ABS filament (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is one of the most trusted and widely used 3D printing materials in both industrial and home settings. Known for its toughness, flexibility, and heat resistance, this ABS plastic filament remains a favorite among engineers, designers, and professional makers.
Compared to beginner-friendly materials like PLA, ABS 3D printer filament delivers higher strength and durability, making it ideal for functional prototypes, end-use parts, and engineering-grade components. Whether you’re printing tools, enclosures, or automotive prototypes, ABS filament 3D printing combines strength with versatility.
What is ABS Filament?
Definition and Composition
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a thermoplastic polymer made from three monomers:
- Acrylonitrile for chemical resistance and hardness,
- Butadiene for impact toughness and elasticity,
- Styrene for rigidity and smooth surface finish.
When combined, these components produce a strong, resilient 3D printing material that can withstand mechanical stress and moderate heat qualities that make ABS a go-to material for industrial applications.
The Role of ABS in 3D Printing
In Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM 3D Printing) and Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), ABS filament is used in its spool-ready form. This ABS 3D printing filament melts around 210–250 °C and requires a heated bed or enclosure to minimize warping.
Its excellent mechanical stability and post-processing flexibility make ABS filament 3D printing suitable for both prototypes and finished products.
Origins & Manufacturing of ABS Plastic Filament
Raw Materials and Polymerization
The creation of ABS plastic filament starts with petroleum-derived monomers acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. Through emulsion or mass polymerization, they form a tough, high-impact thermoplastic polymer.
Unlike biodegradable materials like PLA filament, ABS is synthetic yet recyclable and highly valued for its mechanical strength and long-term stability.
Filament Extrusion & Variants
Once the raw polymer is produced, manufacturers melt and extrude it into precise 1.75 mm or 2.85 mm strands the standard diameters for ABS 3D printer filament.
During extrusion, colorants and additives are mixed in to create specialized variants such as:
- Black ABS filament for strong, professional-looking models.
- White ABS filament for clean prototypes and aesthetic prints.
- Transparent ABS filament for light-diffusing parts or displays.
- ABS+ filament, enhanced for reduced warping and higher durability.
Key Properties of ABS Filament
Mechanical and Thermal Behavior
ABS filament is prized for its strength and impact resistance. Its tensile strength typically ranges between 40–50 MPa, and it softens at around 105 °C far higher than PLA.
This makes it ideal for parts that must handle moderate heat, mechanical stress, or vibration. However, ABS can emit noticeable fumes while printing, so proper ventilation or an enclosed printer is recommended.
Environmental & Aesthetic Aspects
ABS is not biodegradable, but it can be recycled multiple times without significant property loss. It’s also more matte than PLA, offering a professional finish for industrial parts.
Its resistance to heat and impact comes at a small cost sensitivity to UV light and potential warping when cooling too quickly.
Density and Weight Characteristics
ABS has a density of approximately 1.04 g/cm³, making it slightly denser than PLA but still lightweight enough for moving or mechanical parts. This balance between density and strength is one reason it’s widely used in aerospace models, drone frames, and robotics components.
Its density also contributes to solid, durable prints that can handle mechanical stress without excessive brittleness or cracking.
Dimensional Stability
ABS filament is known for excellent dimensional accuracy once properly cooled. When printed in a controlled environment, it maintains consistent dimensions, which is critical for interlocking parts, mechanical assemblies, and engineering prototypes.
To avoid distortion, gradual cooling and good first-layer adhesion are key—especially when printing large parts.
Electrical and Chemical Resistance
ABS plastic filament offers good electrical insulation and moderate chemical resistance. It can tolerate exposure to diluted acids, alkalis, and alcohols, but strong solvents can soften or degrade it. This property makes ABS ideal for electronic enclosures, functional housings, and tool casings where moderate chemical stability is sufficient.
Pros of ABS Filament
High Strength and Durability
ABS 3D printer filament is known for its toughness and impact resistance, which makes it ideal for mechanical and functional parts. Unlike PLA, which can crack under pressure, ABS maintains its structure even under mechanical stress. This makes it a preferred choice for producing automotive components, engineering prototypes, and durable tools.
Heat Resistance
With a glass transition temperature of around 105°C, ABS plastic filament can handle higher operating temperatures than most standard 3D printing materials. This property makes it well-suited for parts exposed to heat, such as enclosures for electronics or machine housings that experience friction.
Excellent Post-Processing
ABS 3D printing filament is easy to work with after printing. It can be sanded, drilled, painted, or polished to achieve a smooth, professional finish. One of its best advantages is acetone vapor smoothing, which melts the outer layer slightly, giving the surface a shiny, seamless appearance often used in commercial-grade products.
