<p>The problem is that it's almost impossible to answer the PLA/ABS question just by looking at the material characteristics as it is so dependent on the application and even the specific object you're printing.</p>

<p>The decision guide in this <a href="http://www.cubicity.com/blog/knowledge-base/abs-vs-pla-infographic-decision-guide" rel="noreferrer">infographic</a> covers the following points that usually should be involved when deciding between ABS and PLA:</p>

<p><strong>Ventilation</strong> - I wouldn't recommend putting your nose into the printer with any material, but being exposed to ABS fumes is likely a lot worse.</p>

<p><strong>Heated Bed</strong> - This is an easy one: Without one, PLA should be your choice. If you do have one though, it might improve adhesion of PLA as well (set to ~60C instead of 90C-110C for ABS)</p>

<p><strong>Exposure to Heat or Mechanical Stress</strong> - ABS would be the preferred choice as PLA melts at lower temperatures (it might start to deform when left in your car in the summer) and ABS can endure more bend before breaking.<br><br>
Of course even ABS has upper limits and you might want to consider other materials like <em>Polycarbonate</em> for extreme applications.<br><br>
On the other hand there are newer materials that share many PLA features (biodegradable, no heat bed required) but are more similar to ABS in their mechanical properties (e.g. BioFila Linen) and temperature stability (e.g. Advanced PLA, ExcelFil EVO).</p>

<p><strong>Printer Enclosure</strong> - Not a must-have for using ABS, but especially objects with large footprints are susceptible to warping when they cool too fast. A fully enclosed printer ensures a slow and even cooling process.</p>

<p><strong>Post Processing</strong> - Often an afterthought, but ABS has a slight advantage here as it is a little easier to sand and you have the option of working with acetone (which I personally wouldn't mess with unless you REALLY need to).</p>

<p><strong>Print Temperature</strong> - Roughly 190C-220C for PLA and 220C-240C for ABS, so be sure that your printer can go high enough to extrude ABS.</p>

<p><strong>Biodegradability</strong> - PLA is biodegradable (under specific circumstances) which is a consideration when printing test objects, prototypes and other objects that will be discarded.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-04-26T20:41:05.900Z
Please consider updating your answer with more details to avoid issues with [link rot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Link_rot)
tbm0115
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-04-26T16:02:15.250Z
2016-04-27T16:51:03.917Z
2016-04-27T16:51:03.917Z
FilamentGuy
<blockquote>
  <p>PLA/ABS general and thermal properties</p>
</blockquote>

<p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/atDXf.png" alt="PLA vs ABS general properties PLA ABS Performance Higher strength Higher rigidity Stronger layer bond Higher impact resistance Higher flexibility Higher temperature resistance higher Tg Quality Sharper details features corners surfaces Process Lower warping Better color Les particle emissions Lower risk of jamming"></p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-07-21T03:25:59.033Z
Please do not use images as the main content of your post, *especially* if it's an image of text. It's not search engine or screen reader friendly. While images are great for including diagrams and illustrations, if you have textual information *please use actual text*. Also, are these images your own work? If not, it might not be legal to include them here in the first place. At StackExchange we expect people to write their own answers, not just copy something from other sites.
Tom van der Zanden
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-02T09:50:16.103Z
Why image? 
StackExchange only allows basic HTML tags and table is not one of them.
`
https://meta.stackexchange.com/questions/1777/what-html-tags-are-allowed-on-stack-exchange-sites
We do not (and will not) allow <table> tags. Sorry. This is intentional and by design. If you need a quick and dirty "table", use <pre> and ASCII layout.
`

Not searchable?
`
https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/114016?hl=en
Added!
`

Legal issues?
``
Created my own table from what I learned.
`
alesr
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-05-04T10:14:21.737Z
2017-08-02T09:49:07.263Z
2017-08-02T09:49:07.263Z
alesr
<p>Basic facts and tips for using and choosing ABS and PLA materials:</p>

