PLA vs ABS Cost Comparison
Complete cost analysis of PLA and ABS filaments for 3D printing
Updated: January 2026
Quick Summary: PLA is typically 10-20% cheaper than ABS, but ABS offers better durability and heat resistance for functional parts.
PLA Filament
Cost: ~£0.0128 per gram
ABS Filament
Cost: ~£0.017 per gram
Material Cost Comparison
| Factor | PLA | ABS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price per kg | £8-15 | £10-22 | PLA |
| Cost per gram | £0.008-0.015 | £0.010-0.022 | PLA |
| Print temperature | 190-220°C | 220-250°C | PLA |
| Bed temperature | 50-70°C | 80-110°C | PLA |
| Electricity cost | Lower | Higher | PLA |
| Print speed | Faster | Slower | PLA |
| Success rate | 95%+ | 85-90% | PLA |
| Durability | Good | Excellent | ABS |
| Heat resistance | 50-60°C | 80-100°C | ABS |
Detailed Cost Analysis
PLA Cost Breakdown
PLA Advantages:
- • Lower material cost
- • Less electricity usage
- • Higher success rate
- • Faster printing
- • No heated bed required
ABS Cost Breakdown
ABS Advantages:
- • Better durability
- • Higher heat resistance
- • Chemical resistance
- • Post-processing options
- • Professional finish
💰 PLA vs ABS Cost Calculator
PLA Cost
ABS Cost
When to Choose PLA vs ABS
✅ Choose PLA When:
- • Cost is a primary concern
- • Printing prototypes or decorative items
- • You don't have a heated bed
- • You need fast printing
- • Printing indoors without ventilation
- • You're a beginner
- • Items won't be exposed to heat
✅ Choose ABS When:
- • You need durability and strength
- • Parts will be exposed to heat
- • You need chemical resistance
- • Professional finish is important
- • You can handle post-processing
- • You have proper ventilation
- • Cost is less important than quality
Frequently Asked Questions - PLA vs ABS Cost
Is PLA cheaper than ABS?
Yes, PLA is typically 10-20% cheaper than ABS. PLA costs around £0.0128 per gram, while ABS costs approximately £0.017 per gram. For a 100g print, PLA costs about £1.28 compared to £1.70 for ABS, saving around £0.42 per print.
Which material is stronger: PLA or ABS?
ABS is generally stronger and more durable than PLA. ABS has better impact resistance, higher tensile strength, and is more flexible. PLA is more brittle and can break more easily under stress. However, PLA is easier to print and doesn't require a heated bed.
Which prints faster: PLA or ABS?
PLA typically prints faster than ABS because it can be printed at higher speeds without warping issues. PLA doesn't require a heated bed and cools faster, allowing for quicker print times. ABS requires slower printing speeds and a heated bed to prevent warping, which increases print time.
Is PLA or ABS better for beginners?
PLA is much better for beginners. It's easier to print, doesn't require a heated bed, has minimal warping, and produces less fumes. ABS requires more experience with printer settings, needs a heated bed, and can be more challenging to print successfully.
Can I use PLA and ABS together?
PLA and ABS don't bond well together when printed separately. However, some advanced users create multi-material prints using specialized printers. For most applications, choose one material based on your project requirements rather than mixing them.
💡 Cost Optimization Tips
Material Savings
- • Buy filament in bulk
- • Use generic brands for prototypes
- • Store filament properly
- • Recycle failed prints
Energy Savings
- • Optimize print settings
- • Use appropriate layer heights
- • Print multiple parts together
- • Insulate your printer
Waste Reduction
- • Calibrate your printer
- • Use supports only when needed
- • Monitor prints closely
- • Plan prints carefully