PLA is better than ABS for beginners who want to start 3D printing. PLA is easier to print, more environmentally friendly, and has a wider range of colors and finishes than ABS. ABS, on the other hand, is more durable, heat-resistant, and flexible, but it requires a heated bed, a well-ventilated space, and more post-processing. In this article, we will compare PLA and ABS in terms of their properties, advantages, disadvantages, and applications, and help you decide which one is more suitable for your 3D printing needs.
PLA and ABS are two of the most common and popular materials for 3D printing. They are both thermoplastics, which means they can be melted and reshaped by applying heat. They are also both available in filament form, which can be fed into a 3D printer’s extruder and deposited layer by layer to create a 3D object.
PLA stands for polylactic acid, and it is a biodegradable and compostable material derived from renewable sources such as corn starch, sugarcane, or tapioca. PLA has a low melting point of around 180°C to 220°C, and it does not require a heated bed to print. PLA is also odorless and produces minimal warping and shrinkage.
ABS stands for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and it is a petroleum-based and non-biodegradable material that is widely used in the plastic industry. ABS has a higher melting point of around 210°C to 250°C, and it requires a heated bed of at least 80°C to 110°C to print. ABS also emits a strong and unpleasant smell when heated, and it is prone to warping and cracking if cooled too quickly.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of PLA and ABS?
PLA and ABS have different strengths and weaknesses that make them more or less suitable for different applications and scenarios. Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of each material:
PLA
Advantages
PLA is easy to print and does not require a heated bed or a high-temperature nozzle.
PLA is more environmentally friendly and biodegradable than ABS, and it does not produce toxic fumes when heated.
PLA has a wide range of colors and finishes, including transparent, translucent, metallic, glow-in-the-dark, and wood-like.
PLA has good dimensional accuracy and surface quality, and it can produce sharp and smooth prints.
Disadvantages
PLA is less durable and strong than ABS, and it can break or deform under stress or impact.
PLA is not heat-resistant and can soften or melt at temperatures above 60°C, which limits its applications in high-temperature environments.
PLA is not flexible and can snap or crack if bent or twisted too much.
PLA is sensitive to moisture and UV light, and it can degrade or lose its color over time if exposed to these elements.
ABS
Advantages
ABS is more durable and strong than PLA, and it can withstand stress and impact better.
ABS is heat-resistant and can retain its shape and properties at temperatures up to 100°C, which makes it suitable for applications in high-temperature environments.
ABS is flexible and can bend or twist without breaking or cracking, which makes it ideal for creating hinges, joints, or snap-fit parts.
ABS can be easily sanded, drilled, glued, or painted, and it can also be treated with acetone to create a smooth and glossy finish.
ABS is harder to print and requires a heated bed and a high-temperature nozzle to prevent warping and cracking.
ABS is less environmentally friendly and biodegradable than PLA, and it produces toxic fumes when heated, which can cause health issues if inhaled.
ABS has a limited range of colors and finishes, and it is mostly available in opaque and matte variants.
ABS has lower dimensional accuracy and surface quality than PLA, and it can produce rough and uneven prints.
What are the applications of PLA and ABS?
PLA and ABS can be used for a variety of 3D printing projects, depending on the desired outcome and functionality. Here are some examples of the applications of each material:
PLA
PLA is suitable for printing decorative and aesthetic objects, such as sculptures, models, jewelry, toys, and art pieces.
PLA is also suitable for printing prototypes and low-stress parts, such as cases, holders, brackets, and mounts.
PLA is compatible with food-safe and medical-grade filaments, which can be used for printing utensils, containers, implants, and prosthetics.
ABS
ABS is suitable for printing functional and mechanical parts, such as gears, wheels, levers, and connectors.
ABS is also suitable for printing durable and heat-resistant parts, such as enclosures, housings, handles, and fixtures.
ABS is compatible with conductive and magnetic filaments, which can be used for printing electronic and magnetic components, such as circuits, sensors, and motors.
Conclusion
PLA and ABS are both versatile and widely used materials for 3D printing, but they have different properties, advantages, disadvantages, and applications that make them more or less suitable for different purposes. PLA is better than ABS for beginners who want to start 3D printing, as it is easier to print, more environmentally friendly, and has a wider range of colors and finishes. ABS, on the other hand, is better for advanced users who want to print functional and mechanical parts, as it is more durable, heat-resistant, and flexible. Ultimately, the choice of material depends on the user’s preferences, needs, and goals, and it is possible to experiment with both materials to find the best fit.