<p>Made from:</p>

<pre><code>ABS: Petroleum based

PLA: Corn or other plants
</code></pre>

<p>Smell: </p>

<pre><code>ABS: smell of hot plastic, 

PLA: gives off a smell similar to a semi-sweet cooking oil. Less intense smell than ABS. 
</code></pre>

<p>Part Accuracy: </p>

<p>Both PLA and ABS are capable of building dimensionally accurate parts. However, there are characteristics that we need to memorized.
ABS: will be curling upwards of the surface in direct contact with the 3D printer’s print bed.  for fine and delicate features on parts involving sharp corners, such as gears, there will often be a slight rounding of the corner. 
PLA: much less part warping. but it undergoes more of a phase-change when heated and becomes much more liquid. The increased flow can also lead to stronger binding between layer.</p>

<pre><code>Recycling:
</code></pre>

<p>ABS: Recycling number 7, most local recycling programs do not accept ABS. It generally being recycled into plastic lumber. 
PLA: it biodegrades, however the process takes a long time when outside of an industrial composting facility
Why we provide a vacuum sealed package for ABS and PLA products? 
long term exposure to a humid environment without sealed package may result in detrimental effects, both to the printing process and to the quality of finished parts. </p>

<p>ABS: will tend to bubble and spurt from the tip of the nozzle when printing, part accuracy, strength are reduced. Raises the risk of clogging the nozzle. ABS can be easily dried by using dry or hot air.
PLA: bubbles or sporting at the nozzle, also discoloration and a reduction in 3D printed part are found when in long term moisture environment. 
Improving the printing outcomes （Blue tape and Kapton tape pictures)
PLA: printing temperature approximately: 190°C - 240°C
ABS: printing temperature approximately: 225°C - 250°C (recommend to use a heated print bed)</p>

<p>A good first layer adhesion is of the utmost importance in obtaining the best results for the prints. </p>

<p>Using Blue Tape or Kapton Tape.
Hairspray the print bed.
To attain optimal result for the prints, you need to consider variables such as nozzel diameter, printing speed, and layer height.
Summary: 
ABS: 
A preferred filament for the prints with engineering and professional purposes with its strength, machinability, flexibility, and higher temperature resistance. 
The bad plastic smell is due to the petroleum based origin. 
Required a heated print bed to attain ABS printing reliability. 
PLA:
Wide range of available colors, provide translucencies and glossy feel of the prints. 
Plant based and semi-sweet corn like smelling are appreciated over ABS.
When properly cooled, PLA seems to perform higher maximum printing speeds, and sharper printed corners. Combining this with low warping on parts make it a popular plastic for household uses, toys, hobbyists, and educational purposes. 
to know more please visit  <a href="http://www.3dsolutech.com/abs-vs-pla" rel="nofollow noreferrer">abs vs pla</a></p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-07-20T21:15:40.250Z
2017-07-21T03:30:59.890Z
2017-07-21T03:30:59.890Z
3dsolutech_plafilament
<p>PLA (polylactic acid) melts at a lower temp and does not warp AS BADLY when cooled. It is non-toxic (in USA it comes from cornstarch, beets in some countries, or tapioca root)
It is less flexible than ABS, could rip or crumble.</p>

<p>ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a harder and more sturdy plastic. (What Legos are made of). A heated bed is used to keep it from cooling too fast, as warping can be a problem is you cool it too fast (being close to an exterior door or an air vent) An enclosed printer helps regulate temp and avoids SOME of this problem. Some people get headaches from the smell of molten ABS over a prolonged time. It flexes better than PLA. Can be sanded or cut easily and maintain integrity.</p>

<p>Beware of CHEAP ABS as it may contain a higher amount of HCN (Hydrogen Cyanide)
that can be released when used (but usually around 1 part per million, about one fourth the dangerous limit.)</p>

<p>"GOOD" ABS CAN contain HCN as well, but it is not released by "normal" printing temperatures. (avoid burning ABS or Nylon)</p>

<p>so, all in all:
PLA is safe/non-toxic, biodegradable, uses less energy to print, less flexible.</p>

