The short answerPLA+ is a tougher PLA blend.

PLA+ is a family of upgraded PLA blends that add impact modifiers to standard PLA. The plus means better toughness and less brittleness, not a single formula. The eSUN and SUNLU datasheets put its nozzle range at 205 to 230 °C.

What the plus means

There is no single PLA+ standard. Each maker blends its own modifiers into PLA to raise impact resistance and lower brittleness. The result prints much like PLA but survives knocks that would crack standard PLA. The All3DP buyer’s guide lists PLA+ as the tough and PRO variants from major brands.

PLA+ properties

PLA+ material properties

Glass transition

61°C

Per SUNLU PLA+ TDS.

Tensile strength

53 to 58MPa

eSUN 53, SUNLU 58.

Density

1.23g/cm³

Per eSUN and SUNLU PLA+ TDS.

Heat deflection

53°C

Per eSUN PLA+ TDS at 0.45 MPa.

PLA+ prints like PLA with a small temperature bump. Run the part cooling fan at full speed, and keep the speed near 40 to 60 mm/s.

PLA+ starting settings
SettingRecommendedWhy
Nozzle temperature210 to 230 °CeSUN 210 to 230, SUNLU 205 to 215.
Bed temperature50 to 60 °CeSUN 45 to 60, SUNLU 50 to 60.

Key takeaways

  • PLA+ is a tougher PLA blend, not one formula.
  • It prints at 210 to 230 °C with a 50 to 60 °C bed.
  • PLA+ resists impact and cracking better than PLA.
  • Use PLA+ for handled or loaded parts, PLA for display.

Frequently asked

What does PLA+ mean?
It means a PLA blend with impact modifiers. The plus signals better toughness and less brittleness than standard PLA. There is no single PLA+ formula.
Is PLA+ the same as PLA?
No. PLA+ is PLA mixed with modifiers for toughness. It prints similarly but resists impact and cracking better than plain PLA.
Can I print PLA+ like PLA?
Almost. PLA+ runs slightly hotter, around 210 to 230 °C, but it needs no heated chamber and uses full part cooling.
Does PLA+ come in as many colors as PLA?
Mostly yes. The major brands offer a wide color range, though specialty finishes like silk take longer to appear in PLA+ than in standard PLA.

To pick a brand, see the best PLA+ filament guide. For the value question, read is PLA+ worth it. The PLA versus PLA+ comparison breaks down the trade.

Related guides

Related

More in this area

Sources & methodology

4 citations · reviewed 2026-07-09
  1. 01All3DP PLA+ Filaments Buyer's Guideaccessed 2026-06-29Tier 2
  2. 02eSUN PLA+ Technical Data Sheetaccessed 2026-07-06Tier 1
  3. 03SUNLU PLA+ Technical Data Sheetaccessed 2026-06-29Tier 1
  4. 04Prusament PLA Technical Datasheetaccessed 2026-06-29Tier 1
How we vetted this: every claim traces to a tiered source, Tier 1 (manufacturer, slicer, standards) first. Read the full sourcing and conflict-of-interest policy.