ABS 3D Printing Filament: Key Properties, Uses & Comparison

ABS, which stands for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, is one of the most commonly used 3D printing filaments. It’s used to create plastic parts that have to be strong and hold their own in temperature changes. Let’s go over its composition, uses, and properties, as well as how it fares when compared to other common filaments.

What is ABS 3D Printing?

Most commonly used with fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printer models, ABS is a thermoplastic polymer made of the three monomers that make up its name. People saw its usefulness from day one, and it didn’t take very long for this material to gain mass popularity after it was patented (all the way back in 1948). ABS can be found in so many sectors because of how strong, flexible, and moldable it is, making it useful for an array of things from pipes to toys. As far as 3D printing materials go, ABS is machinable, durable, and doesn’t take long to print. It can also withstand hot temperatures, has excellent melt flow, and is resistant to strain and abrasion. 

To make ABS, the three main monomers—acrylonitrile, styrene, and butadiene—are polymerized together. Acrylonitrile gives it rigidity, as well as strength and chemical resistance, styrene gives it a smooth and shiny texture, and butadiene is the rubbery element that makes ABS tough. Here’s what the filament looks like: