When you’re diving into the world of 3D printing, one of the first materials you encounter is PLA filament. It’s affordable, easy to use, and ideal for both beginners and professionals. But as you get deeper into your printing journey, you’ll likely hear about PLA+, a modified version of PLA that’s marketed as tougher, more durable, and better performing.
So, what exactly is PLA+, and is it really worth the upgrade over standard PLA? Let’s break it down.
What Is Standard PLA?
PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane. It’s widely popular because it’s one of the easiest filaments to print with. It doesn’t require a heated bed (though it benefits from one), it’s low-warping, and it emits minimal odor during printing.
Standard PLA is ideal for:
- Decorative models
- Prototypes
- Toys
- Low-stress components
However, standard PLA has its drawbacks. It’s relatively brittle, has limited temperature resistance (typically softens around 60°C), and isn’t great for parts that need to endure physical stress.
What Is PLA+ and How Is It Different?
PLA+ (or PLA Plus) is not a standardized formulation — it varies slightly by manufacturer. However, it generally consists of PLA enhanced with certain additives such as TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), impact modifiers, or other polymers that improve mechanical and thermal properties.
Key improvements of PLA+ over standard PLA include:
- Increased tensile and impact strength
- Better layer adhesion
- Greater resistance to cracking or warping
- Slightly improved flexibility
- Enhanced surface finish in many cases
While PLA+ retains the ease-of-use of standard PLA, it pushes the boundaries when it comes to mechanical functionality and finish quality.
Head-to-Head Comparison: PLA vs PLA+
Let’s put the two filaments side by side across critical criteria:
Printability:
Standard PLA is known for its low-temperature printing range (190–210°C), making it beginner-friendly. PLA+ prints at slightly higher temps (200–230°C), but is still relatively forgiving. Both work well with basic printers, though PLA+ may benefit from fine-tuning for optimal results.
Strength & Durability:
This is where PLA+ shines. Thanks to its additives, PLA+ is significantly more impact-resistant and less prone to snapping under pressure. It’s a better choice for parts that require some structural integrity.
Surface Finish:
Many users report that PLA+ produces smoother, shinier prints with fewer layer lines — great for models where aesthetics matter. However, this can depend on your printer settings and brand of PLA+.
Heat Resistance:
Standard PLA tends to deform at relatively low temperatures (~60°C). PLA+ usually tolerates slightly higher heat (~70–80°C), though it still can’t match materials like PETG or ABS in this category.
Price:
PLA+ is typically more expensive — on average 10–20% more than standard PLA. But for many users, the added performance justifies the cost.
When Should You Choose PLA+ Over PLA?
If your projects require more durability — like functional prototypes, mechanical parts, or tools that will be handled often — PLA+ is a smart upgrade. Its improved strength and resilience make it much more suitable for demanding applications.
That said, standard PLA is still a great choice for basic prints, decorative models, or objects that won’t be under stress. For budget-conscious hobbyists or mass production of aesthetic models, PLA gets the job done just fine.
What Does the Community Think?
Across forums like Reddit and user reviews on YouTube, PLA+ consistently receives praise for its performance-to-ease ratio. Most users find that the slight increase in cost is worth the durability upgrade — especially since PLA+ remains easier to print than materials like ABS or Nylon.
Some do note minor issues like stringing or needing slightly higher temps, but these can usually be resolved with minor slicer tweaks.
So… Is PLA+ Worth the Upgrade?
Yes — if you need added strength and durability without sacrificing ease of use. PLA+ offers a noticeable improvement in print quality and mechanical performance, and it’s still compatible with most basic 3D printers. The upgrade makes sense for anyone producing more than just decorative models.
If you’re primarily printing low-stress parts or want to maximize cost efficiency, standard PLA still holds up well — especially from trusted suppliers.
Where to Buy Quality PLA and PLA+ Filaments
At FilaLab.shop, we understand how important filament quality is for your 3D printing success. That’s why we offer reliably tested, high-performance PLA and PLA+ filaments, sourced to deliver consistent print results — every time.
Whether you’re a hobbyist or professional, our range is curated to give you the control, precision, and finish you deserve. Explore our selection today and discover why FilaLab is the go-to source for top-tier filaments