PLA vs ABS Filament: Which One Should You Buy?

For a maker choosing a spool, pla vs abs filament comes down to what the listings actually cover: easy PLA printing against an ABS side whose specs are not covered in the gear below. This guide answers the question from PLA listings alone, and leaves ABS specs unstated rather than estimating them, so every figure below traces to a PLA listing.

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PLA at a glance

Every PLA listing here uses 1.75mm filament with a dimensional accuracy of +/- 0.02mm, and the SUNLU and ELEGOO listings describe neatly wound spools to prevent tangles and feeding issues. PLA is presented as easy to print: the SUNLU PLA listing calls it reliable, versatile and easy to use, with excellent layer adhesion, while the ELEGOO listing cites low warp and shrinkage and odorless printing. The OVERTURE Matte PLA listing adds a frosted matte finish that conceals layer lines, plus bed adhesion, improved overhang performance and easy removal of rafts, brims and tree supports.

Recommended settings differ by listing, so use the settings on the spool you buy. The SUNLU PLA listing recommends a nozzle temperature of 200-230°C, a bed temperature of 50-65°C and a printing speed of 50-100mm/s. The SUNLU PLA+ 2.0 listing recommends a nozzle temperature of 205-220°C, a bed temperature of 50-60°C and a print speed of 100-300mm/s, with speeds of up to 300mm/s. The ELEGOO and OVERTURE listings state no nozzle or bed temperatures, so their settings are Not stated here.

The ABS side: what is not covered

No ABS filament listing is included in this guide, so this section states the gap plainly instead of filling it. ABS nozzle temperatures, bed temperatures, print speeds, strength and warp behavior are Not stated here, and PLA settings must not be borrowed for ABS. Before buying ABS, read an ABS listing of its own and compare its stated settings against the PLA settings above. A guide that invents ABS figures would mislead a buyer choosing between two materials, so this guide leaves that side open.

The gear: PLA filaments covered here

SUNLU PLA+ 2.0, 4-pack. An upgraded PLA+ filament in a 4-pack of 1kg spools, described as tougher and more resistant to brittleness and cracking than standard PLA+ filament. It supports speeds of up to 300mm/s, with recommended settings of 205-220°C at the nozzle, 50-60°C at the bed and 100-300mm/s print speed. Spools measure 195mm in diameter, 57mm in width and 63mm at the hub hole, the filament is vacuum packed to stay moisture-free, and the listing states a 1 year warranty term.

SUNLU PLA, 1kg. A black PLA spool for beginners and experienced users, with a 100% neat winding rate claimed to reduce tangles and jams. Recommended settings are 200-230°C at the nozzle, 50-65°C at the bed and 50-100mm/s printing speed. Spool diameter is 8.00 inches, spool width is 2.50 inches and the hub hole diameter is 2.20 inches, sized to hang on many FDM 3D printers.

ELEGOO PLA bundle, 4kg. A bundle of 4pcs 1kg spools in Black, White, Dark Blue and True Red, with low warp and shrinkage, strong layer adhesion and odorless printing. Each spool is neatly wound and vacuum sealed to protect against moisture, with no clogging and no bubbling claimed. Compatibility covers most common 1.75mm FDM 3D printers, and the listing states a 30-day term for quality problems.

OVERTURE Matte PLA, 1kg. A Matte Light Brown PLA spool with a frosted matte finish for a gloss-free surface that conceals layer lines. It offers bed adhesion, improved overhang performance and easy removal of rafts, brims and tree supports, with low odor and low shrinkage for long prints. The listing gives a 1-year shelf life for unopened spools with proper storage, and a 1-year warranty term.

How to choose

Start from the job, then match a listing. A beginner can start with the SUNLU PLA spool, described as ideal for beginners, or the ELEGOO bundle, also described as ideal for beginners. A maker chasing speed can look at the SUNLU PLA+ 2.0 listing, with speeds of up to 300mm/s. A maker wanting several colors in a single purchase can look at the ELEGOO bundle, with 4pcs 1kg spools in Black, White, Dark Blue and True Red. A maker wanting a gloss-free surface can look at the OVERTURE Matte PLA spool. For a first printer, see best beginners 3D printer.

Check spool size before buying: the SUNLU PLA spool measures 8.00 inches in diameter and 2.50 inches in width, while the SUNLU PLA+ 2.0 spool measures 195mm in diameter and 57mm in width. Check the holder on the printer against those figures. Check storage too: the SUNLU PLA+ 2.0 and ELEGOO listings describe vacuum-sealed packaging, and the OVERTURE listing gives a 1-year shelf life for unopened spools with proper storage.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using another material’s settings on PLA: use the recommended settings on the PLA listing you buy, since settings differ across listings.
• Leaving filament open to moisture: the SUNLU PLA+ 2.0 and ELEGOO listings describe vacuum-sealed packaging, and the OVERTURE listing gives a 1-year shelf life for unopened spools with proper storage.
• Ignoring spool size: check spool diameter, width and hub hole against the printer holder before buying.
• Assuming all PLA prints the same: recommended nozzle temperatures run 200-230°C on one listing and 205-220°C on another, so settings differ by product.

pla vs abs filament: the short version

1. PLA in these listings: 1.75mm filament, +/- 0.02mm accuracy, settings per listing.
2. ABS in this guide: Not stated, since no ABS listing is included.
3. Gear covered: 4 PLA filaments, from a 1kg spool to a 4-pack and a 4kg bundle.
4. Choice: start with PLA per the listings above, and read an ABS listing of its own before buying ABS.

FAQ: lasers and CNC

What PLA settings do the listings recommend?

The SUNLU PLA listing recommends 200-230°C at the nozzle, 50-65°C at the bed and 50-100mm/s printing speed, while the SUNLU PLA+ 2.0 listing recommends 205-220°C, 50-60°C and 100-300mm/s. The ELEGOO and OVERTURE listings state no temperatures.

Which PLA filament suits a beginner?

The SUNLU PLA listing describes its filament as ideal for beginners and experienced users, and the ELEGOO listing describes its filament as ideal for beginners. Either is a reasonable starting spool per its own listing.

Does this guide cover ABS filament?

No. No ABS filament listing is included, so ABS temperatures, strength and warp behavior are Not stated here rather than estimated.

What is the difference between PLA and PLA+ 2.0 in these listings?

The SUNLU PLA+ 2.0 listing describes tougher filament, more resistant to brittleness and cracking, with speeds of up to 300mm/s, against the SUNLU PLA listing at 50-100mm/s. Both use 1.75mm filament at +/- 0.02mm accuracy.

How should PLA filament be stored?

The SUNLU PLA+ 2.0 and ELEGOO listings describe vacuum-sealed packaging to keep filament moisture-free, and the OVERTURE listing gives a 1-year shelf life for unopened spools with proper storage. See filament dryer vs food dehydrator for drying options.

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