PLA vs ABS: Which Filament Should You Use?
PLA favours straightforward low-heat printing, while ABS brings higher heat tolerance with much stricter setup needs.
Choose PLA when
- The part stays indoors and away from heat.
Choose ABS when
- Heat resistance justifies enclosure and ventilation preparation.
Side-by-side context
| Property | PLA | ABS |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | easy | advanced |
| Nozzle starting range | 190-230 C | 240-270 C |
| Heat band | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Flexibility band | 1/5 | 2/5 |
Ranges and bands are a starting point. Formulations, drying, build surface and printer environment can change the result.
PLA guide · ABS guide · Use the selector
Reviewed 2026-09-20.