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ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a popular, durable filament used in 3D printing for creating robust and heat-resistant objects. Known for its strength and flexibility, ABS is ideal for functional parts and prototypes that require high performance.
ABS filaments are suitable for users looking to advance beyond basic materials like PLA. It offers a professional finish with the right handling, despite its need for higher printing temperatures, high-temperature environments and ventilation.
What is ABS?
ABS, or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, is a thermoplastic polymer widely used in 3D printing. It combines strength, flexibility, and a higher temperature resistance, making it an ideal choice for engineering projects and functional parts.
ABS is made from petroleum. Thus, it’s less eco-friendly compared to PLA, but is a low-cost material all the same.
ABS is a polymer blend of three monomers: acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene, each contributing unique material properties like strength, toughness, and glossy finish.
Why Choose ABS?
- Durability: ABS is tough and can withstand physical impacts and pressure. It is stronger than most other materials in 3D printing, perfect for industrial applications or functional prototypes.
- Heat Resistance: It can withstand high temperatures, due to its high glass transition temperature.
- Flexibility: While strong, ABS plastic still offers some flexibility, making it versatile for various applications.
- Finish and Aesthetics: It can be sanded and smoothed, allowing for post-processing enhancements.
Printing with ABS: Tips and Requirements
- Printer Temperature: Set your 3D printer’s extrusion temperature between 210 °C and 250 °C.
- Bed Temperature: A heated bed is crucial for bed adhesion, typically around 80 °C to 110 °C, to prevent warping.
- Environment: ABS emits fumes when printed; ensure adequate ventilation, use air filters and ideally use an enclosed printer.
- Adhesion: Use a Brim, Mouse Ears, ABS slurry, or a glue stick to improve bed adhesion and minimize warping.
- Cooling: Minimize cooling fans to prevent too rapid part cooling and therefore warping (ABS shrinks when it cools). An enclosure or heated chamber is ideal for ABS filament.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
✓ High durability and impact resistance.
✓ Suitable for high-temperature applications.
✓ Good flexibility for mechanical parts.
Disadvantages:
× Prone to warping and requires a heated bed and an enclosure for bigger parts.
× Emits unpleasant/toxic fumes during printing.
× More challenging for beginners than PLA.
× Not every 3D printer can use ABS filaments.
× Not eco-friendly.
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