Recyclable and Cost-Effective
Although ABS is petroleum-based, it can be recycled efficiently and reused in multiple projects. Its balance between durability and affordability makes it popular for bulk printing, rapid prototyping, and educational use. Compared to other engineering-grade filaments, ABS remains cost-effective without sacrificing quality.
Cons of ABS Filament
Warping and Cracking
ABS tends to shrink as it cools, which can cause warping or layer separation if the print bed isn’t heated properly. To prevent deformation, it’s best to use an enclosed 3D printer and maintain a stable ambient temperature during printing.
Fume Emission
When heated, ABS filament releases mild styrene fumes, which can be unpleasant and, in poorly ventilated areas, slightly irritating. A well-ventilated workspace or an enclosed printer with an air filter is strongly recommended to ensure safety.
UV Sensitivity
ABS is not ideal for outdoor use or long-term exposure to sunlight. Over time, ultraviolet (UV) light can cause the material to fade, weaken, and become brittle, limiting its use in exterior applications unless treated with a UV-resistant coating.
Choosing the Right ABS 3D Printing Filament
Diameter and Tolerance
Ensure your printer supports the correct diameter (1.75 mm or 2.85 mm). Look for tolerances within ±0.02 mm for consistent extrusion.
Brand and Purity
Top-quality ABS 3D printer filaments from reputable brands like Hatchbox, eSun, or Prusa ensure better print reliability and color consistency.
Storage
ABS is slightly hygroscopic it absorbs moisture from the air. Store spools in sealed bags with silica gel to prevent popping and uneven extrusion.
Printing with ABS Filament: Best Practices
Recommended Print Settings
- Nozzle Temperature: 220–250 °C
- Bed Temperature: 90–110 °C
- Enclosure: Strongly recommended
- Print Speed: 40–60 mm/s
Improving Adhesion and Reducing Warping
Apply an adhesive like ABS slurry, Kapton tape, or a PEI sheet on the bed. Maintain consistent ambient temperature to prevent drafts and cooling shocks.
Post-Processing Techniques
ABS can be smoothed using acetone vapor, giving it a glossy, injection-molded look. It’s also easy to sand, prime, and paint.
Common Printing Issues
| Issue | Solution |
| Warping | Use enclosure and proper bed adhesion. |
| Layer Separation | Increase nozzle temp slightly and improve airflow control. |
| Weak adhesion | Clean the bed and ensure consistent heating. |
| Fumes | Use an enclosed printer or carbon filter ventilation. |
Applications of ABS Filament
Best Uses
Functional Prototypes
ABS is widely used for creating strong and reliable prototypes in industries like automotive, aerospace, and machinery. Its high impact resistance and dimensional stability make it perfect for testing mechanical designs before full-scale production.
End Use Parts
Ideal for making durable components such as brackets, enclosures, phone mounts, and handles. These parts can withstand moderate stress and daily wear, which makes ABS popular among professionals.
Educational and Industrial Models
Because it’s easy to sand, drill, and paint, ABS is often used in training models, mechanical demonstrations, and design education.
Consumer Products
From LEGO bricks to appliance housings and protective gear, ABS is a favorite for products that need toughness with a smooth finish.
Where to Avoid
Outdoor Environments
Direct sunlight and UV exposure can cause ABS to fade, crack, or become brittle over time.
Food Contact
It isn’t food-safe unless coated or processed with special materials.
Moist or Chemical Environments
Constant exposure to moisture, heat, or strong chemicals can cause deformation or weaken the material structure.
Future Trends in ABS Materials
The next generation of ABS 3D printing filaments focuses on sustainability, reduced odor, and greater heat tolerance.
Emerging developments include:
- Recycled ABS filaments made from post-industrial waste.
- ABS+ and PC-ABS blends for improved performance.
- Eco-friendly ABS variants
FAQs
Does ABS filament absorb moisture?
Yes, ABS filament can absorb a small amount of moisture from the air over time. While it’s not as moisture-prone as nylon, exposure to humidity can still cause small bubbles or rough surfaces during printing.
Does ABS filament need to be dried?
Yes, drying ABS filament is recommended if it’s been exposed to humid conditions. Even minor moisture can affect print quality and adhesion between layers.
How long to dry ABS filament?
ABS filament typically needs about 4 to 6 hours of drying at 70–80°C (160–175°F). Avoid overheating it to prevent the filament from deforming.
How strong is ABS filament
ABS filament is known for its high strength and durability. It’s resistant to impact and mechanical stress, making it perfect for functional prototypes, automotive components, and mechanical parts.