The all-rounder ABS is an indispensable part of the 3D printing world. ABS filament is used in various industries as a printed object. The 3D print ABS filament has properties that are particularly suitable for robust products.
Here you will find everything important about ABS filament!
What is ABS?
ABS filament is a 3D printer filament used to produce objects. Some experts refer to ABS filament as the best filament in the industry. However, it must be noted that it is advantageous for certain products and for other objects, a different 3D printer filament should be used. This depends on the desired properties of the object.
ABS stands for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and is a plastic that belongs to the thermoplastics. It is made from acrylonitrile, 1,3-butadiene and styrene. These are 3 monomers that are combined to produce the amorphous synthetic polymer.
A very popular ABS filament, which is particularly suitable for 3D printing.
The properties of ABS
The properties of ABS filament are very extensive. That's why the 3D printer filament is so popular. Every material for 3D printers has its own individual properties, which can be an advantage or disadvantage.
Here is an overview of the most important properties of ABS plastic:
| Mechanical properties | Physical properties | Chemical properties |
| Tensile strength (40-50 MPa) | Medium density | Resistant to weak acids, oils, greases, alcohols, |
| Elastic (5-10%) | Melting point: 220-250°C Glass transition temperature: approx. from 105 °C |
Sensitive to strong acids, solvents, acetone etc. |
| Robust (high impact strength) | Dimensionally stable with heat | Is flammable |
| Flexible | Classically opaque | Not resistant to solvents |
ABS has many properties. Above all, however, Geeetech filament is known for its robust, impact-resistant properties. ABS plastic is only resistant to weak chemicals. It is very sensitive to strong, corrosive solutions.
ABS filament is only conditionally weather-resistant, as it has a low degree of water resistance. High humidity or direct contact with water can cause ABS filament to lose strength.
Impact strength testing of ABS
Dr. Igor Gaspar is a mechanical engineer and regularly conducts tests with very high standards on various products.
One of the tests is the comparison of Geeetech ABS, PLA and PETG.
He checks durability and various aspects such as impact strength, deformation over long periods under stress and other wear and tear.
He performs an impact strength test with a permanently installed test setup, in which a hammer strikes the three different filaments. The test clearly shows that ABS is significantly more impact-resistant than PLA and PETG. In the test, ABS does not break, while the other two filaments break immediately even with slight impacts.
You can see details of the test values in the following statistics:
Tips for perfect printing with ABS
If you want to print ABS filament as best as possible, you should optimize your print settings.
Here are the most important settings at a glance:
- Printing temperature: 220-250°C
- Print bed temperature: 95-110°C
- Speed: 20-150mm/s
An important aspect when 3D printing with ABS is the use of a heated print plate, as this can minimize warping and allow the printed object to cool evenly. It also facilitates the printing process if a closed print chamber is used. Temperature fluctuations or drafts are thus very low and prevent cracks or warping of the object.
You should also use a high-quality print bed coating. PET film or Kapton tape are excellent for good adhesion for the print object.
You should not use a fan for the first layer. From the second layer, a fan is recommended. The fan speed should be very low (approx. 30-50%). If the fan speed is too high, the ABS filament can shrink or warp.
It is also advisable to print the first layer very thinly, as this ensures good adhesion. For subsequent layers, the settings must then be adjusted.
It is also important, although ABS filament is not very hygroscopic, to store it dry. If your Geeetech filament absorbs moisture, there is a risk of bubbling and low print quality.
Areas of application for ABS
The 3D print filament ABS has many applications, as it has extremely robust mechanical properties that are very advantageous in many areas.
Prototypes and functional models are printed. In mechanical engineering, components for mechanical parts are manufactured. These include, for example, housings, covers and machine parts.
In the automotive industry, vehicle parts or prototypes are manufactured from 3D print filament ABS.
ABS plastic is also used in housings for electronics, cable holders and sockets.
In medicine, for example, prostheses are manufactured from ABS filament. The filament is also found in medical devices and diagnostic equipment.
ABS is also used in architecture to create models, molds and templates.
There are many other areas such as household, aerospace and in the field of tools and spare parts where ABS plastic can be found.
Industrial products
In industry, ABS is widely used due to its robust properties. ABS filament is indispensable in the automotive industry, for example. From dashboards to door panels, i.e. throughout the entire interior trim, ABS is often used. The plastic is also used in shock absorbers.
ABS is very popular for seals, latches and machine covers as well as tool housings because it is very impact-resistant.
Consumer goods
ABS is found in many toys. The most famous toy with ABS plastic is Lego bricks. Cosmetic products, food containers and toy packaging are largely made from ABS. The popular 3D printer filament is also found in protective helmets and fitness equipment.
Is ABS plastic recyclable?
ABS filament can be recycled! There are various methods by which, for example, Geeetech filament can be recycled. The most commonly used method is mechanical recycling. Here, the cleaned 3D printer material is mechanically shredded and reused. The problem here can be that with repeated recycling, the strength of the filament set decreases and impurities occur. There is also the possibility of chemical recycling, which is not yet very widespread because it is technically complex. However, the purity of the material can be maintained here.
In the field of 3D printing, ABS filament can be processed into new filament using a filament extrusion machine. These and other methods are very promising and foresee a future in which ABS can be recycled on a large scale and without loss of quality.
If you are interested in "Recycling Filament and Sustainability", click here and read more articles from Geeetech.
Conclusion
There are many discussions about the best material for 3D printers. There is no definitive answer. Each print object requires different properties and so the appropriate filament set must be chosen.
ABS is a widespread material for 3D printers. It is mainly used for very robust and impact-resistant objects/products, because the 3D print filament is very shatterproof and stable. ABS filament is already used in many areas and industries and will become even more important in the future because it is already recyclable with the help of certain methods.