The advantages of using ABS filament for 3D printing

While there are now many different choices for 3D printer filament, there are two that are most commonly used. ABS or PLA. Both are known as thermoplastics, which means they become soft and pliant when heated. They turn back to their solid state when cooled.

This article will discuss the advantages of using ABS for 3D printing.

For a thermoplastic material to prove viable for 3D printing, it must first pass three different tests. Initial extrusion into plastic filament, extrusion and trace binding during the 3D printing process and appropriateness for end use.

To pass all of three of these rigorous tests, the material’s properties must be desirable to the formation into raw 3D feedstock. It must then process well and properly while being printed and be visually pleasing and make parts that are physically accurate. Last, the properties of the thermoplastic, should match the intended application. If that application is supposed to be strong, it needs to be strong as well. If it is supposed to be durable, glossy or have other specific properties, the thermoplastic must meet that criteria. In some instances, a thermoplastic material will pass one test with such grandness, that it makes the extra effort to help it pass the other tests to be highly worth it. For instance, if it stands up extremely well to durability or strength, it is more valuable to go the extra mile and work with it to get the other standards met.

ABS does best if stored in a sealed container that prevents the absorption of atmospheric moisture. While this is best for the long-term, it should also be done for short term, thus giving it the best chance of working properly on whatever application it is needed for. Now, if you forget and leave it out for a few days without putting it in a container, it’s not ruined, but leaving it longer can change its quality. When ABS becomes saturated with outside moisture, it can create bubbles and spurt from the nozzle when printing, making the part intended very poor quality. You can easily restore it to a dry state by using a food dehydrater.

While using ABS for 3D Printing, you will undoubtedly notice the smell of hot plastic. For best results, ensure that there is proper and adequate ventilation in small rooms, make sure your ABS is pure and non-contaminated and that your extruder is heated to the correct temperature.

The accuracy of ABS in making parts is great, the only problem you may experience is the ABS tendency to curl upwards when coming into direct contact with the 3D printing beds. Heating the surface and making sure it’s very smooth, will be very useful in stemming this curling anomaly. However, you will have some 3D printing beds that just simply cannot be heated and in that instance, you should switch to a different thermoplastic.