ABS - Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

ABS, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, is a robust and heat-resistant thermoplastic used in a wide variety of applications, from automotive parts and household appliances to toys like the well-known LEGO bricks. ABS is characterized by its high strength, impact resistance, and heat resistance, making it one of the most widely used plastics in manufacturing.

A key advantage of ABS is its resistance to high temperatures and mechanical stress, making it suitable for demanding industrial applications. In 3D printing, ABS is valued for its strength and durability. It is also easily post-processed, for example by sanding, drilling, or painting, making it ideal for prototypes and functional parts.

One disadvantage of ABS is its processing temperature. It requires a higher printing temperature than materials like PLA and tends to warp during the cooling process, necessitating a heated print bed and sometimes an enclosed build chamber. Furthermore, printing with ABS can release fumes that are considered harmful to health and require good ventilation. Despite these challenges, ABS remains a preferred material for applications requiring high strength and durability.

Raw material properties	Synthetic (petrochemical based)
density	Low ( ~ 1.04 g/cm³)
softening temperature	110 – 125 °C
Melting point	210 – 240 °C
Dimensional stability	Up to a maximum of 95 degrees Celsius
Flammability	Building material class B2, normally flammable
Weather resistance	High (exception: UV-sensitive, yellowing and embrittlement)
Elongation at break	8% – 10%
Additional features	High toughness and stability, particularly suitable for components subjected to high stress.
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