PVA vs PLA
Compare PVA and PLA filaments side-by-side. See which one is best for your 3D printing project.
PVA
BPolyvinyl Alcohol
Dissolvable support for complex geometry (especially with PLA/PETG depending on pairing)
PLA
APolylactic Acid
Easiest to print, cheap, widely available, fast, good bridges/overhangs, easy support removal
Detailed Comparison
Property
PVA
PLA
Tier Rating
Tier B
Tier A
Family
Water-soluble supports
PLA
Nozzle Temp
180-220°C
185-235°C
Bed Temp
45-60°C
50-60°C
Enclosure
not needed
not needed
Cooling
Moderate cooling
High part cooling usually beneficial
Moisture Sensitivity
extreme
moderate
Strengths Comparison
PVA Strengths
- Dissolvable support for complex geometry (especially with PLA/PETG depending on pairing)
- Cleaner overhangs and internal channels
PLA Strengths
- Easiest to print, cheap, widely available, fast, good bridges/overhangs, easy support removal
- Stiff non-composite thermoplastic, good tensile strength
Considerations
PVA Caveats
- Very moisture sensitive; quickly becomes unusable if left out
- Slower printing; can clog if wet or overheated
- Requires careful pairing (supports must adhere to the model material but still release/dissolve well)
PLA Caveats
- Creeps under sustained load
- Poor heat resistance, UV degradation, can shatter on drops
- Not great for sanding/gluing/painting/touch-ups
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PVA or PLA better for 3D printing?
PLA is generally rated higher (Tier A) compared to PVA (Tier B). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: PVA is best for Dissolvable support for complex geometry (especially with PLA/PETG depending on pairing), while PLA is best for Easiest to print, cheap, widely available, fast, good bridges/overhangs, easy support removal.
What are the temperature differences between PVA and PLA?
PVA prints at 180-220°C nozzle / 45-60°C bed. PLA prints at 185-235°C nozzle / 50-60°C bed.
Do PVA and PLA need an enclosure?
PVA: not needed. PLA: not needed.
Which is more beginner-friendly: PVA or PLA?
Both PVA and PLA are beginner-friendly options.