PLA Filament


PLA is made from plants rich in starch like sugar beets, corn and wheat. It is both commercially 100% compostable and 100% biodegradable. Compostable means that it can be broken down into water, carbon dioxide and biomass, will not produce any toxic material and can support plant life. Biodegradable means that it can be broken down over time through a process involving microorganisms (fungi or bacteria). However, the process can create methane at a rate 62 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide.

ABS Filament
 

ABS is a petroleum based plastic and not safe to use for products which may come into contact with food.
 

Comparison​

PLA

• More brittle than ABS
• Can droop if it gets too hot, for example, if it is left in a hot car in the summer time
• Usually turns white along the high stress zone when it is bent, then breaks into lots of little pieces
• Even though it is made from plants, it may contain dyes and binders which are not food safe
• Smells sweet when it is being printed
• Strength is relatively equal to ABS
 

ABS
 

• Impact resistant and tough
• Hard
• Glossy
• Petroleum based
• Flammable
• Prone to cracking if cooled too quickly
• Usually bends before it breaks
• Has a strong, toxic smell when it is being printed
• Strength is relatively equal to PLA



Preparation
 

ABS usually needs a fully up to temperature heat bed or the part may not work. PLA , on the other hand benefits from cool blowing air to keep its temperature down so it does not droop. But it can also benefit from a heated printbed.

Many people have had good results printing ABS on Kapton, a form of Polyimide tape which is surprisingly expensive. But it usually lasts a long time. PLA , on the other, hand can often print right onto glass, borosilicate or. Some people find that PLA works great unheated on blue painters tape but the tape needs to be replaced fairly frequently.