ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) filament is the technical polymer par excellence in FDM 3D printing: high mechanical strength, excellent thermal resistance (over 90 °C in continuous use), good post-printing workability (sanding, smoothing, gluing with acetone). It is the historical material for technical and industrial parts. On Strato3D you will find over 35 ABS filaments from the best manufacturers.
When to use ABS
- Mechanical parts: gears, joints, supports working under load.
- Electronic enclosures: circuit cases, control unit supports.
- Automotive aftermarket: under-hood parts (within 100 °C), interior accessories.
- Molds and production jigs: hard, impact-resistant, workable.
- Industrial prototypes: parts that simulate the final production material.
Technical characteristics
- Nozzle temperature: 230-250 °C.
- Bed temperature: 100-110 °C.
- Heated chamber: recommended (40-70 °C) to reduce warping on large parts.
- Thermal resistance: 95-100 °C in continuous use.
- Impact resistance: excellent, superior to PETG.
- Chemical resistance: good, but vulnerable to acetone (useful for welding/smoothing).
- Warping: tendency to shrink when cooling — requires bed adhesion and an enclosed chamber.
- Emissions: releases ABS during printing — enclosed chamber and ventilation preferred.
Brands you can find on Strato3D
Premium ABS from Polymaker PolyLite ABS, eSUN ABS+ and eABS-GF (glass fiber), Snapmaker ABS, BCN3D, Sakata3D ABS-E (also in recycled version RE-ABS-E), Sunlu, and eSUN eABS-ESD for anti-static applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an enclosed chamber to print ABS? For small parts, no, but for large prints (>10 cm), an enclosed chamber is practically mandatory to avoid warping.
Is ABS toxic? It releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during printing. Use it in well-ventilated areas or with enclosed printers with a HEPA/carbon filter.
ABS or ASA? ASA is the UV-resistant version of ABS, more suitable for outdoor use but more expensive.
Can I glue it? Yes, with cyanoacrylate glue or by welding with acetone (ABS dissolves in acetone, allowing for invisible joints).