ABS vs PLA
Polymer · grade comparison
ABS and PLA are both polymer grades, both multipurpose plastic. PLA is the stronger of the two: yield strength 48 MPa (6.96 ksi) against 42 MPa (6.09 ksi) for ABS, about 14% more; tensile strength follows at 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) vs 43 MPa (6.24 ksi). In exchange, ABS is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 5% for PLA, and PLA is harder (83 Shore D vs 78 Shore D). ABS is lighter (1.04 g/cm³ vs 1.24 g/cm³ for PLA) and PLA is stiffer (3.4 GPa vs 2.3 GPa). On the shop floor, ABS machines more easily (very good vs good).
ABSChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PLAChoose it when strength drives the design.
ABS vs PLA: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Same in both: Hardness, Rockwell R 105 HRR
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Same in both: Water Absorption (24 h) 0.3% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 1%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
UV / Weathering Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 0.1 mm²/s · Thermal Shock Resistance Index 0
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every polymer grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | ABS | PLA |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Injection molding | Yes | — |
| Default condition | Unfilled | Standard |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $ Budget |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | — |
| Chrome Plating (Plastic) | Yes | — |
| Spray Painting | Yes | — |
Both are offered for 3D printing. They share 10 finishes: Conductive Coating, Dyeing (Nylon), EMI Shielding Coating, Painting, Primer Coating, Soft Touch Coating, Tinted Coating, UV Coating, Vacuum Metallization, Waterproof Coating.
ABS vs PLA — frequently asked
Is PLA stronger than ABS?
Yes. PLA has a typical yield strength of 48 MPa (6.96 ksi) against 42 MPa (6.09 ksi) for ABS — about 14% more. Tensile strength is 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) vs 43 MPa (6.24 ksi).
Which is cheaper, ABS or PLA?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($, budget); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, ABS or PLA?
ABS. Its machinability rates very good (80/100) against good (60/100) for PLA; for welding the order is ABS first (very good, 78/100) then PLA (very good, 70/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ABS and PLA side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.