3D technologies are rapidly developing, making 3D printers more accessible. No matter how easy the management and operation of 3D printers are, a number of questions still arise when working with them. One of the pressing questions is the choice of consumables. Practically all 3D printer owners around the world ask themselves which material to use: what is better to choose, ABS or PLA plastic?

The exception is if your 3D printer cannot print with different types of plastic and uses only one type of material.

Before making your choice, it is worth understanding what each material is and for what purposes it is more suitable.

ABS and PLA are both thermoplastics that melt at high temperatures and harden when cooled. You can print any products from them.

Let's start with ABS.

ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) — is one of the most common materials for 3D printing. Working temperature — 210-270°C. It has good chemical resistance, a fairly large choice of colors, is opaque, and is easily galvanizable and metallizable.

ABS plastic or PLA plastic?

It is more widespread and has relatively low prices.

The main problem with ABS is that products made from it are prone to deformation. The shrinkage of the finished product leads to it differing from the specified parameters, and this can also lead to a failure in the printing process.

This happens because during printing, the fresh layer cools and shrinks, pulling the lower part, and if the deformation is strong enough, it can actually tear the product off the base, leading to distortion or complete non-compliance of the finished model.

This problem can be solved by having a heated platform in the 3D printer or using additional means to fix the product to the base.

In addition, during printing, sharp corners are slightly rounded, which reduces the quality of the product. This problem can be solved using a regular fan.

Another downside: ABS plastic is less elastic compared to PLA plastic.

It requires additional control over the printing process.

ABS plastic is easily subjected to post-processing, can be sanded, and subjected to mechanical impact.

How to choose the right filament?

PLA (Polylactic acid) — (a polyester based on lactic acid), is made from natural raw materials (corn, beets, cane, cereals), and is a biodegradable substance, making it the least harmful to the environment. Working temperature — 180-190°C, glass transition temperature — about 55°C. It is well metallized, has a low coefficient of friction, and transparent compositions are available.

This is almost as common a material as ABS plastic.

A distinctive feature of PLA is minimal deformation, which can only be observed when printing large products. In addition, PLA is available in a wide variety of colors, which is constantly increasing, including original ones (transparent, fluorescent).

A minor but pleasant advantage is its pleasant smell during printing, whereas ABS has a sharp smell of burnt plastic.

Working with PLA is easier, it is elastic and has fewer damages during the printing process. When heated, its consistency is more liquid and flexible. Thanks to this, you can create small details or well-crafted figurines.

When working, the material provides high detail accuracy.

Finished products made from PLA have a pleasant glossy appearance.

PLA also has drawbacks, such as:

  • short service life – up to 2 years, as it is biodegradable;
  • less mechanical strength and increased brittleness;
  • low degree of post-processing – PLA does not smooth with acetone and is poorly glued.

The main criterion when choosing a material for printing is determining the tasks and requirements for the product.