In brief
PLA+ is a tweaked PLA blend sold under many brand names. The plus usually means added modifiers that make the printed part less brittle and a bit tougher, with a small drop in stiffness. For most people the difference is modest. PLA+ prints almost like PLA, at the same low temperatures, and it is a reasonable pick when a part needs to survive a short drop or a little flex.
Definition
PLA+
noun, toughened PLA blend
PLA+ is a marketing label for PLA blends with impact modifiers added to the base resin. There is no formal grade or standard behind the plus, so one brand’s PLA+ can differ a lot from another’s. The intent is always the same: a filament that prints like PLA but resists knocks better.
PLA+ at a glance
Nozzle temp
210to 220 °C
Bed temp
50to 60 °C
Ease of print
Easy
Toughness
Medium
Heat resistance
Low
Brand variation
High
Starting settings
These numbers track the SUNLU and eSUN PLA+ datasheets, which put the nozzle in the 205 to 230 °C range and the bed near 50 to 60 °C. Expect to tune per spool, because the modifier blend varies by brand.
| Setting | Recommended | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle temp | 210 to 220 °C | Near plain PLA. The SUNLU and eSUN PLA+ TDSes center this range. |
| Bed temp | 50 to 60 °C | Same as PLA. A warm bed helps the first layer stick. |
| Part cooling | 100% | Keep cooling high like PLA for crisp overhangs. The SUNLU and eSUN PLA+ TDSes both set the fan at 100%. |
| Retraction | 4 to 6 mm | Start at PLA values and nudge up if the blend strings. |
| Print speed | 50 to 80 mm/s | Same range as PLA. Slow the outer wall for finish. |
How to adjust PLA+ settings
Start from PLA
Load the PLA+ spool with your usual PLA profile, then adjust from there. It prints close to plain PLA.
Set the temperatures
Nozzle to 215 °C and bed to 55 °C is a safe start that suits most PLA+ blends.
Keep cooling high
Run part cooling at 100 percent after the first layers, the same as PLA.
Dry if it strings
PLA+ absorbs some moisture. If the print strings or roughens, dry the spool at 45 to 50 °C for a few hours.
Tune per brand
Because the plus is not standardized, note what each brand likes and save a profile per spool.
How PLA+ compares
PLA+ trades a little stiffness and heat resistance for toughness. It beats plain PLA on impact but still softens at low heat, so it is not a substitute for PETG or ABS when temperature or serious impact are on the line.
| Property | PLA | PLA+ | PETG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | best | ||
| Toughness | best | ||
| Heat resistance | best | ||
| Brand consistency | best |
Key takeaways
- PLA+ is a toughened PLA blend that prints like PLA at the same low temperatures.
- The plus is a brand label, not a standard, so tune per spool.
- Pick it when a part takes a knock or needs a little flex, without moving to PETG.
- It still softens at low heat, so it is not a replacement for PETG or ABS.
Frequently asked
Is PLA+ stronger than PLA?
Does PLA+ print like PLA?
Is PLA+ worth the extra cost?
Why does my PLA+ string more than PLA?
Start with the PLA guide for base settings, then read the PLA versus PLA+ comparison. For more on the blend itself, see what PLA+ is.
Related guides
Sources & methodology
3 citations · reviewed 2026-07-10- 01SUNLU PLA+ Technical Data Sheet (TDS PDF): nozzle, bed, tensileaccessed 2026-06-29Tier 1
- 02eSUN PLA+ Technical Data Sheet (TDS PDF): nozzle, bed, impact, dryingaccessed 2026-07-06Tier 1
- 03All3DP PLA+ buyer's guide: brand lineup and positioningaccessed 2026-06-29Tier 2