Filament (FDM)
ABS 3D printing
ABS is a stiff, impact-resistant engineering polymer used for enclosures and functional parts. We print it in Brescia with FDM, including a flame-retardant PC-ABS grade.
What it is for
ABS is used for equipment enclosures, housings, brackets, supports, air ducts and functional prototypes that have to cope with impacts and moderate heat. It is easy to work after printing: it can be drilled, tapped, sanded and painted.
Do not choose it for parts exposed to the sun: UV light yellows it and makes it brittle, and ASA is the better fit there. For high mechanical loads or wear move to nylon; for higher temperatures and more toughness to polycarbonate. For a plain form model, PLA is enough.
Variants compared
| Property | ABSQuote | ABS-FR (flame-retardant PC-ABS)Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | ||
| Tensile strength | 34.94 MPaISO 527, XY21.87 MPa Z | 60 MPaISO 527-2/50, at yield, orientation not stated |
| Tensile modulus | 2.33 GPaISO 527, XY1.95 GPa Z | 2,850 MPaISO 527-2/1, orientation not stated |
| Elongation at breakISO 527, XY | 7.34%1.54% Z | on request |
| Flexural strengthISO 178 | 60.05 MPaXY41.24 MPa Z | 110 MPa |
| Flexural modulusISO 178, XY | 2.33 GPa2.17 GPa Z | on request |
| Charpy impact, notchedISO 179, XY | 14.48 kJ/m² | on request |
| Izod impact, notchedISO 180-4A, at 23 °C | on request | 35 kJ/m² |
| Thermal | ||
| Heat deflection temperature (HDT) at 0.45 MPaISO 75, state not given on the sheet | 106.4 °C | on request |
| Heat deflection temperature (HDT) at 1.8 MPa | 101.4 °CISO 75, state not given on the sheet | 90 °CISO 75-2A |
| Glass transition (Tg)DSC, 10 °C/min | 114.9 °C | on request |
| Vicat softening temperatureISO 306 | 116.1 °Cstate not given on the sheet | 104 °C |
| Physical | ||
| DensityISO 1183 | 1.04 g/cm³at 23 °C | 1.17 g/cm³ |
| Fire behavior | ||
| Flammability ratingUL 94, from the sheet's text, not its table | on request | V-0 |
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Typical values from the makers' data sheets, measured on specimens under the conditions stated. They are not guaranteed design values: for a critical application ask us for a test on your part.
Design limits
- Build volume
- 350 × 350 × 450 mm
- Minimum wall
- 3 mm
- Dimensional tolerance
- ±0.6 mm up to 100 mm, ±0.75% above
These are the limits of the process, the same for every variant unless stated. For critical dimensions, talk to us before printing.
Which variant to choose
- ABS: the standard grade for enclosures and functional parts. On the sheet's printed specimens: heat deflection temperature 106.4 °C at 0.45 MPa (ISO 75), tensile strength 34.94 MPa in XY and 21.87 MPa in Z (ISO 527).
- ABS-FR (flame-retardant PC-ABS): a PC-ABS blend with a flame retardant, for electrical enclosures and parts close to live components. The maker's data sheet reports a UL 94 V-0 rating, without stating the thickness, and a tensile strength at yield of 60 MPa (ISO 527-2; the sheet does not say whether on printed specimens).
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do you have a part to print in ABS?
Upload the CAD file: we reply within 1 working day with a quote and a recommended material.
Request a quote