Thermoplastic · Modified PLA
BeginnerPLA+
PLA Pro · Tough PLA
Toughened PLA blends with better impact resistance and layer adhesion than standard PLA.
Print temperatures
Nozzle 205–230 °C Bed 55–65 °C
PLA+ emerged as vendors competed to fix base PLA's brittleness and layer adhesion by blending in toughening agents. Because the additive package is a trade secret, “+” formulations vary widely between brands.
Practically it usually means somewhat tougher, more impact-resistant PLA that still prints like PLA. Read the label as “this brand's improved PLA,” not a standardized material.
Strengths & trade-offs
- Tougher and less brittle than standard PLA
- Better layer adhesion
- Prints at PLA-like ease
- Good surface finish
- Often higher elongation-at-break
- No standard spec — quality varies by brand
- Still low heat resistance (~60 °C)
- Marketing claims hard to verify
- Rarely more heat-resistant than plain PLA
Best for
Functional prints needing more durability than PLABracketsEnclosuresParts prone to snapping
Did you know
- There is no chemical definition of “PLA+” — two “PLA+” spools can differ substantially.
- The “+” almost always refers to toughness, not heat resistance.
