Tips for Printing with ABS Filaments

3D printing has taken the world by storm, and ABS is one of the most commonly used filaments for this type of printing. It’s a thermoplastic polymer made of three monomers, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, hence the name. The first monomer, the acrylonitrile, gives it its rigidity, strength and chemical resistance; the butadiene makes it tough, and the styrene gives it a smooth, shiny appearance. 

This filament is found in various industries, including automotive, engineering, aerospace, prototyping, and more. A fun fact—the Danish manufacturer of LOGO bricks has used ABS since 1963, and most of them are made out of ABS. 

It’s available in many different colours, and thanks to its versatility it allows both professionals and enthusiasts to create customised 3D printed models. For producing strong and durable parts that withstand impact, outdoor elements and high temperatures, you can buy an ABS filament knowing it can also withstand many chemicals and give reliable results.

Find the Right ABS for Your Printing Needs

Printer Compatibility

ABS needs specific settings to print, like a heated bed that stays between 90-100˚C. The nozzle, as well, should heat to around 90-100˚C, so make sure your printer can meet these requirements. Also, it’s better to use a printer with an enclosure, as an open printer loses heat. An enclosure will keep the temperature steady, prevent warping, layer separation and cracks.

Project Requirements

Consider the needs of your project before making the final decision. ABS is strong and durable, it’s great for tools, working parts, mechanical projects, or prototypes that need to last. It works perfectly well for creative designs, too. To achieve a clean finish, you can sand, paint, or smooth it with acetone. If you’re working on projects where more heat- and chemical-resistance is required, then this calls for use of alternatives like nylon. 

Filament Diameter

ABS filaments usually come in sizes of 1.75mm or 2.85mm. The filament size can affect how well your prints turn out, so check your printer’s manual to pick the right one. Choose high-quality filaments with accurate sizing to avoid print troubles.

Budget

Determine your budget before you hit the market. Prices may differ by brand and quality, and while high-quality filaments cost more, it pays off in the long run as they give better prints and can save you time by reducing potential print problems. Compare brands and read verified reviews before making a purchase. Buying in bulk can lower your costs; just make sure to test filament samples to ensure they work well with your printer.

Tips for Printing with ABS Filaments

To make your printing experience with ABS easier and safer, there are a few things you can try, such as the following.

Ensure Proper Ventilation in the Printing Room

ABS is known as a very chemical filament, and printing with this material releases fumes and tiny particles, so good airflow is important. You can open doors and windows to let fresh air in, but if you print often, you may consider adding an air filter. An enclosed printer with a filter is an excellent solution for reducing harmful emissions and printing safely and responsibly. 

Create the Perfect Environment

Make sure the printer is placed in an area with a fairly stable temperature. Also, check if the print bed is free from dust and debris before you begin the printing process. 

Prevent Warping and Clogging

The most common issues users face when printing with ABS include warping and clogging. Mainly, they are caused by temperature inconsistency or low temperature. For that reason, it may be a good idea to disable printing cooling for this filament, or if used, to keep it at 20% at a maximum. And don’t try to make the cooling process happen quicker – give it time and be patient. 

Another tip you can find useful is to put some glue on the printing bed. The heat and glue will work together to prevent the material from warping or separating. Keep the printing speed low, so each layer will have time to cool before the next one is printed. To prevent corners from lifting and separating, keep the printing speed at around 30mm/s and try not to exceed 50-60mm/s.

Store ABS Filament Properly

Moisture can ruin the filaments, and to prevent it keep them in an airtight container with desiccants.

Enjoy Post-Processing

One of the greatest things about ABS is that it lets you customise your projects. It’s quite easy to improve its look and achieve a professional finish. You can sand, paint, or smooth it with acetone—it’s that simple. Sanding helps remove rough spots and layer lines, and when it comes to painting, you can use acrylic paints for spotless results. If you want to achieve a shiny, smooth finish, you can try acetone smoothing. Post-processing your ABS filament will not only make it look better, but will also make it stronger. 

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right ABS filament can make 3D printing easier and help you create durable and professional-looking prints. Advanced techniques and troubleshooting strategies can help you overcome challenges and create outstanding prints every time.