All About ABS 3D Printing Filament: Materials, Properties, Definition
If you’ve ever wondered about ABS 3D printing filament, this article will guide you through what it is and how to use it.
ABS, which stands for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, is one of the most commonly used 3D printing filaments. It’s used to create plastic parts that have to be strong and hold their own in temperature changes. Let’s go over its composition, uses, and properties, as well as how it fares when compared to other common filaments.
What is ABS 3D Printing?
Most commonly used with fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printer models, ABS is a thermoplastic polymer made of the three monomers that make up its name. People saw its usefulness from day one, and it didn’t take very long for this material to gain mass popularity after it was patented (all the way back in 1948). ABS can be found in so many sectors because of how strong, flexible, and moldable it is, making it useful for an array of things from pipes to toys. As far as 3D printing materials go, ABS is machinable, durable, and doesn’t take long to print. It can also withstand hot temperatures, has excellent melt flow, and is resistant to strain and abrasion.
To make ABS, the three main monomers—acrylonitrile, styrene, and butadiene—are polymerized together. Acrylonitrile gives it rigidity, as well as strength and chemical resistance, styrene gives it a smooth and shiny texture, and butadiene is the rubbery element that makes ABS tough. Here’s what the filament looks like:
What are the Properties of ABS Filament?
ABS filament is a commonly used filament for general-purpose printing. Listed below are some of its properties:
- Has high heat tolerance that can withstand hot temperatures.
- ABS-printed parts are extra tough and can survive multiple impacts. It has good impact resistance even at low temperatures.
- ABS filaments have a superior melt flow.
- Good abrasion and strain resistance.
Comparison of ABS Filament Properties
Other filaments that are similar to ABS include PLA, PLA+, and PETG, but these do have some differences worth knowing about. ABS is a non-biodegradable thermoplastic that’s used for printing end-use parts, as well as functional prototypes and castings. PLA (polylactic acid), on the other hand, is made from biodegradable materials like corn starch and is used for fast projects like showcase models or rapid prototypes. ABS is much stiffer and handles high temperatures much better than PLA, and doesn’t break as easily either.
PLA+ is an enhanced version of PLA. It shares the same basic makeup but has extra additives. It’s made from biodegradable materials and has a narrower printing temperature range (200–230°C) compared to ABS (210–250°C). Also, PLA+ generally produces prints of higher quality compared to ABS. PETG is an adaptation of PET and contains glycol for better strength and durability. One of the main differences between ABS and PETG is that the latter can be used outside because it’s resistant to UV rays—something that ABS isn’t. However, ABS wins in the heat resistance department.
We’ve listed out the properties of ABS, PLA, and PETG in the table below.
| Properties | ABS | PLA | PETG |
|---|---|---|---|
Properties Impact strength | ABS 200-215 J/m | PLA 26 J/m | PETG 101 J/m |
Properties UV resistance | ABS Average | PLA Average | PETG Better than average |
Properties Density | ABS 1.03-1.14 g/mL | PLA 1.24 g/mL | PETG 1.27 g/mL |
Properties Thermal conductivity | ABS 0.17- 0.23 W/mK | PLA 0.111 W/mK | PETG 0.21 W/mK |
Properties Elongation at break | ABS 10-50% | PLA 7% | PETG 130% |
Properties Yield strength | ABS 2.96-48 MPa | PLA 70 MPa | PETG 50 MPa |
Properties Flexural strength | ABS 2400 MPa | PLA 106 MPa | PETG 70 MPa |
Properties Hardness shore D | ABS 100 | PLA 88 | PETG 106 |
Properties Tensile strength | ABS 2.96-43 MPa | PLA 59 MPa | PETG 53 MPa |
Properties Specific heat capacity | ABS 1.60-2.13 kJ/(kg·K) | PLA 1.590 kJ/(kg·K) | PETG 1.30 kJ/(kg·K) |
Properties Young modulus | ABS 1.79-3.2 GPa | PLA 3.5 GPa | PETG 2.1 GPa |
Comparison of ABS vs PLA vs PETG
The image below is an example of some ABS parts that were 3D printed by the Xometry team:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Pros Its mechanical properties are great, making it strong and durable | Cons While printing, it releases toxic, and frankly, quite smelly volatile organic compounds (VOCs) |
Pros You can use acetone to easily remove any interface lines between printed layers | Cons When printing with ABS, some layers cool faster before binding with the next layer. Because of this uneven temperature distribution, ABS parts are prone to warping. |
Pros It’s very affordable compared to other materials in its class | Cons If exposed to UV radiation for too long, ABS can become discolored and brittle, so it’s best not to use it outside |
Pros Compared to most inexpensive thermoplastics, it can withstand relatively high temperatures | Cons - |
ABS Pros and Cons
Why is ABS Used in 3D printing?
ABS is used in 3D printing because of its resistance to impacts and high temperatures. ABS 3D printer filament comes in many colors and allows for smooth and shiny finishes.
How to Use ABS in 3D Printing
Printing with ABS can be difficult if not well managed. Below are some tips and tricks to remember:
- Place the printer in a room with a consistent temperature. Turn the printer’s fan down (or completely off) because it can create an uneven temperature distribution that may impact the print. Do not try to accelerate the plastic’s cooling process.
