In the 3D printing world's diverse range of materials, ABS filament is a mainstay - a material known for its strength, durability and versatility. In this comprehensive guide, we explore all aspects of ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) filament - from its basic properties and benefits to tips and tricks for successful printing. Whether you're a beginner or experienced 3D printer, this guide will give you valuable insights into one of the most widely used industrial 3D printing materials.
What is ABS filament?
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a petroleum-based thermoplastic that has been a standard material in 3D printing since the early days of the technology. It's the same material that LEGO bricks are made from, a testament to its durability and versatility.
ABS is a composite polymer consisting of three monomers:
- Acrylonitrile: Provides chemical and thermal stability
- Butadiene: Contributes impact resistance and toughness
- Styrene: Provides rigidity and easy processing
The result is a material with a unique combination of mechanical properties that make it ideal for functional parts, prototypes and end-use products that must withstand mechanical stress and environmental influences.
ABS vs. other 3D printing materials
To understand ABS filament's position in the broader landscape of 3D printing materials, it is useful to compare it to other popular alternatives:
ABS vs. PLA
PLA (Polylactic Acid) is the most popular filament for beginners, but differs significantly from ABS:
- Printability: PLA is easier to print with, requires lower temperatures (180-220°C) and can be used without a heated print bed
- Strength: ABS is more impact resistant and flexible while PLA is harder but more brittle
- Temperature resistance: ABS can withstand temperatures up to 105°C, while PLA starts to soften at around 60°C
- Finishing: ABS can be finished with acetone for a smooth surface, which is not possible with PLA
- Eco-friendly: PLA is bio-based and biodegradable, while ABS is oil-based and non-biodegradable
- Odor and fumes: ABS releases more noticeable fumes during printing which can be irritating
ABS vs. PETG
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified) is often seen as a compromise between ABS and PLA:
- Strength: PETG almost matches ABS in strength but has better layer adhesion
- Printability: PETG is easier to print with than ABS, with less warping and less fumes
- Chemical resistance: Both materials have good chemical resistance, but PETG is generally more resistant to water and moisture
- Finishing: ABS can be smoothed with acetone, while PETG requires mechanical finishing
- UV resistance: PETG has better UV resistance than ABS, making it more suitable for outdoor use
ABS vs. Nylon
Nylon is a high-performance engineering plastic material:
- Flexibility: Nylon is more flexible and has better fatigue strength than ABS
- Strength: Nylon typically has a higher strength-to-weight ratio
- Printability: Both materials are challenging to print with, but for different reasons - ABS due to warping, Nylon due to moisture absorption
- Temperature resistance: Nylon typically has higher melting temperature and heat resistance
- Use: ABS is more universal, while Nylon is superior for mechanical parts that require extreme durability
ABS vs. ASA
ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) is often considered an improved version of ABS:
- UV resistance: ASA has superior UV resistance, making it ideal for outdoor applications
- Printability: ASA has similar printing properties to ABS, but with slightly less tendency to warping
- Strength: Both materials have similar mechanical properties
- Cost: ASA is typically more expensive than ABS
- Applications: ASA is better for outdoor use, while ABS is often sufficient for indoor functional parts
Advantages of ABS filament
ABS filament offers a number of key benefits that make it a popular choice for many 3D printing applications:
1. Superior mechanical strength
ABS excels in mechanical performance:
- High impact resistance: Resistant to shock and impact
- Flexibility: can bend without breaking (unlike more brittle materials like PLA)
- Tensile strength: Good resistance to tension and compression
- Durability: Resistant to repeated use and wear and tear
2. Temperature resistance
ABS retains its properties in a wide temperature range:
- High heat resistance: retains its shape up to around 105°C
- Low temperature performance: stays tough and flexible even at low temperatures
- Thermal stability: Minimal risk of deformation during normal use
- Usability: Ideal for parts exposed to heat (e.g. car interiors, kitchen utensils)
3. Chemical resistance
ABS has good resistance to many chemicals:
- Resistance to alkalis and acids: Resistant to many alkaline and acidic compounds
- Oil and grease resistance: Not significantly affected by oils and greases
- Water and moisture resistance: Does not absorb significant moisture from the environment