<p>ABS is harder, sturdier, will last nearly forever (if not bent or stressed or frozen). Somewhat flexible and will snap back. </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-04-29T09:39:11.160Z
2016-05-01T10:22:01.370Z
2016-05-01T10:22:01.370Z
Ronk
<p>Paraphrasing <a href="http://www.protoparadigm.com/news-updates/the-difference-between-abs-and-pla-for-3d-printing/">this</a> site. Feel free to add suggestions in the form of comments and I will try to incorporate them.</p>

<p>Summary</p>

<ul>
<li>ABS: Stronger, machinable, more flexible, and more temperature
resistant than PLA. Typically printed on a heated bed. Warping is a common problem when printing ABS.</li>
<li>PLA: Wider range of filaments available, easier and in some cases faster to print. Not as strong as ABS and the fact that its biodegradable could be seen as both a benefit and a drawback.</li>
</ul>

<p>Material Properties:</p>

<ul>
<li>ABS: Strong plastic with mild flexibility. Naturally beige in color. Can be filled and sanded. Higher temperature. Easy to recycle.</li>
<li>PLA: Not as strong as ABS but more rigid. Naturally transparent. More difficult to fill and sand. Can sag in hot temperatures. Sourced from organic matter so it can be broken down in commercial compost facilities.</li>
</ul>

<p>Part Accuracy:</p>

<ul>
<li>ABS: Part warping is a significant issue. Sharp corners will often be rounded.</li>
<li>PLA: Less heat required contributes to less warping. Becomes more liquid at common extruder temperatures so finer details can be printed.</li>
</ul>

<p>Safety and Handling:</p>

<ul>
<li>ABS: Strong burning/melting plastic smell is present when printing ABS. Health concerns have been raised regarding airborne ultrafine particles generated while printing with ABS (<a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.atmosenv.2013.06.050">ref</a>). ABS will absorb moisture causing popping when the moisture enters the hot end. This leads to discontinuities in the print job.</li>
<li>PLA: Doesn't smell as strongly when printing due to its organic nature. Moisture can also be absorbed into PLA and can irreversibly damage it.</li>
</ul>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-02-27T09:33:12.773Z
PLA becomes soft at around 50C, ABS at around 100. So if you print something that might sit under the sun in a hot sunny day PLA won't do. PLA is also very sensitive to UV rays.
Leo Ervin
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-02-27T23:11:00.330Z
Can you expand on "discontinuities" please? My ABS is popping. It was only opened from its sealed bag about a week ago and I like to think my house is warm and dry. Mine is "popping" and some of my prints have brown streaks in which makes me think that the moisture is making the ABS burn rather than melt. Is this likely?
KDM
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-07-22T06:31:29.673Z
@DA. it is possible to print tiny parts with ABS without a heated bed and get good results, but only for tiny parts.
Tooniis
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-12T23:15:57.967Z
Is a heated bed *required* for ABS? Our printer supports ABS but doesn't have a heated bed (but I've only used PLA)
DA.
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-13T00:40:50.453Z
Yes. I don't think it's possible without.
Kevin Morse
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-13T01:49:04.740Z
Here's the printer we have: https://printm3d.com It claims to print both ABS and PLA and doesn't have a heated bed.
DA.
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-13T08:15:36.167Z
So after researching I have found some reports of people printing ABS without heated bed. I think common practice is still to use a heated bed but I will revise my answer.
Kevin Morse
CC BY-SA 3.0
2018-02-15T17:21:31.857Z
I would disagree with PLA being weaker. I have done tests with ABS and PLA and using the same file I found PLA to be ~20% stronger than ABS. But the big thing is PLA is brittle were ABS can take stress before breaking.
Ljk2000
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-12T21:29:04.420Z
2016-01-13T08:19:01.157Z
2016-01-13T08:19:01.157Z
Kevin Morse
<p>What are the main differences when using ABS over PLA and vice versa?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-12T19:44:02.667Z
I think this is too broad for a good exhaustive answer unless restricted to just ABS and PLA...
kaine
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-12T19:45:06.663Z
I'm voting to close this as too broad.  Asking generically about filament types is opening the answer to too many possible filaments, and any answer would become incomplete over time as more filament types are created.
1337joe
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-12T19:57:40.053Z
@1337joe: I disagree.  While it is true that many filament types exist, it would be good to have a canonical post which addresses general characteristics and differences of ABS & PLA for general purpose printing.
Paul
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-12T20:44:49.543Z
@Paul Yes, if it's restricted to ABS and PLA FDM printing. If it's open to "different filaments" then I'd suggest closing it.
Adam Davis
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-12T20:46:22.493Z
@CJK I'm editing it to limit the answers to just ABS and PLA, the two most popular FDM filaments.  I would otherwise vote to close this question as too broad, as this information would take a book if you included a comparison between all filament types. If you disagree, go ahead and roll it back.
Adam Davis
<filament><abs><fdm><pla>
How is PLA different from ABS material?
CJK
# How is PLA different from ABS material?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-01-12)

