PLA, PLA+, PLA Pro and PLN: Differences and How to Choose

Reading time: 8 min

When you're new to 3D printing, choosing the right filament can be confusing. PLA is by far the most popular 3D printing material, but it comes in several variants: PLA+, PLA Pro, PLN and others. Each one has its own properties and strengths, which make it a better fit for particular jobs.

In this article we compare the different types of PLA filament in detail, so you can make an informed choice for your next 3D printing project.

What is PLA filament?

PLA (polylactic acid) is a biodegradable thermoplastic made from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugar cane. That makes it a greener choice than petroleum-based plastics.

Key properties of standard PLA

• Print temperature: 190-220°C
• Bed temperature: 20-60°C (optional)
• Easy to print: Minimal shrinkage and excellent first-layer adhesion
• Brittleness: More brittle than other filaments
• Looks: A glossy finish and bright colours

"PLA is the ideal starter material for any 3D printer, with a good balance between ease of use and quality results."

Standard PLA is perfect for decorative items, prototypes, educational models and projects that don't need high mechanical strength or heat resistance.

PLA+ (PLA Plus): an improved formula

PLA+ is an evolution of classic PLA. It keeps PLA's easy printing but adds better mechanical properties through special additives and changes to the polymer structure.

What PLA+ improves

Mechanical strength: PLA+ has noticeably higher tensile and impact strength than standard PLA. Prints cope better with loads and are less likely to snap.

Less brittle: Classic PLA is known for being brittle. PLA+ is more flexible, which makes it more practical for functional parts.

Better layer adhesion: Stronger bonding between layers gives tougher prints with less risk of delamination.

Less warping: PLA already shrinks very little, and PLA+ improves on that further.

PLA+ print settings

What PLA+ is used for

PLA+ is the choice wherever standard PLA would be too brittle:

• Functional parts and mechanisms
• Boxes and enclosures for electronics
• Household tools and fixtures
• Toys and models that will be handled a lot
• Parts under mechanical load

PLA Pro: maximum toughness

PLA Pro is the next step in the evolution of PLA. In terms of properties, it sits between PLA+ and engineering filaments such as PETG or ABS.

What sets PLA Pro apart

Highest strength: PLA Pro has the highest tensile strength and impact resistance of all the PLA variants. Some manufacturers claim their PLA Pro can match PETG for strength.

Better heat resistance: It still isn't suitable for high-temperature uses, but PLA Pro withstands more heat than standard PLA (roughly up to 60-65°C before it deforms).

Matte finish: Unlike glossy PLA, many PLA Pro filaments have a matte surface that looks more professional and hides layer lines better.

Minimal shrinkage: Excellent dimensional control, which matters for precise technical parts.

Technical specifications

• Print temperature: 210-230°C
• Bed temperature: 60-80°C (recommended)
• Density: 1.24-1.26 g/cm³
• Tensile strength: 60-70 MPa (compared with ~50 MPa for standard PLA)
• Print speed: 30-60 mm/s

When to choose PLA Pro

Choose PLA Pro when:

• The project needs maximum strength, but you want PLA's easy printing
• You need functional parts with better heat resistance
• You prefer a professional matte finish
• You're making prototypes that have to stand in for stronger materials
• High dimensional accuracy is essential

PLN (PLA Natural): the natural option

PLN, or PLA Natural, is a less common variant that puts the focus on PLA's environmental side. "Natural" usually means the filament contains no pigments, or only minimal additives.

PLN properties

Translucent look: In its natural state, PLA is translucent with a slight milky-white or yellowish tint, which allows for interesting visual effects.

Minimal additives: A purer composition means more predictable behaviour and easier composting.

Versatile base: PLN is used as a base for colouring or post-processing, because it takes dyes and paints better than pre-coloured filament.

Easy to print: Like standard PLA, PLN is very easy to print.

Where PLN works best

• Light-up projects such as lithophanes (with LED lighting inside)
• A base for post-processing with paint or coatings
• Eco projects with a focus on biodegradability
• Prototypes and test prints
• Art installations

Comparison: which PLA is right for you?

Property comparison table

Choosing by application

For beginners and hobby projects: Standard PLA or PLN is an excellent choice. They're the most affordable, the easiest to print and perfect for learning.

For functional parts: PLA+ offers the best balance of price, ease of printing and mechanical properties.

For professional and technical uses: PLA Pro justifies its higher price with superior strength and reliability.

For eco or art projects: PLN is ideal thanks to its pure composition and translucency.

Practical tips for printing with different PLA filaments

Dialling in your settings

Whichever PLA variant you use, a few basic rules will improve print quality:

1. Calibrate the temperature: Print a temperature tower to find the best temperature for that particular filament
2. Tune retraction: The right retraction settings reduce stringing without compromising strength
3. Experiment with cooling: PLA loves cooling, but PLA+ and PLA Pro sometimes print better with less of it
4. Adjust the speed: Printing more slowly usually gives stronger, more detailed prints

Storing PLA filament

"Storing filament properly can extend its life by months and prevent print quality problems."

PLA absorbs moisture from the air, which leads to:

• Popping or crackling sounds while printing
• Brittle, inconsistent extrusion
• Weaker prints
• A poor surface finish

Storage tips:

• Use airtight containers with silica gel sachets
• Store it in a dry place at room temperature
• Keep it out of direct sunlight
• Use a filament dryer when needed

Common problems and fixes

Poor bed adhesion:

• Clean the print bed with isopropyl alcohol
• Raise the bed temperature by 5-10°C
• Slow down the first layer
• Use adhesion aids (glue stick, hairspray)

Stringing (thin hairs between parts):

• Increase retraction
• Lower the print temperature
• Increase the travel speed (moves without extrusion)
• Turn on the "coasting" and "wiping" settings in your slicer

Brittle filament:

• Dry the filament
• Check how old the spool is
• Reduce the extruder tension

Price and value for money

The price difference between PLA variants is an important factor when you choose:

• Standard PLA: about €8-13/kg
• PLA+: about €11-18/kg
• PLA Pro: about €16-26/kg
• PLN: about €8-16/kg

PLA Pro is the most expensive, but for critical parts it can work out cheaper in the long run, thanks to:

• Fewer failed prints
• A longer life for the finished part
• No need to reprint
• Less time spent on post-processing

The future of PLA

The 3D printing industry keeps innovating with PLA filaments. Some of the directions it's taking:

• Carbon nanofibres: An additive that dramatically increases strength
• Improved heat resistance: PLA variants that withstand up to 100°C
• Composites: PLA with wood, metal or ceramic fillers
• Recycled PLA: Eco-friendly filament made from recycled prints

Conclusion

The range of PLA filaments on the market can be confusing at first, but it actually lets you pick exactly the right material for your 3D printing project.

Standard PLA is still unbeatable for beginners, decorative items and education. PLA+ is the sweet spot for most functional uses and offers excellent value for money. PLA Pro is the professional's choice when you need the best mechanical properties. PLN is a niche product for specific aesthetic and eco projects.

Whichever type of PLA filament you choose, the key to success is experimenting and fine-tuning the settings for your own 3D printer and project. If you want a smoother surface on your prints, see our guide on how to smooth PLA prints.

Need professional 3D printing?

If you don't have a 3D printer of your own, or you want a professional result for your project, we can help. PLA is our main material, and we're happy to advise you on the best filament for your part. If it needs something else, such as PETG or TPU, we can buy it in specially for your order.

Get in touch for a free consultation and quote on your next 3D printing project in Bulgaria. Small parts are usually ready in 1–3 working days, and the price is based on weight, so you can estimate it yourself in our price calculator.