Industries as varied as automotive and toy-making use acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) for its durability and formability. These properties also make ABS filament a solid choice for 3D printing ... whether for commercial applications or household objects.
Because ABS plastic is stronger and better withstands impacts than PLA materials, ABS filament is a better choice for objects that will bear structural loads or will be handled frequently. The base ABS material is translucent so adding pigments creates ABS filaments in a wide range of colors, like our popular black ABS filament. ABS objects can also be kid-safe.
ABS will work with all but the cheapest FDM 3D printers because, while the ideal ABS print temperature is relatively low, the material requires a heated bed and an enclosed print volume. These temperature management features prevent adhesion and layer separation issues caused by ABS’s tendency to contract when cooling. ABS produces fine details and works with post-processing techniques such as acetone smoothing.
Strength, durability and temperature resistance are why you will see ABS materials used in the automotive and medical device industries. These material properties are also why people choose ABS 3D printer filaments. With fine surface details, a variety of color options and post-processing techniques like solvent welding and acetone smoothing, ABS 3D printing lets you create objects that will withstand day-to-day use.