ABS vs. PLA

PLA: POLYLACTIC ACID

Biodegradable, corn-based plastic. Prints at ~200 *C, and doesn’t warp, so you can print big things without a heated bed.

  • PLA will “ooze” more than ABS will — if the nozzle is hot and there’s plastic loaded, it will drip.
  • For all printers, the nozzle should be about ~0.2 mm away from the bed (about the thickness of a sheet of paper).
  • Because of its low melting temperature, it probably wouldn’t be a good idea to leave a PLA part in your car on a hot summer day, because it will warp!
  • A bit more brittle than ABS, which makes it difficult to remove from a build plate.
  • Available in 1.75 mm and 3 mm.
  • Food grade PLA available.

ABS: ACRYLONITRILE BUTADIENE STYREN

Not biodegradable, but stronger than PLA (same material Lego bricks are made out of). Prints at ~220 *C, and will warp, so a heated bed is needed.

  • If the user is getting warping problems, either the bed isn’t hot enough, or the Z-axis isn’t calibrated properly.
  • The bed should be at least 80 *C, depending on the printer.
  • For all printers, the nozzle should be about ~0.2mm away from the bed (about the thickness of a sheet of paper).
  • More durable than PLA
  • Available in 1.75 mm and 3 mm.