What are the main differences when using ABS over PLA and vice versa?

**Tags:** filament, abs, fdm, pla
> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: I think this is too broad for a good exhaustive answer unless restricted to just ABS and PLA...  
> **username_2**: I'm voting to close this as too broad.  Asking generically about filament types is opening the answer to too many possible filaments, and any answer would become incomplete over time as more filament types are created.  
> **username_3**: @1337joe: I disagree.  While it is true that many filament types exist, it would be good to have a canonical post which addresses general characteristics and differences of ABS & PLA for general purpose printing.  
> **username_4**: @Paul Yes, if it's restricted to ABS and PLA FDM printing. If it's open to "different filaments" then I'd suggest closing it.  
> **username_4**: @CJK I'm editing it to limit the answers to just ABS and PLA, the two most popular FDM filaments.  I would otherwise vote to close this question as too broad, as this information would take a book if you included a comparison between all filament types. If you disagree, go ahead and roll it back.  

---

## 5 answers

### Answer by username_11 on 2016-01-12. Score: 29 | Accepted answer

Paraphrasing [this](http://www.protoparadigm.com/news-updates/the-difference-between-abs-and-pla-for-3d-printing/) site. Feel free to add suggestions in the form of comments and I will try to incorporate them.

Summary

* ABS: Stronger, machinable, more flexible, and more temperature
  resistant than PLA. Typically printed on a heated bed. Warping is a common problem when printing ABS.
* PLA: Wider range of filaments available, easier and in some cases faster to print. Not as strong as ABS and the fact that its biodegradable could be seen as both a benefit and a drawback.

Material Properties:

* ABS: Strong plastic with mild flexibility. Naturally beige in color. Can be filled and sanded. Higher temperature. Easy to recycle.
* PLA: Not as strong as ABS but more rigid. Naturally transparent. More difficult to fill and sand. Can sag in hot temperatures. Sourced from organic matter so it can be broken down in commercial compost facilities.

Part Accuracy:

* ABS: Part warping is a significant issue. Sharp corners will often be rounded.
* PLA: Less heat required contributes to less warping. Becomes more liquid at common extruder temperatures so finer details can be printed.

Safety and Handling:

* ABS: Strong burning/melting plastic smell is present when printing ABS. Health concerns have been raised regarding airborne ultrafine particles generated while printing with ABS ([ref](https://dx.doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.atmosenv.2013.06.050)). ABS will absorb moisture causing popping when the moisture enters the hot end. This leads to discontinuities in the print job.
* PLA: Doesn't smell as strongly when printing due to its organic nature. Moisture can also be absorbed into PLA and can irreversibly damage it.

