Weighing the Pros and Cons: PLA vs ABS 3D Printing

Selecting the right 3D printing filament is a pivotal decision that profoundly influences project outcomes. PLA and ABS stand as two of the most popular options. In this blog post, we'll look into the technical specifications, advantages, and drawbacks of utilizing PLA vs ABS filaments for your 3D printing. Additionally, we'll provide a couple pro tips to enhance your understanding of these materials and their alternatives.

PLA: Polylactic Acid

Technical Specifications:

• Printing Temperature: 180-220°C

• Bed Temperature: 20-60°C

Advantages:

1. Ease of Use and Minimal Warping: PLA is lauded for its ease of use, attributed to its low printing temperature and minimal warping tendencies. This makes it an ideal choice for beginners or those with printers lacking heated enclosures.

2. Eco-Friendly and Biodegradable: Derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane, PLA is environmentally friendly and biodegradable.

3. Limited Odor and Fumes: PLA emits minimal fumes and has a mild, non-toxic aroma during printing, contributing to a more pleasant printing experience.

Disadvantages:

1. Temperature Limitations: PLA's lower heat resistance renders it unsuitable for applications involving high temperatures. PLA is not recommended for parts that will be outside in the summer heat.

2. Brittleness: PLA's relative brittleness can make it vulnerable to breakage in load-bearing or high-stress scenarios.

3. UV Sensitivity: PLA's vulnerability to UV degradation restricts its outdoor use without additional protective coatings.

ABS: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

Technical Specifications:

• Printing Temperature: 220-250°C

• Bed Temperature: 80-110°C

Advantages:

1. High-Temperature Endurance: ABS thrives in high-temperature environments, rendering it apt for functional parts facing heat stress.

2. Impact Resilience: ABS exhibits superior impact resistance compared to PLA, making it ideal for parts subjected to rough handling.

3. Smoother Finish: ABS prints can boast a polished appearance, enhancing the final product's aesthetics.

Disadvantages:

1. Warping and Fumes: ABS's propensity for warping and emission of potentially harmful fumes necessitates proper ventilation during printing.

2. Bed Adhesion Challenges: Successful ABS printing requires a heated print bed and meticulous attention to adhesion techniques to prevent warping and lifting. We recommend printing with Nano Adhesive Polymer on your heated bed.

3. Environmental Humidity: ABS's moisture absorption from the air can compromise print quality, leading to delamintion, over an an extended period of time. We recommend applying a coating to parts to reduce the degradation.

Pro Tips:

When printing ABS, using a printer with a heated enclosure is recommended. The enclosed environment aids in maintaining stable temperatures, reducing warping, and improving print quality.

For enhanced UV resistance, consider using ASA filament as an alternative to ABS. ASA shares ABS's durability while offering superior UV resistance, making it suitable for outdoor applications.

By considering the intended use, environmental factors, and your printer's capabilities, you can confidently select the filament that best aligns with your project's objectives and constraints. Additionally, exploring alternatives like ASA for enhanced UV resistance and understanding the challenges involved will further enhance your 3D printing experience.