Abstract The introduction of fused deposition modelling in the industrial sector to produce functional components in thermoplastic materials, such as PLA, requires knowledge of the performance limits of such elements during the design phase. Predicting the breaking load resistance of notched specimens is essential to evaluate the mechanical performance of components manufactured using this technology. This study compares different methodologies based on the critical distance criterion (TCD) for predicting the static breaking strength of printed notched specimens made with Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technology using PLA material. Specimens with different topologies of V-notches were printed according to a standardized configuration. Various analysis techniques were applied to determine the breaking strength of each specimen. By comparing the results obtained with experimental data to assess their accuracy and reliability, it has been demonstrated that these methodologies, coupled with the concept of equivalent elastic material (EMC), can be useful for predicting static breaking load.