> **Comments:**
> **username_15**: Is a heated bed *required* for ABS? Our printer supports ABS but doesn't have a heated bed (but I've only used PLA)  
> **username_11**: Yes. I don't think it's possible without.  
> **username_15**: Here's the printer we have: https://printm3d.com It claims to print both ABS and PLA and doesn't have a heated bed.  
> **username_11**: So after researching I have found some reports of people printing ABS without heated bed. I think common practice is still to use a heated bed but I will revise my answer.  
> **username_12**: PLA becomes soft at around 50C, ABS at around 100. So if you print something that might sit under the sun in a hot sunny day PLA won't do. PLA is also very sensitive to UV rays.  
> **username_13**: Can you expand on "discontinuities" please? My ABS is popping. It was only opened from its sealed bag about a week ago and I like to think my house is warm and dry. Mine is "popping" and some of my prints have brown streaks in which makes me think that the moisture is making the ABS burn rather than melt. Is this likely?  
> **username_14**: @DA. it is possible to print tiny parts with ABS without a heated bed and get good results, but only for tiny parts.  
> **username_16**: I would disagree with PLA being weaker. I have done tests with ABS and PLA and using the same file I found PLA to be ~20% stronger than ABS. But the big thing is PLA is brittle were ABS can take stress before breaking.  

---

### Answer by username_5 on 2016-04-26. Score: 8

The problem is that it's almost impossible to answer the PLA/ABS question just by looking at the material characteristics as it is so dependent on the application and even the specific object you're printing.

The decision guide in this [infographic](http://www.cubicity.com/blog/knowledge-base/abs-vs-pla-infographic-decision-guide) covers the following points that usually should be involved when deciding between ABS and PLA:

**Ventilation** - I wouldn't recommend putting your nose into the printer with any material, but being exposed to ABS fumes is likely a lot worse.

**Heated Bed** - This is an easy one: Without one, PLA should be your choice. If you do have one though, it might improve adhesion of PLA as well (set to ~60C instead of 90C-110C for ABS)

**Exposure to Heat or Mechanical Stress** - ABS would be the preferred choice as PLA melts at lower temperatures (it might start to deform when left in your car in the summer) and ABS can endure more bend before breaking.  
  
Of course even ABS has upper limits and you might want to consider other materials like *Polycarbonate* for extreme applications.  
  
On the other hand there are newer materials that share many PLA features (biodegradable, no heat bed required) but are more similar to ABS in their mechanical properties (e.g. BioFila Linen) and temperature stability (e.g. Advanced PLA, ExcelFil EVO).

**Printer Enclosure** - Not a must-have for using ABS, but especially objects with large footprints are susceptible to warping when they cool too fast. A fully enclosed printer ensures a slow and even cooling process.

**Post Processing** - Often an afterthought, but ABS has a slight advantage here as it is a little easier to sand and you have the option of working with acetone (which I personally wouldn't mess with unless you REALLY need to).

**Print Temperature** - Roughly 190C-220C for PLA and 220C-240C for ABS, so be sure that your printer can go high enough to extrude ABS.

**Biodegradability** - PLA is biodegradable (under specific circumstances) which is a consideration when printing test objects, prototypes and other objects that will be discarded.

> **Comments:**
> **username_6**: Please consider updating your answer with more details to avoid issues with [link rot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Link_rot)  

---

### Answer by username_7 on 2016-05-04. Score: 3

> PLA/ABS general and thermal properties

![PLA vs ABS general properties PLA ABS Performance Higher strength Higher rigidity Stronger layer bond Higher impact resistance Higher flexibility Higher temperature resistance higher Tg Quality Sharper details features corners surfaces Process Lower warping Better color Les particle emissions Lower risk of jamming](https://i.sstatic.net/atDXf.png)

> **Comments:**
> **username_8**: Please do not use images as the main content of your post, *especially* if it's an image of text. It's not search engine or screen reader friendly. While images are great for including diagrams and illustrations, if you have textual information *please use actual text*. Also, are these images your own work? If not, it might not be legal to include them here in the first place. At StackExchange we expect people to write their own answers, not just copy something from other sites.  
> **username_7**: Why image?  StackExchange only allows basic HTML tags and table is not one of them. ` https://meta.stackexchange.com/questions/1777/what-html-tags-are-allowed-on-stack-exchange-sites We do not (and will not) allow <table> tags. Sorry. This is intentional and by design. If you need a quick and dirty "table", use <pre> and ASCII layout. `  Not searchable? ` https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/114016?hl=en Added! `  Legal issues? `` Created my own table from what I learned. `  

---

### Answer by username_9 on 2017-07-20. Score: 2

Basic facts and tips for using and choosing ABS and PLA materials:
Made from:
ABS: Petroleum based

PLA: Corn or other plants

Smell: 
ABS: smell of hot plastic, 

PLA: gives off a smell similar to a semi-sweet cooking oil. Less intense smell than ABS. 