- Solvent resistance: Resistant to many solvents (with the exception of acetone, which can be used for finishing)
4. Finishing options
ABS offers unique finishing options:
- Acetone treatment: Can be smoothed with acetone steam for a smooth, high-gloss surface
- Mechanical machining: Easy to drill, file, grind and finish with tools
- Bonding: Easily bonded with ABS solutions or cyanoacrylate-based adhesives
- Paint: Accepts primer and paint for a professional finish
5. Cost-effectiveness
ABS offers a good price/performance ratio:
- Moderate price: Generally cheaper than high-performance technical filaments
- Availability: Widely available from many manufacturers
- Value: Excellent balance between price and performance for functional parts
- Longevity: Long durability reduces the need for replacement
Challenges of ABS filament and how to overcome them
Despite its many advantages, ABS is known to be more challenging to print with than materials like PLA. Here are the biggest challenges and how to overcome them:
1. Warping and shrinkage
ABS shrinks when it cools, which can lead to warping (bending of the edges of the print):
Solutions:
- Heated printbed: A printbed temperature of 95-110°C is essential
- Closed print environment: Use a closed chamber printer or build an enclosure to retain heat
- Brim or raft: Increase the contact area between the PCB and the bed
- Design considerations: Design with round corners and avoid sharp edges where warping typically starts
- Adhesives: Use special ABS adhesives, Kapton tape or a mixture of ABS and acetone (ABS juice)
2. Vapors and odor
ABS releases potentially irritating fumes during printing:
Solutions:
- Ventilation: Ensure good ventilation in the print area
- Closed system: Use a printer with filtration or connect an extraction system
- Placement: Place the printer in a well-ventilated area away from living areas
- Alternative consideration: For indoor use without good ventilation, consider ASA as an alternative with similar properties but less fumes
3. Layer adhesion
ABS can have issues with layer adhesion, especially in higher models:
Solutions:
- Optimal temperature settings: Higher hotend temperature (230-250°C) improves layer fusion
- Printer speed: Reduce speed for better layer fusion
- Cooling: Minimal or no cooling during printing
- Extrusion multiplier: Slight increase in filament flow can improve layer adhesion
- Z-hop deactivation: Avoid z-hop to reduce the risk of layer separation
4. Moisture
Although ABS is less sensitive to moisture than materials like Nylon or PETG, damp filament can still cause printing issues:
Solutions:
- Storage: Store filament in airtight containers with desiccant
- Drying: Dry the filament at 80-85°C for 4-6 hours before use if it has absorbed moisture
- Signs of damp filament: Small bubbles, splashing sounds during extrusion or rough surfaces
- Filament dryers: Consider investing in a dedicated filament dryer for regular ABS users
Types of ABS filament
ABS comes in several variants with different properties:
Standard ABS
The classic ABS filament:
- Properties: Good all-round strength and durability
- Applications: General functional parts, prototyping
- Availability: Wide range of colors and diameters (typically 1.75mm and 2.85mm)
ABS+
An improved version of standard ABS:
- Properties: Better layer adhesion, less warping, higher strength
- Applications: Precision parts, large prints where warping is a concern
- Printability: Easier to print with than standard ABS
ABS-PC (Polycarbonate blend)
A mix of ABS and polycarbonate:
- Properties: Increased strength, heat resistance and impact resistance
- Applications: High load parts, automotive components, engineering parts
- Print temperature: Requires higher temperatures (260-280°C)
- Strength: Approaching industrial strength with retained machinability
Flame retardant ABS
ABS with flame retardant additives:
- Properties: Self-extinguishing qualities, lower flammability
- Applications: Electronic components, aerospace parts, safety critical applications
- Certification: Some variants meet UL94 V-0 standards
- Requirements: Typically requires higher temperatures and special print settings
Carbon Fiber ABS
ABS reinforced with carbon fiber particles:
- Features: Increased stiffness and dimensional stability, light weight
- Applications: Precision parts that require high stiffness without weight increase
- Considerations: Abrasive on standard brass nozzles - hardened nozzles recommended
- Finish: Distinctive matte black finish with visible carbon fibers
Optimal print settings for ABS filament
To achieve successful prints with ABS, here are some recommended settings:
Temperature settings
Correct temperatures are essential for ABS:
- Extruder temperature: 230-250°C (may vary according to specific ABS compound)
- Bed temperature: 95-110°C (higher end of the scale for larger prints)
- Chamber temperature: Ideal around 45-50°C if your printer has a closed chamber with temperature control
Printbed surface
