Material · Plastic 3D Printing
ABS is a tough, low-cost plastic. We print it with FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) to make strong, functional parts. It is a smart choice for prototypes, jigs, and housings.
Overview
ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. It is a thermoplastic — a plastic that softens when heated and hardens when cooled, so it can be melted and reused. ABS is an amorphous polymer, which means it keeps its shape well and resists impact. You already know it from LEGO bricks and car interiors.
ABS is made from three building blocks. Each one gives the plastic a special strength:
Gives ABS its rigidity, strength, and chemical resistance. It is the "hard" part of the blend.
Adds toughness. This rubbery part lets ABS bend and absorb knocks without breaking.
Provides a smooth, shiny surface and easy molding. It makes ABS pleasant to finish.
Specifications
These are typical values for FDM-printed ABS. Exact numbers can vary with printer settings, layer height, and part geometry. Need a full data sheet? Just ask.
| Property | Typical Value | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Material type | ABS (thermoplastic) | Amorphous polymer; can be re-melted |
| Density | 1.04 g/cm³ | Light and easy to handle |
| Tensile strength | ~40 MPa | Strong enough for functional parts |
| Elongation at break | ~25% | Bends a little before it breaks |
| Impact strength (Izod, notched) | ~15 J/m | Resists drops and knocks |
| Heat deflection temp (HDT) | ~90 °C | Keeps its shape in warm areas |
| Glass transition temp (Tg) | ~105 °C | Starts to soften above this point |
| Print temperature (FDM) | 220–250 °C | Standard ABS filament range |
| Bed temperature | 90–110 °C | Helps parts stick and stay flat |
| Typical tolerance | ±0.2 mm | ISO 2768-m class |
| Max part size | up to 300 × 300 × 300 mm | Larger parts on request |
| Water absorption | Low | Dimensions stay stable |
The Process
We use FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling). A machine melts ABS filament and lays it down in thin layers to build your part. Here is the simple flow:
You send a 3D file (STL, STEP, or IGES). We check it and slice it into thin layers the printer can follow.
ABS filament is heated and laid down layer by layer inside an enclosed, temperature-controlled printer.
Overhangs need temporary support material. We take it off after printing for a clean result.
We sand, smooth, paint, or coat the part so it meets your look and function needs.
Why Choose ABS
Handles drops, knocks, and daily wear. Good for parts that must work, not just look good.
Stays stable up to about 90 °C. Better than PLA in warm environments.
Sand, paint, glue, or vapor-smooth with acetone. Great for a clean, professional look.
Cheaper than many engineering plastics. A smart pick for prototypes and small runs.
Easy to ship and assemble. Works for many part types across industries.
ABS is a thermoplastic. Scrap and failed prints can be re-melted and reused.
Be Aware
ABS is a great material, but it has a few quirks. Knowing them early helps us print better parts for you.
Large, flat parts can curl at the corners. We use enclosures and heated beds to control it.
Overhangs and hollow shapes need temporary supports, which add a little cleanup work.
Long sun (UV) exposure can make ABS brittle. For outdoor parts, ask us about UV-stable options.
Typical Uses
ABS 3D printing fits many jobs where you need strength, low cost, and a clean finish.
Housings, buttons, brackets, and internal supports with tight looks.
Interior trim, clips, and non-load-bearing prototypes.
Factory tools, holding devices, and test rigs that speed up production.
Lightweight frames, mounts, and end-effectors.
Covers for devices, sensors, and control boxes.
Form, fit, and function testing before injection molding.
Post-Processing
One big plus of ABS is how well it finishes. Pick the look and feel your part needs.
Fast and cheap. Layer lines stay visible — fine for hidden or test parts.
Acetone vapor melts the surface for a glossy, seamless look. Unique to ABS.
Removes layer lines by hand for a smooth, touch-friendly surface.
Matte, gloss, or any color you need to match your brand or product.
Adds shine and a little UV protection for indoor display parts.
Join several prints into one larger build with strong ABS-friendly adhesive.
Design Tips
Follow these simple rules to get cleaner, stronger ABS parts and avoid common print problems.
Keep walls at least 1.2 mm so parts stay strong and print cleanly.
Add curves, ribs, or fillets to reduce warping on large surfaces.
A warm, steady environment prevents cracks and corner lift while printing.
Keep overhangs under 45° when you can. Fewer supports mean less cleanup.
Store ABS in a dry box before printing. It absorbs moisture from the air.
Sharp corners tend to lift and split. Small radii keep edges flat.
Our Solution
We are a manufacturing team with years of hands-on experience in plastic 3D printing. We help you move from idea to real part — fast and at fair cost. Every order includes a free design review.
Enclosed printers and tuned settings for clean, repeatable ABS parts.
Our engineers check your file and suggest fixes that save time and cost.
Vapor smoothing, sanding, painting, and coating to match your look.
Most prototypes ship within a few days, not weeks.
Not sure if ABS is right for your part? Tell us about it. We will compare materials and recommend the best fit — honestly.
Start Your Project
Upload your 3D model (STL, STEP, IGES) or drawing. No account needed.
We reply with price, lead time, and free DFM feedback within 24 hours.
Approve the quote and we print, finish, and ship your parts.
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