing temperatures and tends to be a little trickier to get perfect in terms of the settings profile. It\u2019s always been known for the great stiffness it provides. If you\u2019re really after some strong parts, PETG is most likely to be a better choice for you.<\/p>\n On the other hand, if you don\u2019t really need those strong parts but still want to print parts that are stronger than PLA, go for a quality PLA plus.<\/p>\n There\u2019s a bigger gap between PLA plus and ABS than with PLA plus and PETG. ABS is a tricky material to print with, but it offers incredible temperature and impact resistance and is more flexible than PLA plus.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s not forget that ABS also emits fumes when printing, but if temperature and impact resistance are your absolute priorities, ABS is a better choice despite it being more challenging to print with.<\/p>\n Finally, now that we\u2019ve explained all there is to know about PLA plus, it\u2019s time to discuss the value proposition.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re mainly printing aesthetic and non-functional models, normal PLA will work just fine since blenders are anyway getting better and better. However, if you\u2019re printing parts that need to resist loads, PLA plus is certainly worth a try. After, you can easily decide for yourself if the extra strength is worth your money.<\/p>\n There\u2019s no straight answer to the question of worth. It highly depends on which make of filament you choose, but also on your\u00a0budget and printing interests.<\/p>\n (Lead image source:\u00a0Think Making via YouTube<\/a>)<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\nMysteries, Debunked<\/h3>\n
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Naming<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Marketing<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The Secret Formula<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Compared to PLA<\/h3>\n
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Print Settings<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Performance<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Pricing<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Color Options<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Compared to Other Materials<\/h3>\n
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PETG<\/strong><\/h3>\n
ABS<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Final Thoughts<\/h3>\n
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