ABS 3D Printing Tips

Lawrence Bonk Profile image

Written by:

Updated January 13, 2023

If you are new to the world of physical printing, you may want to learn some good old-fashioned ABS 3D printing tips. Some of the best printers, after all, are ABS 3D printers, and these models are extremely complicated when compared to standard 2D printers. So what is an ABS printer, and what are some tips to successfully use the best 3D printers? Keep reading to find out.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • ABS stands for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and this is a popular 3D printing material for making 3D prints.
  • ABS is known for heat resistance and unique mechanical properties, but investing in a dedicated printer enclosure is always a good idea.
  • You should keep the ABS material cool and dry when you are not using it. Store it somewhere temperate.

What is an ABS Printer?

ABS is simply a printing material if you are looking for the best material for 3D printing. Those considering a beginner’s guide to 3D printing will certainly encounter acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, otherwise called ABS. This hearty and versatile printing material ships as a filament if you are learning how to print polycarbonate, among other methods.

Insider Tip

ABS works best with slow prints, so avoid high-speed prints when creating complex 3D models.

This material is resistant to high temperatures and easy to post-process if you are looking for some 3D printer tips. ABS is more heat-resistant than other printing materials if you compare ABS to a PLA 3D printer. Many types of printers use ABS as a primary printing material due to its versatility if you are looking for the top Flashforge 3D printer.

Tips for ABS 3D Printing

ABS is a useful and relatively common printing material, but it does have some quirks. Here are useful tips for working with ABS.

Get an Enclosure

Enclosures are highly useful for any 3D printing setup but are especially important for printers that use ABS as a primary material. Though ABS is heat-resistant in that high temperatures do not render it useless, they can change the basic physical properties, and the same is true of extreme cold. Enclosures help resist temperature fluctuates originating from the room the printer is resting inside of. They also look cool.

Bed Adhesion

The initial layers of a 3D model made with ABS may struggle to stick to the print bed, so that is where various adhesives come in. Try a standard ABS glue stick to make the start of a project flow as effortlessly as the middle and end of a project. Masking tape or painter’s tape also works in a pinch.

STAT: When compared with PLA and PETG, ABS falls right between them. It’s more heat resistant and resilient than PLA, although it is arguably easier to print with. (source)

Keep it Dry

Keep ABS dry before us by storing it in a temperature part of the home that does not experience temperature fluctuations or moisture. You can also invest in a dedicated ABS spool enclosure.

ABS 3D FAQs

How do you succeed when printing with ABS?

Go slowly and keep an eye on impact resistance and extrusion temperature when ABS printing. ABS filament is hearty but can react poorly to extreme ambient temperatures.

What do you do if things go wrong?

If things go wrong with the extruder temperature, bed temperature, dimensional accuracy, or any other aspect of the 3D printing process, consult the instructions.

What printing speed should you use with ABS?

There is no magic number here, but try to go slow when making ABS prints. ABS plastic does well with the extra time that goes into slower-than-average prints due to its mechanical properties and how they interact with the print bed.
Lawrence Bonk Profile image