PLA vs ABS — the two classic FDM filaments compared.
PLA and ABS are the two materials that defined early FDM 3D printing. PLA is plant-based, easy to print, and stable at room temperature. ABS is petroleum-based, tougher, and holds up to higher temperatures — but it warps during printing and smells unpleasant. The choice between them depends entirely on what the finished part needs to do.
Detailed comparison
Property-by-property breakdown
| Property | PLA | ABS |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 60 MPa | 40 MPa |
| Impact resistance | Low (brittle) | High (tough) |
| Heat deflection | 55°C | 98°C |
| UV stability | Low (degrades outdoors) | Moderate |
| Printability | Very easy — no warping | Warps, needs enclosure |
| Odor during printing | Mild corn scent | Styrene smell (ventilation needed) |
| Source | Plant-based (corn starch) | Petroleum-based |
| Cost | $ | $$ |
| Best for | Display, concept models, indoor use | Functional parts, mild impact, moderate heat |
Our recommendation
Choose PLA for display models, concept prototypes, fit-checks, and any part that will live indoors at room temperature. Choose ABS when the part needs to survive mild impact, moderate heat (above 55°C), or when you need to match an existing injection-molded reference. For most modern FDM work, PETG is a better default than either — tougher than PLA, cleaner than ABS.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is ABS stronger than PLA?
ABS has higher impact resistance and is tougher under load, but PLA has higher tensile strength (60 MPa vs 40 MPa). ABS handles heat better at 98°C HDT vs 55°C for PLA. For most functional parts, ABS is the more durable choice.
Does ABS warp during 3D printing?
Yes. ABS is prone to warping during FDM printing and requires an enclosed, heated build chamber. PLA prints flat and stable without enclosure. For easier printing, PLA or PETG are better choices.
Is PLA or ABS better for outdoor use?
Neither. PLA degrades in UV and ABS has moderate UV resistance. For outdoor parts, ASA is the correct material choice — it has excellent UV stability and 93°C heat deflection temperature.
Should I use PETG instead of PLA or ABS?
For most modern FDM work, yes. PETG is tougher than PLA, prints more reliably than ABS, resists chemicals, and handles temperatures up to 68°C. It is the best general-purpose FDM material for functional parts.
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Related Comparisons
PETG vs ASA — indoor workhorse vs outdoor champion.
Choose PETG for indoor functional prototypes, chemical-resistant parts, housings, and brackets. It is the cheaper and easier-to-print option for most projects. Choose ASA whenever the part will see direct UV exposure — outdoor enclosures, rooftop brackets, garden tools, automotive exterior trim. ASA costs a bit more and warps during printing, but PETG will become brittle and discolor under sustained UV within a year.
FDM vs SLA — which 3D printing technology is right for your part?
Choose FDM when cost and speed matter most, or when you need tough engineering thermoplastics (PETG, ASA, PC CF) at larger build volumes. Choose SLA when surface finish, dimensional accuracy, or fine detail resolution is the priority — visual prototypes, snap-fit validation, and presentation models.
Resin vs filament 3D printing — SLA vs FDM for real-world parts.
Choose resin (SLA) when surface finish, dimensional precision, or fine detail resolution are the priority — visual prototypes, snap-fit validation, jewelry patterns, dental models. Choose filament (FDM) when part toughness, cost, build volume, or material breadth matters more — functional prototypes, jigs, outdoor parts, and large structural builds.
Related Materials
PLA
General purpose, biodegradable. Rigid, good surface finish. Not heat or UV resistant.
ABS
Impact resistant, heat tolerant. The standard for extra-large format builds.
PETG
Tough, chemical resistant, food-safe options. Good balance of strength and flexibility.
ASA
UV and weather resistant. Ideal for outdoor applications and functional parts exposed to sunlight.
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