Toughness is the measure of how much abuse a part takes before it breaks, and PLA+ beats PLA here by a clear margin. PLA is rigid. PLA+ bends and survives.
How they compare
The table splits toughness into its parts. PLA+ leads impact and low brittleness. PLA leads rigidity.
| Property | PLA+ | PLA |
|---|---|---|
| Impact toughness | Medium | Low |
| Brittleness | Medium | High |
| Rigidity | Medium | High |
| Tensile strength | 53 to 58 MPa | Lower |
| Nozzle temperature | 210 to 230 °C | 200 to 220 °C |
| Best for toughness | Knocks and drops | Steady loads |
Why PLA+ is tougher
PLA+ blends impact modifiers into PLA, so it absorbs energy instead of snapping. The eSUN PLA+ datasheet lists an IZOD impact of 5.5 kJ/m² in X-Y and a tensile strength up to 53 MPa. That is the gap that matters for handled parts.
Where PLA still has a role
PLA is more rigid, so it holds a tight shape under a steady load. It is not tough, but for a fixed, unmoving part the rigidity can be the trait you want.
Frequently asked
Is PLA+ tougher than PLA?
What is the impact strength of PLA+?
Is PLA stronger or tougher than PLA+?
Which is better for a part that gets dropped?
For the durability angle, read PLA+ versus PLA durability. For the strength numbers, see PLA+ impact resistance or PLA+ versus PLA strength.
Related guides
Related
Sources & methodology
4 citations · reviewed 2026-07-09- 01eSUN PLA+ Technical Data Sheetaccessed 2026-07-06Tier 1
- 02SUNLU PLA+ Technical Data Sheetaccessed 2026-06-29Tier 1
- 03Prusament PLA Technical Datasheetaccessed 2026-06-29Tier 1
- 04All3DP PLA+ Filaments Buyer's Guideaccessed 2026-06-29Tier 2