PLA vs PLA+
PLA+ is standard PLA with additives that improve impact resistance and layer adhesion, making it noticeably tougher and a little more heat-tolerant while printing almost as easily. It costs slightly more. If you're making functional parts that might get dropped or stressed, PLA+ is a cheap, low-risk upgrade; for purely decorative prints, standard PLA is just as good for less.
PLA vs PLA+: side by side
| Property | PLA | PLA+ |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Flexibility | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Heat resistance | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Ease of printing | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Surface finish | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Nozzle temp | 190-220°C | 200-230°C |
| Bed temp | 40-60°C | 50-60°C |
| Enclosure needed | No | No |
| Ventilation needed | No | No |
| Hardened nozzle | No | No |
| Typical price | $22/kg | $24/kg |
Property scores are relative (1-5) for quick comparison. Polylactic Acid vs Enhanced Polylactic Acid.
PLA is best for
PLA+ is best for
Which should you choose?
Choose PLA for decorative models, figurines, and prototypes where cost matters most — standard PLA prints beautifully and is the cheapest option.
Choose PLA+ for functional parts, cosplay props, and anything that might be dropped or stressed — PLA+ adds real toughness for only a small price increase and prints almost identically.