With the abundance of materials for 3D printing, we are currently seeing the rise of this innovation. One of the most commonly used materials for this is ABS filament, which has also become a prominent choice for printing with FDM/FFF printers. Because of its strength and durability, ABS filament is popular among designers and engineers and is also suitable for producing low-cost prototypes.
Read on to learn more about ABS filament and decide whether it’s the right material for your 3D printing project. Here are some important facts you should know:
ABS is a type of thermoplastic polymer. One of the most common forms of plastic, it was one of the very first polymers to be utilised in industrial 3D printing. ABS filament is widely used because it is simple to process, sand and bond.
Today, ABS is being used in a variety of items beyond 3D printing. They are now included in the composition of children’s toys such as LEGO bricks and daily essentials such as bicycle helmets. Moreover, plumbing, household appliances, toys, musical instruments and medical devices all include ABS in it.
The Technical Specifications
ABS is a thermoplastic polymer made up of the monomers acrylic, butadiene and styrene, as well as a petroleum basis. This material is well-known for its tensile strength and durability and allows for the creation of strong 3D objects that can withstand repeated use and damage.
In its purest form, ABS is a white substance. It is easily coloured during the manufacturing process due to its neutral colouration.
A one-kilogram spool of ABS filament costs between $14 and $60. Furthermore, ABS is palletised, with pallets costing $10 per kilogram. This makes ABS pallets less expensive than spools; however, a specialised extruder is required for pallet printing.
Some of the benefits of ABS for 3D printing are as follows:
- Mechanical Dexterity
- ABS is a robust, long-lasting material that is heat and chemical-resistant. Furthermore, it is more stress, heat and pressure-resistant than typical 3D printing materials. As a result, ABS is appropriate for 3D printing that will be subjected to wear and tear.
- Excellent Results
- Using ABS filament is acceptable as long as the settings are correct. This material allows for 45-degree overhangs. This filament oozes and strings less than others, giving sculptures a smoother finish.
- Straightforward Processing
- When mixed with acetone and adhesive, processable ABS is straightforward to work with. Then, using acrylic paints, embellish it.
In today’s fast-paced world, innovations continue to rise and take part in our daily lives. One of these innovations is the widely available 3D printing technology using ABS filament.
As we’ve said above, ABS filament is a low-cost substance that’s great for making strong 3D sculptures and structures. So, if you plan to use ABS filament in your next project, you must first consult with a local 3D printing service provider. With professional advice and guided steps, you learn more about 3D design and modelling, custom 3D printing and industrial 3D printing. This way, you can keep up with this modern world, one step at a time!
If you’re looking for 3D printing companies in the UK, 3D Quick Printing uses FDM 3D printing for fast and reliable results. To offer you a 3D printing quote, we only need your files. Our goal is to provide competitive quotes for rapid prototyping. Get in touch with us today and witness the difference!