PLA vs. ABS: Differences and Similarities
PLA and ABS are the famous 3D printing filament used in fused deposition modeling (FDM). However, 3D printing consists of many technologies, including FDM, which is very apt at the consumer level. To 3D print, a material 3D printer uses a filament, a string of plastic wrapped around the spool. These filaments are made of different materials, but most of the filaments are thermoplastics.
The difference between PLA and ABS is one of the most sought-after queries that every 3D printer users want to know. Of many 3D printed filaments, PLA(polylactic acid) is a very famous, budget-friendly, and easy-to-use filament. On the other side, ABS(Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is another known injection modelling filament, widely used for consumer products like internal car parts like a dashboard.
In this article, we will share some critical disparities between PLA and ABS so that you can choose the filament according to your need.
Factors we are going to discuss to differentiate special features between PLA & ABS are-
- Printing Speed
- Temperature
- Accuracy
- Fumes
- Storage
- Surface Finishing
- Strength & Durability
- Pricing
- Application
1) Printing Speed
3D model of a blue owl. Image source: 3D Print
The 3D printing speed of both ABS and PLA are pretty similar. ABS can print the object at 60mm/sec whereas, in the case of PLA, users can exceed the limit of the printing speed above 150mm/s or more. Some users set the printing speed according to their needs. So it is apparent that you can select the printing speed conforming to your necessity. However, the perfect 3D printing filament cannot be judged based on printing filament because printing speed depends on your work preferences.
2) Temperature
Temperature measurement 3D device. Image source: Printables
ABS needs a comparatively higher temperature than PLA because ABS requires more bending movement on the print bed. Most ABS filament involves a temperature of around 80-110 °C; on the other hand, it demands a temperature of approximately 60 and does not need any heated bed. The printing temperature is always a concern in 3D printing filament. The nozzle temperature of ABS is usually high, and the PLA usually prints the material at a temperature of around 180-230, and ABS take a temperature around 210-250.
A closed frame is needed in ABS to store releasing heat and block the airflow. It is necessary because the ABS filament is very sensitive to temperature, so transferring heat during printing can cause cracks while 3D printing. However, PLA is straightforward to print, and you don’t require enclosures or closed fittings to store heat. It also improves the printing quality. So if we compare the PLA and ABS based on temperature, PLA sounds good.
3) Accuracy
The choice of accuracy depends on your budget. Generally, the accuracy of ABS and PLA filaments is proportional to printer calibration and model complexity. With the help of PLA and ABS, you can 3D print parts with printing details of 0.8mm and 1.2mm.
If you want to create the connecting or interlocking parts of printing details of 0.5mm, then we recommend setting tolerance at 0.5mm. PLA enables comparatively good printing quality because it has lower printing temperatures. It is easier to print, and users can get sharp corners and fine features than with ABS.
4) Fumes
When the 3D filament burns, they give off different odors. As we know, burning thermoplastic releases unhealthy fumes because they consist of harmful particulates. Compared to PLA, ABS releases a foul smell and is highly detrimental to health. However, PLA odors are much better than ABS. The materials used in PLA are plant-based and do not pose health risk factors.
3D printer prints the objects and materials in a closed environment. Lifting the lid of the enclosure releases foul odors and fumes that are not healthy. So it is always advisable to take care and remain watchful while handling the container and ensure proper ventilation wherever you use the 3D printing filament.
5) Storage
Storage of filament in an airtight container is essential because these types have hygroscopic levels. Different filaments act differently according to the moisture content in the environment. The more hygroscopic the material, the more it will lead to moisture absorption, affecting the printing quality. During printing, it releases a bubble. Both PLA and ABS are unsuitable for creating from the hygroscopic level, but you can still consider them. To get moisture protection, you must ensure the air tightens in a closed vessel. Use a dehydrator to get off the water from the filaments.
6) Surface Finishing
The finishing texture of both PLA and ABS is acceptable in their place. PLA has a great finishing structure in comparison to ABS. PLA offers glossier finishing; on the other hand, ABS prints the objects matte. To make your filament printing smooth, you can use acetone in post-processing. One can easily get smooth printing, but the aesthetic quality is critical. If you want that kind of aesthetic quality, then we recommend you 3D print your custom parts with an SLA 3D printer.
7) Strength & Durability
Both PLA and ABS have the same tensile strength, but often people choose ABS as a solid option due to its high ductility over PLA. ABS offers higher flexural strength and great elasticity, making it suitable for high-end applications. On the other hand, PLA is widely used in rapid prototyping other than the critical function. If you want to design something on which you don’t need to put much stress, then you can go with PLA.
8) Pricing
PLA and ABS are available at the same price for costs per kilogram per filament spool. However, if you look only at the expense of raw materials, ABS is probably cheaper than PLA. This is because ABS is widely used in injection molding to make regular, smaller parts, such as parts for an interior car or Lego. In 3D printing, because PLA is more popular and has a larger infrastructure built around it than ABS, some PLA spools can be found at a minimum cost than ABS filament. However, this price difference is insignificant, and the spool price of one of these items depends largely on other factors. Qualities such as product, width tolerance, color, and shipping are factors that have a major influence on why some pieces are more expensive than others.
PLA is more popular as a filament than ABS and has many different types, colors, and special combinations (such as composite PLA fibers). ABS filament is also present where it has a variety of products and colors available, but probably smaller than PLA.
9) Applications
Both PLA and ABS are excellent, but for a variety of reasons. Below, we will look at a few applications for each type of filament to help you determine which one is right for you. PLA is the master of 3D printing materials, as it has become popular because it is easy to print and operate. However, it is weak and brittle, so it is best if you are new to 3D printing or want to print more fun models than heavy functional parts. In fact, for anything that would not be exposed to extreme physical stress, high temperatures, or UV rays, PLA is your go-to activity. Examples include 3D printed miniatures, display pieces like cosplay hats, and less functional objects like dice towers.
ABS is an industry filament that is very challenging to print with but has improved features over the PLA, which include its strength, flexibility, and recycling in smelters. These features make ABS attractive to those who want to create prototypes of real-world parts, parts that will deal with physical stress, or models that are snap-to-fit. Some model applications may include gear used by a competing robot, snap-to-fit chainlinks, and anything intended to weather the outside.
Which is the Best 3D Modeling Software for Creating 3D Models?
There are many 3D modelling software that one can use to create their 3D models. Each of them has its own strengths and weaknesses. For those who are still beginners and professionals, we recommend using SelfCAD. SelfCAD is a powerful, easy-to-use, online 3D modelling software. There is also a downloadable version for both Windows and Mac. With SelfCAD, users can quickly and easily create custom 3D models from scratch or modify existing designs.
SelfCAD has many features and tools, making it ideal for advanced users who want to create complex models. For example, there are freehand drawing or sketching. There is also an image to 3D tool that makes it easier to convert any image into a 3D model with ease. There is also an in-built slicer that one can use to prepare their designs for 3D printing by generating the g-code you can send to your 3D printer.
Conclusion
PLA and ABS are both great materials for 3D printing, but each has its own unique benefits. For example, PLA is biodegradable and eco-friendly, while ABS is more durable and can withstand higher temperatures. Ultimately, the best material for your project will depend on your specific needs. Have you tried printing with both PLA and ABS? What did you think?
Enjoy powerful modeling, rendering, and 3D printing tools without the steep learning curve.
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