All About 3D Printing with ABS

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a popular material used in 3D printing due to its strength, flexibility, and durability. Here’s a breakdown of what you should know about 3D printing with ABS:

Advantages of ABS:

1. Strength and Durability: ABS is known for its toughness and impact resistance, making it ideal for functional parts and prototypes that need to withstand stress.
2. Heat Resistance: ABS has a higher heat resistance compared to some other 3D printing materials, which is useful for parts that might be exposed to higher temperatures.
3. Post-Processing: ABS is amenable to post-processing techniques like sanding, painting, and acetone smoothing, which can improve the final appearance and finish of the printed object.
4. Flexibility: While rigid, ABS can flex a bit without breaking, which can be advantageous in applications where a little give is beneficial.

Challenges and Considerations:

1. Warping and Shrinkage: ABS tends to warp and shrink as it cools, which can be problematic for large prints or those with thin sections. Using a heated bed and an enclosed printer can help mitigate these issues.
2. Odor and Emissions: ABS emits fumes when heated, including potentially harmful chemicals like styrene. It’s important to print in a well-ventilated area or use an enclosure with a filtration system.
3. Adhesion: Getting good bed adhesion with ABS can be tricky. A heated bed with materials like Kapton tape or ABS slurry can help with adhesion. Some users also apply a thin layer of ABS dissolved in acetone on the print bed.
4. Printing Temperature: ABS typically prints at temperatures between 220°C and 250°C. It’s important to maintain consistent temperature to avoid issues with warping and layer adhesion.

The Production and Characteristics of ABS

ABS was one of the earliest plastics used in industrial 3D printing and was developed around 1990. This thermoplastic polymer is known as a ‘terpolymer,’ which means it is synthesized from three different monomers. Typically, ABS is created by polymerizing acrylonitrile and styrene in the presence of polybutadiene, with a common composition of about 20% acrylonitrile, 25% butadiene, and 55% styrene. These proportions can be adjusted to alter ABS’s properties: styrene contributes to its rigidity and gloss, while butadiene imparts impact resistance and low-temperature performance.

Tips for Printing with ABS:

1. Use a Heated Bed: Setting your bed to around 100°C helps to reduce warping and improve adhesion.
2. Enclosure: If possible, use an enclosed 3D printer to help maintain a stable temperature and reduce warping due to drafts or temperature fluctuations.
3. Ventilation: Ensure you have proper ventilation or use an air filtration system to manage fumes and odors.
4. Proper Adhesion: To improve adhesion, you can use materials like ABS juice (a mixture of ABS and acetone) or apply a layer of glue stick on the bed.
5. Layer Height: For better surface finish, use a smaller layer height, but be aware this might increase print time.

ABS is great for a range of applications, but it does require a bit more care compared to materials like PLA. With the right setup and techniques, you can achieve high-quality prints with ABS.