ABS 3D Printer Filament & Consumables

ABS 3D Printer Filament and Consumables

3D printing is amazing technology that allows users to let their creativity go wild or quickly make replacement parts for different applications. A tough and durable plastic also used in protective headgear and even toys, ABS or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is one of the more common materials used in 3D printing—the others being PVA and PLA 3D printer filaments.

To use ABS 3D printer filament, you need a 3D printer that can process ABS. These models have a hot end that operates between 210 and 250 degrees centigrade, melting the plastic before sending it through the nozzle. All 3D printers capable of printing ABS have a heated printbed.

ABS tends to have a matte appearance. ABS printer filaments come in different colours, including red, blue, yellow and black 3D printer filaments. They may also be transparent. Like other 3D printer filaments, ABS is available in diameters of 1.75 or 2.85 mm (sometimes labelled '3 mm').

Printing with ABS requires a bit more care than printing with PLA. However, the resulting print is tougher and more heat-resistant. ABS does not flow as easily, meaning more intricate and detailed prints may be difficult to achieve. In addition, when heated, ABS produces an odour that can bother some. Lastly, if ABS prints are cooled too quickly, they can warp. It is possible to counter all these issues with different methods, such as a heated build plate and proper nozzle temperature.

You can work ABS by hand after it has been printed; this makes it an easy matter to sand off any imperfections. In addition, you can also easily paint it. Lastly, you can glue back on any pieces that may have broken off during the printing process with ABS glue. Doing so saves the time and cost of printing the entire piece again.