What is an ABS?
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is the second most popular 3D printing material after PLA. This means only one thing - this filament is the second most used. In terms of material properties, ABS is actually moderately superior to PLA, even though printing with it is a bit more complicated. For this reason, ABS is found in many industrial household and consumer products, including LEGO designers and bicycle helmets.
Additional Information
ABS products have high strength and the ability to withstand high temperatures, but 3D printer enthusiasts should be mindful of the high printing temperature, the tendency to deform when cooled, and strong fumes. It is imperative to print on a desktop with a heated platform and eliminate all kinds of drafts. Periodically, it is advisable to ventilate the room.
Properties of ABS filament:
· strength – high;
· elasticity – medium;
· durability – high;
· complexity of use – medium;
· print temperature – 210-250ºС;
· table temperature – 80-110ºС;
· shrinkage or warping – significant;
· solubility – soluble in ethers, ketones, acetone;
· food safety – not safe.
When should I use plastic for an ABS 3D printer?
ABS is a durable material that can withstand high loads and temperature. It is moderately flexible, making ABS a universal filament for 3D printing. This thread is used to produce items that are often dropped, heated, and further processed. It is a great material for phone cases, heavily used toys, tool pens, car trim parts and electrical cabinets.