PLA+: how it differs from plain PLA and when to pay extra
PLA+ (PLA Plus, "improved PLA") isn't a strictly defined standard term but a marketing name for PLA formulas with additives (usually elastomer modifiers) that noticeably increase impact resistance and flexibility compared to classic PLA, without requiring any print-setting changes.
Key properties
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | ≈1.24 g/cm³ (same as plain PLA) |
| Nozzle temperature | 200–230°C |
| Bed temperature | 50–60°C |
| Part cooling | 100% |
| Shrinkage | minimal |
| Enclosure required | no |
Most PLA+ formulas have a density practically identical to plain PLA — for cost calculation you can use the same ≈1.24 g/cm³ if the manufacturer hasn't listed its own value on the spool spec.
When to use it
- Functional parts previously made from PLA that cracked on drop or a light impact.
- Small fasteners, clips, hooks — where chip resistance matters more than stiffness.
- Replacing ABS where ease of printing matters more than heat resistance.
When to pick something else
- The part will heat above 55–60°C — as with plain PLA, heat resistance isn't improved; you need ASA or PETG.
- You need maximum stiffness (not impact resistance) — plain PLA is often stiffer than PLA+.
- Printing without a confirmed brand/spec — different manufacturers sell noticeably different formulas under the "PLA+" label; check the specific spool's datasheet.
Pros and cons
Pros: noticeably higher impact resistance and flexibility than plain PLA, at the same simple print settings and low temperature.
Cons: no single standard formula — different brands give different results; usually costs a bit more than classic PLA; heat resistance isn't improved.
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By temperature and energy use, PLA+ prints the same as plain PLA — nearly all of the cost difference comes down to the filament price itself (usually 10–20% higher than classic PLA from the same brand). List PLA+ as a separate line in your calculator if the purchase price differs from plain PLA.