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ABS filament
ABS is a rigid and strong plastic and is a popular 3D filament.
ABS stands for Acrynolitril Butadiene Styrene and it is stiffer and stronger than PLA. Like PLA, ABS is a thermoplastic; a thermoplastic melts after heating and you can therefore print 3D. A 3D model printed in ABS gets a nice matte finish. For a perfect end result you can finish and polish a print of ABS well. You always print ABS plastic on a heated surface (heated bed), otherwise the 3D print cools too quickly and warps it.
What is ABS?
Google once on ABS and you come on Anti Blocking System; a braking system for cars or the English word for abs: ABS. Of course we discuss the ABS filament. ABS or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is a polymer with which strong 3D models are printed. It is made in the petrochemical industry from fossil fuels, so oil residue. ABS is widely used in the injection molding industry because it is inexpensive to manufacture; it is actually the replacement of bakelite: a synthetic resin that was introduced at the beginning of the 20th century. ABS is often used for device housing because it is rigid, strong and yet flexible and furthermore in electrical engineering.
ABS: the benefits
Do you print a lot with ABS plastic? Read this about the benefits: It is a hard and rigid material. ABS is a durable plastic, it flows well and only melts at high temperatures, which is why it is used in injection molding techniques. ABS can withstand higher temperatures, has a high impact force, excellent mechanical properties and chemical resistance. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene can be printed at high speeds.
ABS disadvantages
You need a heated bed to print ABS. A nasty odor is released when printing (ie extraction or ventilation) and the plastic is an oil residue, so not biodegradable. You can print the best ABS in an enclosed cabin (enclosure) with an extraction or a well-ventilated room. If the material cools down too quickly, warping may occur or your 3D print may split. ABS has a large biological footprint and therefore does not fit into an environmentally friendly policy. Furthermore, ABS ages rapidly under the influence of UV radiation: we recommend ASA as an excellent alternative: ASA is greatly improved ABS with excellent UV resistance, making ASA suitable for outdoor use.
Read our blogposts for more information about 3D printer filaments.
Order high quality ABS at www.plasticz.nl. You can also come to Plasticz for all ASA filament colors! More information? Call +31 33 8442 836 or send an e-mail to [email protected].
