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All about ABS filaments

3D Printing Help Centre

3D PRINTING HELP CENTRE

In the 123-3D help centre, we answer all your questions about 3D software and printer settings, problems you may experience during or after 3D printing and other 3D-related topics.

What is ABS filament?

ABS filament is a versatile and very strong oil-based filament type. It resists heat well and is available in many different colours including elegant metallics and bright neons.

Main properties of ABS filament:

  • Glossy material
  • Available in various colours and finishes
  • Very strong material
  • Heat-resistant and water-resistant
  • Light flexible
  • Heated bed required
ABS filament op spoel

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ABS, short for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, is an oil-based thermoplastic that softens when heated. It has a print temperature between 220°C and 260°C and is therefore more resistant to high temperatures than other filament types. ABS filament is hard, flexible and very strong, making the application possibilities endless.

To prevent your 3D prints of ABS from curling during cooling, the use of a heated bed is essential. In this way, the print cools gradually for an optimal result.  
 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of ABS filament?

Advantages ABS filament Disadvantages ABS filament
Good mechanical properties Attracts moisture from the air, breaks down faster
Higher melting temperature, so more resistant to high temperatures Strong smell, should be printed in a ventilated environment
ABS melts with acetone and can be post-processed with acetone vapour Oil-based product, less good for the environment and not suitable for objects that come into contact with food
Hard, flexible and very strong Can discolour due to UV radiation

Tips for printing with ABS 3D filament:

  • High print temperature give your printed objects more shine.  
  • Create fun effects by varying the temperature during printing.
  • ABS 3D filament can withstand heat well and is the ideal material for printing parts that need to come close to a hot end. Due to the high melting temperature, ABS will become less soft than PLA.
  • When printing ABS, a strong plastic smell can be released, so always work in a well-ventilated area.
  • ABS adheres well to the following materials Kapton tape, TPFE tape and 3DLAC.
  • For optimal ABS adhesion, the first layer must have the correct print height and the print bed must be completely flat.
  • Make sure your 3D prints do not warp during cooling and use a heated bed, so that the cooling process is gradual. For ABS, the ideal temperature of the heated bed is around 60°C.
  • Are you in doubt between PLA and ABS filament? Keep in mind that PLA is less resistant to heat and slightly more brittle than 3D prints of ABS filament.

ABS filament with special effects:  

  • ABS Neon colours: 1.75 mm
    Don't be dull and let your 3D prints stand out with our ABS filament in neon colours!  
  • ABS Metallic: 1.75 mm / 2.85 mm
    Do you want to create objects with a slight metallic sheen? Then this gold-coloured filament is ideal!  
You can easily order ABS filament with diameters of 1.75mm and 2.85mm online at www.123-3D.ie.

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