Overview
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a classic engineering thermoplastic, widely used across automotive, consumer electronics, and industrial applications. It offers higher heat resistance than PLA and can be smoothed with acetone for near-injection-moulded surface finishes.
ABS is an excellent choice when you need functional parts that will be exposed to elevated temperatures or mechanical stress.
Technical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 40MPa |
| Flexural Modulus | 2.3GPa |
| Heat Deflection Temp | 98–100°C |
| Layer Resolution | 0.1–0.3mm |
| Density | 1.04g/cm³ |
| Elongation at Break | 8% |
| Shrinkage | 0.6–0.8% |
Advantages & Limitations
Advantages
- ✓Can be acetone-smoothed for injection-moulded surface finish
- ✓Higher heat resistance than PLA or PETG
- ✓Impact resistant and tough under mechanical loads
- ✓Good machinability - easy to drill, tap, and sand
Limitations
- ✗Prone to warping - enclosed printer strongly recommended
- ✗Emits styrene fumes during printing - requires adequate ventilation
Applications
Automotive interior partsConsumer electronics housingsTooling jigsSnap-fit enclosuresHeat-exposed componentsMaster patterns for casting
Printing Tips
Print ABS at 230–250 °C with a bed temperature of 100–110 °C. An enclosed printer is strongly recommended to prevent warping. Apply ABS slurry or a specialised bed adhesive. Avoid drafts and cooling fans at full speed during printing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is acetone smoothing?
ABS dissolves slightly in acetone vapour. By exposing finished prints to acetone in a sealed container, layer lines fuse together giving a smooth, glossy surface that approaches injection-moulded quality.