PLA+ vs PLA: What is the Difference?
What PLA+ actually is
There is no standard definition of PLA+. Each brand's PLA+ is a proprietary blend of standard PLA plus additives that improve specific properties. Common additives include impact modifiers, flow improvers and small amounts of co-polymers. The net result is filament that prints at slightly higher temperatures, fuses layers more strongly and takes impact without snapping.
Practical differences
| Property | Standard PLA | PLA+ |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | Similar | Similar |
| Impact resistance | Low (brittle) | Higher (tougher) |
| Layer adhesion | Good | Better |
| Print temp | 200 to 215 C | 215 to 230 C |
| Cost | Lower | Slightly higher |
| Visual finish | Identical | Identical |
When PLA+ is worth it
- Snap-fit parts and threaded inserts
- Anything that will be drilled, tapped or screwed
- Display pieces that get handled
- Models that fall off shelves and you want to keep printing
- First prints from a new printer (more forgiving of layer adhesion issues)
When standard PLA is fine
- Vases, decor, miniatures (no impact load)
- Prototypes that get binned after review
- Anything purely visual
- When cost matters more than impact resistance