PLA vs ABS — the most popular filaments for 3D printing. Let’s dive into details to discover the main differences between these two materials, and find out which one is the best for your project.

 .

PLA is the most popular 3D printing material. That being said, it’s not perfect for all applications, although it is very versatile. PLA stands for polylactic acid (or polylactide). This common thermoplastic is easy to print, biodegradable, and inexpensive. It’s mostly used for rapid prototyping, making showcase models, or educational purposes. Almost all FDM 3D printers can 3D print with PLA. If you want to learn more about this material, check our PLA guide .

 .

ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) on the other hand is slightly more durable than PLA. It’s a sturdy plastic with great impact strength and mechanical properties. It’s widely used for consumer goods, jigs & fixtures, casings, gears, or car interiors. […]

Click here to view original web page at medium.com