PLA vs ABS | What's the Difference for 3D Printing?

If you have a 3D printer you know that there seems to be a divide with manufacturers recommending PLA and/or ABS for their systems. Some say they can print in both, and others recommend one over the other for optimal performance. In this video you will gain some insight into the key differences between ABS and PLA thermoplastics for 3D Printing.

MAKERBOT PLA FILAMENT
Safe for the classroom, office, or home, this filament is non-toxic and easy-to-print with minimal warping or curling. It's also the best, most consistent filament for the MakerBot Replicator+, MakerBot Replicator Mini+, and the previous Replicator models.

MAKERBOT ABS FILAMENT
More suitable for engineering and testing applications, this filament offers greater impact-resistance than PLA and can better withstand wear and tear. MakerBot ABS is the best most consistent filament for the MakerBot Replicator 2X Experimental 3D Printer.

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[DaHaiZhu]

Excellent, honest, straightforward comparison of PLA v. ABS. Although you should have mentioned the health/ventilation concerns in the video.

[gavincurtis]

Great video. Gets to the point very quickly and then proceeds with advanced info to apply later on. Thanks guys!!! :)

[GodzillaGoesGaga]

Everyone needs a Poppy in their lives. Great video and instruction. :-)

[bluethan]

Incredibly informative and straight to the point, this was an amazing video!

[ArcanePath]

So basically PLA for making models with fine detail and ABS for making hardware.
Got it.... except.... ABS can be acetone bathed for glossy smoothing, so if I wanted to print a Catwoman or T800 head I'd use ABS? Damn I guess trial and error is needed.

[SK-ybbx]

PLA comes from starch and is a non-toxic bio degradable material. I don't understand why it isn't used for food packaging more.

[johningenito]

I was wondering about the health effects of printing in PLA vs ABS. Ive been told PLA is safe while ABS may be harmful unless well ventilated.

[golddiamondsgdpc]

Great explanation I was confused. I’m new to 3D printing and trying to do as much research before my birthday. That’s when I’m getting my printer so excited 😊😁

[MakersMuse]

Wait... wasn't the 2X discontinued? It's ancient and well outdated.

[geonardaguilar]

VERY HELPFUL! THANKS FOR THIS VIDEO! :D

[ogznkasm]

such an effective of describing the differences of both. thanks!

[astasna]

Very good video and good job to the presenter !

[lukeyk]

great and informative video! Came here after researching what Lego bricks are made of (abs).

[PacoOtis]

Well done! Thanks for the video. You instruct and pass information well.

[feralferret]

Amazed at the ability to seemingly do mid-air connections (within reason) between anchor points, never thought it could ever do that. Only the slightest bit of bowing shown. I thought it'd all drop inwards and gloop down like toothpaste or something.

[techiefan]

Isn't PLA also alot safer and better for the environment and without the harmful chemical smell while printing that ABS and other plastics emit? It's made from renewable and biodegradeable corn starch, no? I feel that's also an important distinction.

[freakygeaktwo]

sending scraps to a recycling sounds like a good idea but I prefer to know how to reuse them in future builds if at all possible

[John_Ridley]

PETG - best of both worlds (mostly). Strong, high heat, no curling.

[c.martinez]

so pleasant to watch and listen to your presentation

[SasinduJayashma]

Why i didn't check this video before 😢