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ABS filament

Strong, impact-resistant and easy to post-process: the classic technical filament.

ABS filament is a classic among technical 3D printing materials: strong, impact-resistant and more heat-resistant than PLA. You can sand, drill, glue and smooth it with acetone. Below you will find Fiberlogy ABS in solid colours, partly also in 2.85 mm, clear Easy ABS, recycled R ABS and ABS ESD. Below the products you can read which one to choose and how to print ABS well. Read more…

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What is ABS filament?

ABS stands for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, the same plastic used for LEGO bricks and appliance housings, among other things. ABS is hard, impact-resistant and resists wear and heat. Printing it does take more care than PLA: ABS shrinks as it cools and is sensitive to temperature changes and draughts.

Which ABS should you choose?

TypeSuitable for
ABSTechnical printing in many solid colours. Some colours are also available in 2.85 mm.
Easy ABSTransparent, glossy prints. According to Fiberlogy it prints without an enclosed printer, and it withstands around 90 °C.
R ABS100% recycled ABS in anthracite grey, also as a refill for the reusable Masterspool.
ABS ESDBlack ABS that dissipates static charge, for enclosures of circuit boards and sensors. See also ESD-safe filament.
PC/ABSTougher and more impact-resistant thanks to added polycarbonate.
ABS+GFStiff, dimensionally stable parts with glass fibre.

ABS or ASA?

ABS is not UV resistant: in the sun it discolours and becomes brittle. For parts that live outdoors, choose ASA filament, which also shrinks less and smells less. Choose ABS for indoor use, for transparent prints or if you need 2.85 mm. The full range is under ABS & ASA filament.

Printing ABS: the right settings

  • Nozzle: 250–265 °C for ABS, R ABS and ABS ESD; Easy ABS 235–255 °C.
  • Print bed: 90–110 °C. A heated bed is required.
  • Adhesion: use an adhesive. ABS ESD sticks so well that Fiberlogy recommends masking tape on the bed.
  • Cooling: little or off; cold air causes cracks and warping.
  • Enclosure: strongly recommended. A closed printer or enclosure keeps the temperature around the print even.
  • Ventilation: ABS gives off fumes with a noticeable plastic smell. Print in a well-ventilated room.

Something going wrong? Read solving 3D printing problems.

Properties of ABS: the pros and cons

Pros

  • Hard, impact-resistant and wear-resistant
  • More heat-resistant than PLA and PETG
  • Easy to sand, drill, glue and paint
  • Can be smoothed with acetone vapour
  • Also clear and in 2.85 mm

Cons

  • Shrinks and warps without a stable environment
  • Gives off fumes, so ventilation is needed
  • Not UV resistant

Uses of ABS

  • Electronics: enclosures, 3D printer parts and heat-resistant parts.
  • Mechanical: gears, couplings and wear-resistant parts.
  • Gadgets and toys: stands, building blocks and robots.

Frequently asked questions

  • Do you need an enclosed printer for ABS?

    Small parts sometimes work on an open printer, but larger prints then often warp or crack between layers. A closed printer or an enclosure keeps the heat in and protects the print from draughts. Easy ABS is an exception: according to Fiberlogy it also prints well without an enclosure.

  • Is printing ABS harmful?

    Printing ABS releases fumes, including styrene, and very fine particles. Place the printer in a well-ventilated room and not in a room where you spend a lot of time, such as a bedroom. A closed printer with a filter or extraction keeps the fumes contained best.

  • How do you smooth ABS with acetone?

    Place the print in a sealable container with a cloth or kitchen paper soaked in acetone, without the print touching the liquid. The vapour slightly melts the surface, so the layer lines disappear. Check regularly: too long softens the details. Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area and keep acetone away from flames and hot surfaces, as it is highly flammable.

  • Is there transparent ABS filament?

    Yes, Fiberlogy Easy ABS comes in clear transparent (Pure Transparent) and in transparent burgundy, light green, navy blue and orange. It prints at 235–255 °C and gives glossy prints, which you can make even clearer and smoother with acetone.

  • Is ABS also available in 2.85 mm?

    Yes. Some of the solid ABS colours, including black, white and grey, also come in 2.85 mm, for example for Ultimaker printers. You choose the diameter on the product page. If the colour you are looking for is not listed, please contact us.