Choosing the right surface is essential for adhesion:
- Kapton tape: Excellent adhesion for ABS
- PEI surface: One of the best surfaces for ABS adhesion
- Glastik: Applied on heated glass provides good adhesion
- ABS juice: A solution of ABS in acetone applied on the construction platform
- BuildTak or equivalent: Commercial print surfaces designed for improved adhesion
Adhesion aids
Methods to reduce warping and improve adhesion:
- Brim: 5-10mm wide brim can dramatically reduce warping on corners
- Raft: Useful for prints with small contact area to the build platform
- Adhesion additions: Add mouse ears (small circles) to the corners of the model to reduce warping
- First layer: Slightly higher temperature and slower speed on the first layer (10-20mm/s)
Cooling and fan speed
ABS requires special cooling considerations:
- Part cooling: Minimal to no cooling recommended (0-20% fan speed)
- Bridging: Short, controlled cooling can help with bridges and overhangs
- Small layers: For very small parts or details, light cooling (5-15%) can improve surface quality
- Gradual cooling: Consider programming the cooling to increase gradually with higher layers
Print speed and flow
Optimal speed and flow settings:
- Perimeter speed: 30-40mm/s for best surface quality
- Infill speed: 40-60mm/s
- Travel speed: 100-150mm/s
- Flow rate: Starts at 100%, but can be adjusted to 95-105% based on test results
- Retraction: 1-2mm at 40-60mm/s (direct drive) or 3-5mm at 25-45mm/s (bowden)
Finishing of ABS prints
One of ABS's great advantages is its many finishing options:
Acetone steam treatment
A unique method to achieve smooth surfaces:
- Process: Place the print in a container with acetone vapor (NOT in liquid acetone)
- Duration: Typically 5-30 minutes depending on steam concentration and desired finish
- Results: Smoothes layer lines and gives a shiny surface
- Caution: Work in a well-ventilated area as acetone vapors are flammable
Mechanical finishing
Traditional methods for surface treatment:
- Grinding: Start with coarse grit (150-220) and work up to fine grit (600+)
- Filing: Effective for removing support material and minor defects
- Drilling and tapping: ABS can be easily drilled and tapped
- Polishing: After grinding, ABS can be polished to high gloss
Paint and coatings
Improving aesthetics and properties:
- Priming: Acrylic or urethane-based primer provides good adhesion
- Paint: Acrylic paint works well on ABS
- Epoxy coating: Can be used for increased strength and water resistance
- Metallization: ABS can be metallized with different techniques for a metallic appearance
Bonding and assembly
Methods to assemble multiple ABS parts:
- ABS cement: dissolving ABS in acetone creates a strong chemical bond
- Cyanoacrylate (secondary adhesive): Works well for quick joints
- Mechanical assembly: ABS is strong enough for screws, snap-fits and other mechanical assembly systems
- Heat welding: ABS parts can be assembled with a heat gun or dedicated plastic welder
Application areas for ABS printing
ABS's unique properties make it ideal for a number of specific applications:
Functional prototypes
ABS is perfect for functional prototypes:
- Mechanical testing: Prototypes to be loaded and tested under realistic conditions
- Fit testing: Parts to be assembled with existing components
- User testing: Prototypes that stand up to practical handling and use
- Iterative development: Robust prototypes that can be modified and customized
Automotive components
The automotive industry is a major user of ABS printing:
- Interior components: Buttons, holders, air ducts, panels
- Functional parts: Brackets, cable channels, mounting parts
- Prototypes: Testing fit and function before mass production
- Custom solutions: Special parts that are not commercially available
Electronics enclosures and holders
ABS's electrical insulation properties make it ideal for electronics housings:
- Project boxes: Protective enclosures for electronics projects
- Holders and brackets: Mounting solutions for electronic components
- Heat-resistant parts: Components near heat sources (such as power supplies)
- Flame retardant variants: Extra safety for electronics applications
Tools and fixtures
Production support and tools:
- Jigs: Holders and guides for precision work
- Fixtures: Specialized holders for production processes
- Form tools: Molds for vacuum forming and other processes
- End-user tools: Handles, holders and special tools
Medical and dental equipment
With medical versions of ABS:
- Medical device prototypes: Concept validation before final production
- Training models: Anatomical models for training and education
- Assistive products: Adapted assistive products and supports
- Laboratory tools: Specialized holders and stands
Lab3D and ABS filament
As leading specialists in 3D printing solutions in Denmark, Lab3D offers extensive expertise in ABS filament printing. Our dedicated team has built solid professional competencies through collaboration with over 100 Danish companies and educational institutions.
ABS printing service for businesses
At Lab3D, we understand that functional prototypes and production parts require material qualities that only ABS can deliver. Our ABS printing service offers:
Professional advice: Our technical experts will help you assess whether ABS is the right material for your project and guide you in design optimization for ABS printing.
Quality ABS printing: We use high-performance industrial printers in a controlled environment to ensure the highest quality ABS print with minimal warping and excellent layer fusion.
Finishing: We offer professional finishing of your ABS parts, including acetone vapor treatment, mechanical finishing, and surface finishes to your specifications.
Fast delivery: We know that time is precious. That's why we ship over 70% of our orders within 24 hours.
How the process works with Lab3D
Our ABS printing process is designed to be simple and efficient:
1. Development
Let your imagination develop and see if your ideas work in reality. Before you spend $100,000 to have a mold made, you should test your ideas in a smaller quantity with us. ABS is ideal for functional testing as its mechanical properties are close to injection molded plastic.
2. Uploading a 3D file
A 3D file is needed before we can print your ideas. You can either upload your own 3D file directly via our online platform or we can help you develop one. Our technical designers can assist in turning your idea into a printable 3D model optimized for ABS printing. Of course, everything you pay for belongs to you.
3. print
After uploading your file and creating a user, you can receive a price for your ABS print immediately. You can also see your estimated delivery time when ordering. We print your model with the highest quality to ensure it meets all your criteria.
4. Delivery
We prioritize fast delivery because we know it's crucial to the success of your projects. When you order through our ordering system, your order goes into production within minutes and we ship the majority of our prototypes within 24 hours.
ABS for education and schools
ABS filament has specific applications in the education sector, and Lab3D offers specialized solutions for schools and educational institutions:
Safe ABS printing in educational environments: We understand the special requirements for safety and usability in educational environments. Our school packages with FDM printers include ventilation solutions and security protocols that make it possible to enjoy the benefits of ABS printing even in the classroom.
Advanced 3D printing education: For technical schools, colleges and higher education, we offer specialized workshops and educational materials on ABS printing, material properties and advanced 3D printing techniques.
Support for STEM projects: We support schools' STEM initiatives with ABS printing solutions that allow students to work with engineering-grade materials and learn about material science through hands-on experience.
Why choose Lab3D for your ABS printing needs?
Solid professional skills
We have built up extensive experience in ABS printing through years of working with demanding industrial projects. Our experts know the material, its challenges and how to ensure optimal results.
High quality prints
We only use quality ABS filament from leading manufacturers and print on industrially calibrated machines with controlled temperature and environment to ensure consistent, accurate results.
All-in-one solution
With our combination of design assistance, print service, finishing and professional advice, we act as your one-stop partner for all your ABS printing needs.
Focus on sustainability
We continuously work to minimize waste and optimize our processes to reduce the environmental impact of ABS printing, including recycling misprints where possible.
