ABS Filament: 3D Printing Materials Guide

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) filament is a popular thermoplastic used for 3D printing. In this article, we will discuss its features, uses, pros and cons, hardware requirements, best practices, and pro tips.

ABS Filament Features:

• ABS filament’s strength, durability, and flexibility make it a popular choice for printing functional parts.
• It has a higher melting point than PLA, which means it can withstand higher temperatures without deforming.
• ABS filament is available in a wide range of colors and finishes, including glossy, matte, and metallic.

ABS Filament Uses:

• The automotive, aerospace, and toy industries commonly use ABS for printing functional parts that require strength and durability.
• You can use it to print a variety of objects such as gears, housings, and structural components.
• ABS filament is also a great choice for printing toys, figurines, and other decorative items.

Filament Pros:

• ABS filament is strong and durable, making it ideal for printing functional parts that require toughness and durability.
• It has a higher melting point than PLA, which makes it more suitable for printing objects that require some heat resistance.
• ABS is widely available and relatively inexpensive compared to other filaments.

Filament Cons:

• ABS filament produces a slight odor when printing, which some users may find unpleasant.
• It can be more challenging to print with than PLA due to its tendency to warp or crack if not printed at the correct temperature and humidity level.
• ABS requires a heated bed or chamber to prevent warping during the printing process.

ABS Filament Hardware Requirements:

• ABS requires a higher printing temperature (220-250°C) than PLA, which means you need a 3D printer that can reach these temperatures.
• A heated bed or chamber is necessary to prevent warping during the printing process.
• Using an enclosure is recommended to maintain a stable printing environment, reduce drafts, and prevent cracking or warping.

Best Practices:

• Before printing, make sure to clean the print bed thoroughly to remove any debris or residue from previous prints.
• Use a suitable adhesive such as ABS juice or a Kapton tape to ensure good bed adhesion.
• Print ABS filament at a temperature within the recommended range and ensure that the humidity level is low to prevent cracking or warping.

ABS Filament Pro Tips:

• To avoid warping and cracking, print large parts in smaller sections for better accuracy and structural integrity.
• To create a smoother surface finish for ABS filament prints, experts recommend using either acetone vapor or sandpaper because ABS produces visible layer lines on the surface of the print due to its printing process. To smooth out these lines, one can use acetone vapor by placing the printed objects in a container with acetone to melt and smooth the layer lines. Acetone vapor is flammable, so use it in a well-ventilated area.
• Alternatively, sandpaper can also be used to smooth out the surface of ABS filament prints. This involves sanding down the surface of the print with progressively finer grits of sandpaper until the layer lines become less visible. This method is less risky than using acetone vapor but may take more time and effort to achieve a smooth finish.
• Smoothing ABS prints improves appearance but results in loss of detail. Consider pros and cons before deciding.
• Use a raft or a brim to help with bed adhesion and prevent warping.

People commonly use ABS filament for 3D printing because of its strength, durability, and flexibility. ABS is used in tough, durable parts for automotive, aerospace, and toy industries. It requires higher temperature and heated bed or chamber to prevent warping. It’s challenging to print compared to PLA. With proper hardware requirements, best practices, and pro tips, you can achieve successful prints with ABS.