The PLA+ Revolution: Durability and Printability Combined

You know how PLA is the workhorse of 3D printing? It's easy to print with, comes in a rainbow of colors, and is relatively eco-friendly. But sometimes, you need a little more oomph from your prints. That's where PLA+ steps in. Think of it as PLA's cooler, more robust cousin.

What's the Buzz About PLA+?

So, what makes PLA+ different from regular PLA? It's all about the formulation. Manufacturers tweak the recipe, often adding modifiers or using different polymerization processes, to enhance its properties. The result? A filament that's generally stronger, tougher, and more reliable than your standard PLA.

Strength and Durability: A Real Upgrade

One of the biggest selling points of PLA+ is its improved mechanical properties. It tends to have a higher tensile strength, meaning it can withstand more pulling force before breaking. It's also more impact-resistant, so it's less likely to shatter if you drop it. This makes PLA+ a better choice for functional parts, tools, or anything that might take a bit of a beating.

Imagine you're printing a bracket for a shelf. With regular PLA, you might worry about it snapping under the weight. But with PLA+, you can have more confidence in its ability to hold up. Or maybe you're printing a phone case. PLA+ is more likely to survive a drop than a standard PLA case.

Printability and Consistency: Less Frustration, More Fun

Another advantage of PLA+ is its improved printability. Manufacturers often formulate it to reduce common PLA woes like warping and stringing. This means you can get cleaner, more consistent prints with fewer headaches. Some users also report better layer adhesion, which contributes to stronger parts.

That reduction in warping is specially helpful for bigger prints. Have you tried to print a large flat piece with regular pla? then you probably have suffer the warping effect. PLA+ minimizes those risks.

However, it's worth noting that PLA+ might require slightly higher printing temperatures than regular PLA. So, you'll want to experiment a bit to find the sweet spot for your printer and filament.

Post-Processing Perks: Finishing Like a Pro

If you like to sand, paint, or otherwise finish your 3D prints, you'll appreciate PLA+'s compatibility with various post-processing techniques. It tends to be easier to sand and smooth than regular PLA, and it takes paint well. This allows for a great finish on those projects where the aesthetic point is important.

When to Choose PLA+

So, when should you reach for PLA+ instead of regular PLA? Here are a few scenarios:

• Functional Parts: If you need parts that can handle stress or impact, PLA+ is a solid choice.

• Larger Prints: Its reduced warping tendency makes it ideal for larger prints.

• Projects Requiring Durability: If your prints will be exposed to wear and tear, PLA+ will hold up better.

• Aesthetic Prints: If you plan to post-process your prints, PLA+ offers better results.

The Not-So-Fine Print

While PLA+ offers many benefits, it's not without its drawbacks:

• Cost: PLA+ tends to be a bit more expensive than regular PLA.

• Temperature: It might require slightly higher printing temperatures.

• Brand Variability: Properties can vary significantly between brands, so do your research.

PLA+ is a worthwhile upgrade if you're looking for stronger, more reliable 3D prints. It bridges the gap between the ease of PLA and the performance of more demanding filaments like ABS.

It gives you the ease of use of the regulare pla, and some better mechanical properties. If you are looking to up your 3D printing game, give PLA+ a try. You might just be surprised at the difference it makes.