PLA+ vs Regular PLA: Is PLA+ Worth the Extra Cost?

Walk into any 3D printing store or browse online, and you'll find both PLA and PLA+ (sometimes called PLA Pro or ePLA-HS). The price difference is usually $2–5 per spool. Is PLA+ worth it? The short answer: sometimes. Here's the full breakdown.

What Is PLA+?

PLA+ is a modified version of standard PLA with additives — typically impact modifiers, flexibilizers, or plasticizers — that improve toughness and printability. The exact formula varies by brand, so "PLA+" isn't a standardized spec. One brand's PLA+ may be quite different from another's.

PLA vs PLA+: Side-by-Side Comparison

Property	Standard PLA	PLA+
Print temperature	190–210°C	210–230°C
Impact resistance	Moderate (brittle)	Higher (less brittle)
Tensile strength	~50 MPa	~55–65 MPa
Heat resistance	~60°C (HDT)	~65–75°C (varies)
Ease of printing	Very easy	Easy (slightly more demanding)
Price	$18–22/kg	$20–28/kg
Availability	Widest selection	Good — most brands offer it

When PLA+ Is Worth It

• Functional parts that get handled frequently — tools, handles, brackets. Less likely to snap.
• Parts that need slight flexibility — clips, snap-fits, phone cases
• Light-duty outdoor use — marginally better UV and heat resistance
• Prototypes that need durability — PLA+ holds up better during testing

When Regular PLA Is the Better Choice

• Decorative prints — figurines, displays, art pieces. No need for extra toughness.
• Color matching — PLA has a wider color range, including silks and specialty finishes
• Large prints — PLA's lower warping tendency makes big prints safer on an open printer
• Beginners — standard PLA is more forgiving at the wrong temperature
• Budget printing — when you're printing lots of test pieces, cost matters

What About Forgely Performance PLA?

Forgely manufactures PLA filament in-house at our Roy, Utah facility with tighter tolerances than most off-the-shelf PLA+ products. Our Forgely Performance PLA offers ±0.02mm diameter consistency and excellent layer adhesion — making it a strong alternative to generic PLA+ for functional parts, without paying a PLA+ premium.

Our Recommendation

For most hobbyists, high-quality standard PLA is the right call 80% of the time. Upgrade to PLA+ when you need better impact resistance for functional parts. Skip both and go to PETG or ASA when you need real heat or chemical resistance.

Unsure which to grab? Stop by Forgely Roy — we'll help you pick the right material for your specific print.

📍 Forgely Roy — 5519 S 1900 W, Roy, UT 84067
📞 385-449-2694
⏰ Mon–Fri 11–6 • Sat 11–3
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