Key Facts You Should Know About ABS Filament
5 min
In the field of 3D printing, the choice of materials directly affects the quality and performance of the finished product. ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) is one of the most popular materials in FDM printing. It is favored for its durability, heat resistance and economy, and is widely used in engineering, design and DIY enthusiasts. This article will explore the advantages and disadvantages, printing tips of ABS filaments, and recommend high-quality ABS filaments on the market in 2025. In addition, for users who do not have 3D printing equipment or want to obtain higher quality printing effects, JLC3DP provides online 3D printing services including ABS, supporting a variety of materials and processes to help you easily realize your design.
Advantages of ABS filaments
ABS is strong and durable, and is very suitable for mechanical parts and functional prototypes.
Compared with other FDM plastic filaments, ABS is more resistant to high temperatures (about 100℃)
Easy to post-process: ABS can be easily sanded, colored, bonded, and even smoothed with acetone vapor.
Cost-effective: Compared with other engineering-grade materials, ABS is moderately priced.
Disadvantages of ABS filaments
ABS has a high shrinkage rate when cooling and is prone to warping.
ABS will release irritating gases during the printing process and requires good ventilation.
ABS materials are sensitive to ultraviolet rays and are not suitable for long-term outdoor use.
ABS printing settings
Temperature setting and control: The nozzle temperature is recommended to be adjusted within the range of 220–260℃. The first print should be debugged from 220℃ in 5℃ increments. Too high a temperature can easily cause drawing, material seepage or blockage, while too low a temperature can lead to poor interlayer adhesion and rough surface. The print bed needs to be kept at 90–110℃ to reduce material shrinkage and deformation and enhance the adhesion of the first layer. At the same time, the stability of the ambient temperature needs to be controlled, and closed printers or windshields are preferred to avoid uneven cooling caused by airflow interference.
Anti-warping and shrinkage optimization: Strengthen the adhesion of the first layer by precisely leveling the platform, applying PVA glue or using Kapton tape. Model design needs to reduce overhanging structures and large-area planes, and add brim or raft to expand the contact area. For large-size parts, the wall thickness and filling density can be appropriately reduced to balance shrinkage stress and printing efficiency.
Printing environment and safety: ABS releases harmful gases such as styrene at high temperatures, so a ventilation system or air filtration device is required; wear protective gloves during operation to avoid contact with high-temperature nozzles/hot beds, and keep the equipment away from children; the material must be stored in a sealed moisture-proof container, and the desiccant status must be checked regularly.
Recommended high-quality ABS filament brands (1.75mm/2.85mm)
There are many brands of 3D printing materials on the market. If you are looking for high-quality ABS filaments, you can consider the following brands:
Polymaker
Polymaker is designed for "safe printing". Its low odor and low harmful gas release make it an ideal choice for home and closed space users. The Pantone color card system is used to ensure accurate color matching. The RGB value and color number of each batch can be queried to meet the high standards of the design industry. At the same time, the brand's ABS material has excellent interlayer adhesion and hot bed adhesion, significantly reducing warping and shrinkage problems, ensuring high dimensional stability, thereby reducing post-processing costs and improving printing efficiency.
Hatchbox
Hatchbox offers more than 20 color options, including special effects such as luminous and metallic glitter, suitable for creative design and functional model making. Its nozzle temperature range is 210°C–240°C, which is compatible with non-all-metal hot-end printers, allowing novices to easily get started without upgrading their equipment. High-precision performance is a highlight of the brand, with a diameter tolerance of ±0.03 mm to ensure accurate details of the printed parts, suitable for mechanical structures such as gears and hinges that require smooth assembly.
Overture
Overture focuses on ease of use optimization, improving the printing success rate of ABS materials by reducing warping and blistering, while also having high strength characteristics, making it easier to use. CCD diameter detection and 24-hour drying treatment are used to effectively reduce common problems such as clogging and drawing, and improve printing stability. In addition, the brand supports bulk purchase discounts, providing a more cost-effective option for high-frequency printing users.
Sunlu
Sunlu is known for its low-temperature printing advantage, with a recommended nozzle temperature of only 230°C–240°C, which can reduce equipment load and extend printer life. At the same time, the brand performs well in terms of environmental protection, with lower volatile gas emissions than similar products, creating a friendlier working environment. Although the color selection is relatively limited, its excellent functionality makes it an ideal choice for users who do not require high appearance.
ABS vs. PLA vs. PETG Comparison
| Features | ABS | PLA | PETG |
| Strength | High | Medium | High |
| Heat resistance | High（~105°C） | Low（~60°C） | Medium（~80°C） |
| Printing difficulty | Difficult | Easy | Medium |
| Warping problem | High | Low | Low |
| Post-processing difficulty | Low(sandable,acetone polishable) | High | Medium |
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