Design guidelines for ABS printing
To ensure successful ABS printing, there are some design principles that are particularly important to consider:
Wall thicknesses and structural integrity
Optimal design parameters for ABS:
- Minimum wall thickness: 1.2-1.6mm recommended for structural integrity
- Maximum overhang angle: ABS can print overhangs up to 45° without support structures
- Rounding: Use rounded corners (minimum 1-2mm radius) to reduce stress concentration
- Reinforcements: Add ribs or gussets (triangle reinforcements) to structurally important areas
Design for minimal warping
Strategies to reduce ABS's tendency to warp:
- Avoid large surfaces: Divide large surfaces with ribs or segments
- Symmetrical design: Balanced designs warp less
- Gradual thickness change: Avoid sudden changes in wall thickness
- Base braid: Increased contact surface to the construction platform with elephant foot compensation
- Corner anchoring: Design with special anchor structures in corners that are particularly prone to warping
Tolerances for joints
Correct tolerances for ABS parts:
- Press-fit connections: 0.1-0.2mm tolerance for parts to be pressed together
- Loose joints: 0.3-0.5mm tolerance for parts that need to slide or rotate
- Thread: Design self-tapping thread with 0.2-0.4mm tolerance
- Snapfit: Design with 0.5-1.0mm overlap for good snap-fit connections
- Hinges: Min. 0.3mm gap for printed-in-place hinges
Design for post-processing
Considerations for parts that need finishing:
- Acetone treatment: Add 0.1-0.2mm extra to dimensions to compensate for slight shrinkage
- Support structure placement: Design so support structures are not placed on visible or functional surfaces
- Rounded edges: Easier to finish than sharp corners
- Integrated mounting holes: Design holes 0.2-0.3mm smaller than final size for precise post-drilling
The future of ABS filament
Despite the emergence of new materials, ABS remains a key 3D printing material with continuous innovation and development:
Advanced ABS compounds
New specialized ABS variants:
- High-impact ABS: Even better impact resistance for demanding applications
- ABS with carbon fiber and other composites: Increased strength-to-weight ratio
- Bio-based alternatives: Partially bio-based ABS alternatives with similar properties
- Medical and food grade variants: Expanded applications in specialized industries
Improved print technologies
Technological advances that make ABS printing easier:
- Intelligent thermal management: Printers with advanced chamber control reduce warping
- Improved extruders: Hot-ends specifically designed for consistent ABS flow
- Automated calibration tools: Reduce setup time and errors
- Slicer innovation: Improved support generation and print optimization algorithms for ABS
Industrial applications
Increased integration of ABS printing into industrial processes:
- Digital inventory: On-demand printing of ABS spare parts reduces inventory costs
- Custom manufacturing: Customized solutions in industrial quality
- Integrated production: ABS printing as an integrated part of production lines
- Optimized material utilization: Reduced waste compared to subtractive methods
Conclusion: Is ABS filament the right choice for you?
ABS filament remains a cornerstone of the 3D printing world, especially for applications that require durability, temperature resistance and mechanical strength. Although more challenging to print with than PLA, its superior properties make it an indispensable material for functional parts and prototypes.
Here are some key factors to help you decide if ABS is the right material for your project:
- Applications: ABS is ideal for functional parts that need to withstand mechanical stress and environmental influences.
- Temperature requirements: If your parts need to withstand temperatures above 60°C, ABS is a better choice than PLA.
- Printer capacity: Make sure your printer has a heated bed (at least 100°C) and preferably a closed chamber or enclosure.
- Finishing needs: If you want a smooth surface through acetone treatment, ABS is the obvious choice.
- Environmental considerations: If sustainability is a primary concern, PLA or newer bio-based alternatives may be more appropriate.
At Lab3D, we are dedicated to helping you navigate the possibilities of 3D printing. Whether ABS is the right solution for your project or another material would be more suitable, our team of experts can guide you through the process and ensure you achieve the best results.
Take the first step towards realizing the potential of ABS technology for your business or educational institution. Contact Lab3D today for a consultation or use our online calculator to get an instant quote for your project.
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