Differences Between ESUN PLA, PLA+, PLA-HS, and PLA+HS

When selecting 3D printing filament, understanding the differences between various product lines can make a significant impact on the quality and performance of your prints. At our store, we offer two advanced eSUN filaments: PLA+ and PLA+HS. These filaments represent the latest innovations from eSUN, superseding older products like standard PLA and PLA-HS. However, it’s important to understand how these products compare and why PLA+ and PLA+HS are superior choices.

Lets talk about the Evolution of Esun PLA.

First come eSUN PLA

Standard PLA (Polylactic Acid) is one of the most popular materials in 3D printing due to its ease of use, affordability, and wide availability.
Esun made it just like the many companies before them. While it is reliable for basic applications, it lacks the enhanced mechanical properties of PLA+ and PLA+HS.

eSUN PLA+

eSUN PLA+ builds upon the features of standard PLA with additives that completely changed the PLA game.
The new PLA+ made it easier to remove support material, it was not as rigid as PLA, & it could be sanded to a much higher extent than PLA.
It quickly became the #1 Filament on the market!

  • Enhanced Strength and Durability: PLA+ is tougher and less brittle compared to standard PLA, making it suitable for functional parts.
  • Improved Layer Adhesion: Prints with stronger inter-layer bonding, reducing the risk of delamination.
  • Matte Finish: Often delivers a more professional, less glossy appearance.
  • Easy Printing: Retains ease of use, with slightly higher temperature requirements in some cases.

PLA+ is the ideal choice for those looking for a balance between ease of use and enhanced performance.

Now it gets interesting..

A little while later, companies like BambuLabs started making high speed 3d printing more popular, & even Creality & Prusa caught on to the high speed game.

So filament makers like Esun had to make filament that could handle a higher range of Flow Rates.
This is when things start to get confusing, because high speed 3d printing just needs higher flow rate, not too different to what commercial 3d printers had been doing for years.

eSUN PLA-HS (High-Speed PLA)

To enter the High Speed game, Esun now releases ePLA-HS.

This is Esun’s original PLA formula with stabilised range of tempearture. But, this is NOT PLA+ !

PLA-HS, also known by its product code ePLA-HS, was introduced as a high-speed alternative to standard PLA, aimed at reducing print times while maintaining reasonable surface quality. While it offered faster flow rates and smoother extrusion, its limitations in durability and layer bonding became apparent in more demanding applications. As a result, it has been largely superseded by PLA+HS, which combines speed with superior strength and reliability.

Confusion created by competition

It’s worth noting that some competitors supply ePLA-HS and even price it similarly to ePLA+HS. However, it is crucial to not be misled—ePLA+HS is a far superior product. The difference between “-” and “+” in the product codes is subtle but significant, and ePLA+HS delivers vastly better performance due to improve mechanical properties of PLA+ we discussed above.

eSUN PLA+HS (High-Speed PLA+)

The PLA+HS filament, with its product code ePLA+HS, combines the high-speed printing capabilities of PLA-HS with the enhanced properties of PLA+, making it the most capable option in the lineup.

Esun themselves have started moving over all the PLA+ to the new high speed compatible PLA+HS version.

  • Exceptional Strength and Durability: Matches or exceeds PLA+ in toughness, suitable for functional parts and high-performance applications.
  • High-Speed Compatibility: Maintains mechanical integrity even when printed at accelerated speeds.
  • Advanced Layer Bonding: Ensures reliable prints, even for large or complex models.
  • Optimized for Efficiency: Perfect for rapid production of durable parts without compromising quality.

Why Choose Us?

We exclusively offer eSUN’s PLA+ and PLA+HS because they deliver the best performance for modern 3D printing applications. Older products like standard PLA and PLA-HS have been effectively superseded by these superior materials. Some competitors may supply ePLA-HS instead of ePLA+HS, but ePLA-HS does not offer the same level of durability or reliability as ePLA+HS. This distinction is crucial for achieving high-quality and dependable results.

Choosing the Right Filament

  • For stronger, durable prints: Choose eSUN PLA+ for better mechanical properties and a matte finish.
  • For faster speeds & durability: eSUN PLA+HS offers the best of both worlds, suitable for advanced and high-speed projects.

By focusing on the latest advancements in 3D printing materials, we ensure our customers achieve the best results possible. If you have questions or need guidance on which filament suits your application, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you succeed in your 3D printing endeavors!