ABS Filaments: Important information for 3D printing

ABS Filament Grau

3D printing is rapidly gaining popularity. Different materials or filaments allow you to print objects with very different properties. You should be familiar with the different properties if you are into 3D printing. The ABS material, for example, has outstanding properties in certain areas. We would like to discuss these in this article.

What does the abbreviation ABS stand for?

Behind the term ABS in this context is Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. The material is produced artificially and belongs to the group of thermoplastics. ABS can therefore be deformed in defined temperature ranges.
3D printing with ABS filaments requires a heatable print bed and a 3D printer that can print at higher temperatures (210 to 240 degrees Celsius). Printing ABS is therefore more demanding than with PLA filaments. ABS is available in a thickness of 1.75 mm and 3 mm. We have this filament on offer in various colors. However, you can also dye the material.

Which objects can be printed with ABS?

You will be surprised how many products have ABS in them nowadays. These plastics are among the most widely used in the world and are used in countless products. Many toys, components or even household items of all kinds are made of ABS plastic.

Special properties of ABS material

ABS material is heat resistant and impact resistant. Scratch resistance and abrasion resistance are also salient features of this plastic. In addition, it is very resistant to cold (up to – 40 degrees Celsius). ABS is also easy to rework and it is resistant to grease and oil. ABS can also be coated well with other materials and is therefore sometimes used in combination with chrome, for example. In its pure form (without plasticizers) it is harmless to health, which is why it is so often used in the manufacture of children’s toys.

Processing ABS material

If you process ABS as filament in 3D printing, you should make sure to use the correct processing temperatures. In the detailed descriptions of our filaments for 3D printing offered here, you will find the binding information on this.

Due to the flexibility of the material, corrections and optimizations are also possible when 3D printing with ABS.

In general, ABS filaments should be printed in the range of 210 to 240 degrees Celsius. A heatable print bed should definitely be used for ABS printing (the temperature should be 90 – 110 degrees Celsius).

Work only with high quality filaments, such as those offered here in the store: ABS Filaments Shop.

PLA or ABS?

Which filament is more suitable for the 3D printer? In general, both variants are very popular and good alternatives. By and large, PLA prints better due to melting temperature and glass transition temperature. ABS objects, on the other hand, are very durable and are great for objects that will be used outdoors. They can be post-processed well.