Part Accuracy: 
Both PLA and ABS are capable of building dimensionally accurate parts. However, there are characteristics that we need to memorized.
ABS: will be curling upwards of the surface in direct contact with the 3D printer’s print bed.  for fine and delicate features on parts involving sharp corners, such as gears, there will often be a slight rounding of the corner. 
PLA: much less part warping. but it undergoes more of a phase-change when heated and becomes much more liquid. The increased flow can also lead to stronger binding between layer.
Recycling:

ABS: Recycling number 7, most local recycling programs do not accept ABS. It generally being recycled into plastic lumber. 
PLA: it biodegrades, however the process takes a long time when outside of an industrial composting facility
Why we provide a vacuum sealed package for ABS and PLA products? 
long term exposure to a humid environment without sealed package may result in detrimental effects, both to the printing process and to the quality of finished parts. 
ABS: will tend to bubble and spurt from the tip of the nozzle when printing, part accuracy, strength are reduced. Raises the risk of clogging the nozzle. ABS can be easily dried by using dry or hot air.
PLA: bubbles or sporting at the nozzle, also discoloration and a reduction in 3D printed part are found when in long term moisture environment. 
Improving the printing outcomes （Blue tape and Kapton tape pictures)
PLA: printing temperature approximately: 190°C - 240°C
ABS: printing temperature approximately: 225°C - 250°C (recommend to use a heated print bed)
A good first layer adhesion is of the utmost importance in obtaining the best results for the prints. 
Using Blue Tape or Kapton Tape.
Hairspray the print bed.
To attain optimal result for the prints, you need to consider variables such as nozzel diameter, printing speed, and layer height.
Summary: 
ABS: 
A preferred filament for the prints with engineering and professional purposes with its strength, machinability, flexibility, and higher temperature resistance. 
The bad plastic smell is due to the petroleum based origin. 
Required a heated print bed to attain ABS printing reliability. 
PLA:
Wide range of available colors, provide translucencies and glossy feel of the prints. 
Plant based and semi-sweet corn like smelling are appreciated over ABS.
When properly cooled, PLA seems to perform higher maximum printing speeds, and sharper printed corners. Combining this with low warping on parts make it a popular plastic for household uses, toys, hobbyists, and educational purposes. 
to know more please visit  abs vs pla


---

### Answer by username_10 on 2016-04-29. Score: 2

PLA (polylactic acid) melts at a lower temp and does not warp AS BADLY when cooled. It is non-toxic (in USA it comes from cornstarch, beets in some countries, or tapioca root)
It is less flexible than ABS, could rip or crumble.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a harder and more sturdy plastic. (What Legos are made of). A heated bed is used to keep it from cooling too fast, as warping can be a problem is you cool it too fast (being close to an exterior door or an air vent) An enclosed printer helps regulate temp and avoids SOME of this problem. Some people get headaches from the smell of molten ABS over a prolonged time. It flexes better than PLA. Can be sanded or cut easily and maintain integrity.

Beware of CHEAP ABS as it may contain a higher amount of HCN (Hydrogen Cyanide)
that can be released when used (but usually around 1 part per million, about one fourth the dangerous limit.)

"GOOD" ABS CAN contain HCN as well, but it is not released by "normal" printing temperatures. (avoid burning ABS or Nylon)

so, all in all:
PLA is safe/non-toxic, biodegradable, uses less energy to print, less flexible.

ABS is harder, sturdier, will last nearly forever (if not bent or stressed or frozen). Somewhat flexible and will snap back.


---

