PLA Tough is comparable in strength to ABS (one of the strongest filament types), but is just as easy to print with as PLA. Ideal for industrial applications where a lot of force is applied to the printed object. Think of tools or parts for your 3D printer. ABS not only is considered stronger and much less brittle than PLA and PLA+, but it also has more UV and heat resistance, making it the preferred filament material for outdoor and functional prints, like a doorstop or car accessory. However, if you’re printing any functional part and still want a very effortless printing experience, PLA+ is for you! This enhanced version of PLA boasts many improved mechanical properties, including higher thermal resistance, tensile strength, impact resistance, and dimensional accuracy. It even yields smoother prints! Because PLA and PLA+ are sourced from most of the same raw materials, what post-processing techniques you can use are all the same. The only minor difference is that PLA+ prints tend to be smoother from the get-go than PLA parts, so the sanding process might take less time. PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a thermoplastic polymer made from renewable resources such as corn starch, sugarcane, or other starch-rich crops. It is commonly used as a 3D printing filament for a variety of reasons, including:

In the sections below I’ll cover the main differences, including their surface finish, dimensional accuracy, strength, heat resistance, and more. Surface Finish

Low heat resistance - prints and filament will warp and deteriorate in warmer temperatures, such as a hot car So, if you’re printing parts that need to perform under physical stress, such as a gear for a robot, bike attachment, or phone case, PLA+ is the better filament. But, if you’re printing parts that won’t need a lot of strength, such as cosplay pieces or small toys, and you want to print faster or at lower costs, standard PLA filaments will work perfectly! Storage and Hygroscopy Because PLA is easier to print and less expensive, it’s the better option for beginners who want a seamless printing experience at a cheaper price. It’s also ideal if you’re very environmentally conscious. The Ultrafuse Pro1 Tough PLA is particularly suitable for industrial applications where a lot of force is exerted on the printed object. Think of printing tools or parts for your 3D printer.

This high-quality Ultrafuse Pro1 Tough PLA filament from BASF provides even faster and more consistent 3D printing. The sturdy and versatile material is as strong as ABS (one of the strongest filament types). Yet you can print with it just as easily as the very user-friendly PLA. We pride ourselves on delivering to the very highest standards and we know you will be delighted with your prints if you use 3D Printz. The foaming ratio and strength can be adjusted as desired by adjusting the printing temperature. Between 210℃ and 270℃, this material will foam when printing. This will increase the volume almost 1.2 times. The extrusion can be reduced by up to 45% to print lightweight parts. Due to the foaming ratio of 220%, 55% less material is used per part than when using regular PLA. This way you achieve a part of the same size but with less weight. The active foaming technology creates practically invisible layers. Metal - Stainless steel, copper, brass, iron, and conductive metal powders can be added to PLA to create a filament that can be sanded and buffed to create prints that are extremely similar to metal in appearance and characteristics. When it comes to determining a material’s heat resistance, the rule of thumb is to look at the suggested bed temperature, as this is the softening point (AKA glass transition temperature). PLA+ filament tends to offer more heat resistance than standard PLA, typically requiring slightly higher bed temperatures.You should try to keep your PLA and PLA+ filaments away from humid environments to maximize the quality of your prints. I recommend using a filament dry box to store your filament, but because both of these materials aren’t super hygroscopic, it might not be necessary if your 3D printer is already located in a dry environment. Post-Processing

Below, I’ve gone over ABS and PETG, two of my favorite alternatives to PLA+ filament that boast even better strength and durability. ABSWith higher heat resistance, you won’t have to worry about parts melting or deforming under the heat of the sun. So whether you’re 3D printing car dashboard decorations or a part for your outdoor porch, you should always choose PLA+ over standard PLA when the part will face heat. Ease of Printing The Ultrafuse Pro1 Tough PLA is especially suitable for industrial applications where a lot of force is exerted on the printed object. Think of printing tools or parts for your 3D printer. This PLA Tough filament from REAL combines the ease of use of PLA with the excellent mechanical properties of ABS!