- Use adhesion glue on the printing bed before initiating the print. If your bed plate can be heated, set it to between 90°C and 110°C. The temperature and glue will help prevent warping, premature separation, and other printing inaccuracies.
- Keep printing speed low so that each layer can cool before receiving the next one. The corners on improperly cooled prints tend to lift and separate. Maintain a speed of 30 mm/s at the beginning of the print and do not exceed 50-60 mm/s.
- ABS is a hygroscopic material, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air. It is important to store ABS filament in an airtight container.
What are the Best Configuration Settings for ABS 3D Printing?
To maximize your chances of getting good results, here are some configuration settings you could try out (although we always recommend you follow the manufacturer’s datasheet as each printer’s settings will vary depending on brand and model):
| Printer Settings | Value |
|---|---|
Printer Settings Extruder temperature | Value 230-250°C |
Printer Settings Bed temperature | Value 95-110°C |
Printer Settings Nozzle Temperature | Value 210-250°C |
Printer Settings Print speed | Value 30-60 mm/sec |
Printer Settings Extruder fan speed | Value Leave the fan off for the first layer. Set it no higher than 30% of maximum speed thereafter. |
Printer Settings Retraction speed | Value 25 mm/sec |
Printer Settings Retraction distance | Value 3-6 mm |
Printer Settings Layer height | Value 0.1-0.2 mm |
Printer Settings Print temperature | Value 220-245°C |
Printer Settings Bed material | Value Glass with glue |
ABS Printer Settings
Tips and Tricks for 3D Printing with ABS
There are certain things you can try to make your experience with using ABS a little easier and safer. Here’s our pick:
- The printer should be located somewhere with a fairly stable temperature. Then, either turn the fan off or all the way down as it can mess up the temperature distribution and end up ruining your print. Also, don’t try to make the cooling process happen quicker—it’ll happen when it happens!
- Before you start the print, put some glue on the printing bed (for printers with heated beds, around 90–100°C is the perfect temperature). The heat and glue will work together to make sure the material doesn’t warp, separate, or any of the other annoying issues you might normally get during printing.
- Keep the printing speed low. That way each layer has some time to cool before the next layer is printed. Corners sometimes tend to lift and separate, so keeping your speed to around 30 mm/s at first and not exceeding 50–60 mm/s can help prevent this.
- Always store ABS in an airtight container because, as a hygroscopic material, it can absorb moisture from the air.
- Keeping your walls thin is a great way to economize your material usage and speed up the printing process, but we don’t recommend making your walls thinner than 1.5mm, even if your part requires flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About ABS 3D Printing Filament
What is the Best ABS 3D Print Speed?
Most experts recommend a print speed between 30 and 60 mm/s for the body of the part. The goal is to balance speed against the material’s need to cool properly. Printing too quickly may result in warped parts.
What is the Melting Temperature of ABS Filament?
The melting temperature of ABS filament is generally between 210-250°C. It is recommended to check the manufacturer’s data sheet for the specific melt temperature of their filament.
Is a Heated Printing Bed Required when Printing with ABS?
Yes, a heated bed is required during ABS printing. The warmth prevents it from cooling too rapidly and warping or peeling away from the bed.
What is a Good Wall Thickness for 3D Printing ABS?
Even if your part needs to be flexible, it’s best not to print walls thinner than 1.5 mm. Thin walls limit the amount of raw material your part requires and speeds up the printing process.
What is a Good Wall/ Infill Density for 3D Printing ABS?
The infill density requirement is based on the part application. For ABS-printed parts, the recommended infill density is 20-50%.
Is ABS Biodegradable?
No, ABS is a non-biodegradable plastic. It has a pungent smell and emits toxic chemicals when melted.
Is ABS Recyclable?
Yes, ABS can be recycled. Recycled ABS is often made into sheets, show trays, car parts, and ABS pipes.
Is ABS Hygroscopic?
Yes, ABS is hygroscopic and can easily absorb water.
What is the Difference Between ABS and PLA in 3D Printing?
ABS is a non-biodegradable thermoplastic. It is used for printing end-use parts, casings, and functional prototypes. PLA (polylactic acid), on the other hand, is made from biodegradable materials like corn starch. It is used to print fast projects like showcase models and rapid prototypes. ABS is much stiffer, more resilient under high temperatures, and does not break as easily as PLA.
What is the Difference between ABS and PLA+ in 3D Printing?
PLA+ is an enhanced version of PLA. It has the same fundamental composition as PLA but includes extra additives. PLA+ is made from biodegradable materials while ABS is non-biodegradable. PLA+ has a narrower printing temperature range (200-230°C) compared to ABS (210-250°C). It also produces higher quality print finishes than ABS.
What is the Difference between PETG and ABS in 3D Printing?
ABS is a thermoplastic polymer while PETG (polyethylene terephthalate with glycol) is an adaptation from PET. Glycol is added to modify its chemical properties for better strength and durability. ABS withstands heat up to 100°C and can be damaged when exposed to UV rays for a long period. PETG’s heat resistance tops out at 80°C, but it is a good fit for outdoor applications due to its high UV resistance.
How Xometry Can Help
Xometry provides a wide range of manufacturing capabilities, including 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC machining, and much more. ABS 3D printing filament is extremely popular among Xometry customers. If you’d like to learn more about it, or request a free no-obligation quote, reach out to a Xometry representative today.
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