ASHLAND — ABS plastic is widely used in the plastic injection industry because it has outstanding rigidity, strong impact resistance and remarkable lightness while being relatively inexpensive.
It’s also been a prominent material in the 3D melt-deposited printing market for years, having been one of the original filaments utilized in the industry alongside PLA. Both materials are easier to print than other technical and affordable thermoplastics. Here are some of the main reasons to use ABS filament in 3D prints.
Material properties
The acrylonitrile in ABS provides chemical and thermal stability, while the butadiene provides toughness and strength.
The styrene provides a lovely, glossy surface to the finished polymer. ABS has a low melting point, so you can use it in injection molding and 3D printing with ease.
It also has a high tensile strength and is chemically and physically resistant, allowing the produced plastic to tolerate intensive use and harsh weather conditions.
ABS is easy to mold, sand and shape, and its glossy finish makes it compatible with a wide range of paints and glues. You can easily color ABS polymers and dye completed goods in precise hues to satisfy project requirements.
Applications of ABS
ABS is often used to produce plastic face guards for wall sockets and protective housing for power tools, in addition to computer keyboard components and LEGO bricks.
The automotive industry also utilizes it for things like plastic alloys and attractive interior car elements. ABS shines in the construction business, which uses it to make plastic tubing and corrugated plastic buildings.
It comes in a variety of colors and finishes and can be trimmed to size. It’s also an important part of the production of protective headgear like hard hats and helmets.
Advantages of ABS
ABS plastic has numerous advantages, ranging from low production costs to a robust, aesthetically beautiful structure. Its capacity to survive many heating and cooling cycles makes it ideal for recycling. ABS has a wide range of color and surface texture possibilities, and you can manufacture it to a high-quality finish.
It’s small and versatile, and you can use it for a variety of tasks. Finally, ABS has a low heat and electricity conductivity, making it ideal for items that require electrical insulation. It also has good impact resistance and can effectively and consistently absorb shock.
We hope our recap of the main reasons to use ABS filaments in your prints has been helpful and informative! This filament can be hard to manage under normal conditions. But remember that knowing even such basic things as an optimal printing speed and temperature can make a world of difference in the quality of your prints.
