Ever looked at a cool 3D printed object and wondered how it was made? Maybe you’ve even tried printing yourself, only to run into frustrating problems. Choosing the right filament can feel like a puzzle, and ABS filament is a popular but sometimes tricky choice for many makers. It’s strong and can make amazing things, but getting it to print perfectly can be a real headache.
You might have heard that ABS is great for functional parts, but then you worry about warping or fumes. Or perhaps you’ve bought a spool that just doesn’t seem to work right with your printer. It’s easy to get lost in all the different brands, colors, and technical terms. That’s why we’re here to help cut through the confusion.
By reading on, you’ll learn exactly what makes ABS filament so special and how to avoid the common pitfalls. We’ll break down what you need to know to get smooth, strong prints every time. Get ready to unlock the full potential of your 3D printer with ABS!
Our Top 5 Abs 3D Printer Filament Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Abs 3D Printer Filament Detailed Reviews
1. Creality ABS Filament 1.75mm
Rating: 8.9/10
Unleash your creativity with Creality ABS Filament in a classic black! This 1.75mm filament is built for serious 3D printing projects, offering fantastic toughness and resistance. It’s designed to give you great prints without the usual headaches, making it a reliable choice for makers of all levels.
What We Like:
- Excellent Durability: This filament is tough and can handle a lot. It resists impacts and heat well, making it great for engineering parts.
- Smoother Printing: Say goodbye to frustrating print failures! This ABS filament greatly reduces issues like layer separation and warping, especially on larger prints.
- Safe to Use: You can print with confidence. It doesn’t release harmful fumes, making it safe for your workspace.
- Wide Compatibility: It works perfectly with all Creality FDM 3D printers, and likely many others too.
- Strong Physical Properties: Your prints will be rigid and strong, with no annoying gaps or bent edges. It also holds up well against wear and tear.
- Great Support: Creality stands behind its product with a 12-month warranty and 24-hour customer service.
What Could Be Improved:
- Storage Needs: The filament needs to be stored in a dry, cool place away from sunlight and humidity to maintain its quality.
Creality’s ABS filament is a solid choice for anyone looking for reliable and high-quality prints. It simplifies the printing process and delivers impressive results for your 3D creations.
2. Polymaker ABS Filament 1.75mm Black 3D Printer Filament 1.75mm Heat Resistant 1kg – PolyLite ABS 3D Printing Filament 1.75mm
Rating: 9.3/10
Looking for tough and reliable filament for your 3D printer? The Polymaker PolyLite ABS Filament in black is a great choice. This 1.75mm ABS filament is designed for strength and heat resistance, making it ideal for functional parts. It’s built to last and keeps your prints accurate.
What We Like:
- Super strong and won’t break easily.
- Can handle high heat, so your prints stay strong in warm places.
- Prints come out very accurate, with a tiny wiggle room of only +/- 0.03mm.
- Less likely to clog your printer.
- Comes in a sealed bag to keep it dry and ready to print.
- The spool and box are made from recycled cardboard, which is good for the planet.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need a heated bed to stop prints from warping (bending).
- It can smell a bit stronger than PLA filament when printing.
- Larger prints might warp more easily on home printers.
This filament is a solid option for creating durable and heat-resistant 3D prints. If you need parts that can handle a bit of stress and warmth, Polymaker PolyLite ABS is worth considering.
3. Comgrow ABS Filament 1.75mm
Rating: 8.8/10
Looking for a 3D printing filament that can handle the heat and stay strong? The Comgrow ABS Filament 1.75mm in black is a great choice for your next project. This filament is built tough and can withstand high temperatures, making it perfect for parts that need to be durable and resist heat. It’s also really resistant to scratches and bumps, so your prints will look good for a long time. Plus, it’s super accurate, with a tiny wiggle room of only +/- 0.02mm, meaning your prints will come out just as you designed them.
What We Like:
- Excellent heat resistance for projects that get hot.
- Very strong and tough, so it won’t break or bend easily.
- Keeps its good looks even after a lot of use thanks to scratch resistance.
- Highly compatible with many 3D printers and ideal for making industrial or mechanical parts.
- Offers a tight dimensional accuracy for precise prints.
- Comes in multiple colors to match your project needs.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires a heated bed and a good printing surface to avoid warping, especially for larger prints.
- The printing process can create a stronger smell than other filaments like PLA.
- Tangling can happen if the filament isn’t secured properly after use.
Overall, this filament is a solid option for anyone needing strong, heat-resistant 3D prints. Just be sure to prepare your printer for ABS to get the best results.
4. FLASHFORGE ABS Pro Filament 1.75mm Black
Rating: 8.6/10
Printing with the FLASHFORGE ABS Pro Filament in black gives you high-quality results for all your 3D projects. This filament is designed to make printing easier and the final parts stronger. It’s great for making things that need to handle heat or be really tough.
What We Like:
- It’s very strong and can handle high temperatures, making it perfect for things like camera mounts or parts for electronics.
- The filament smells less strong than regular ABS and shrinks less, so your prints are less likely to crack or warp, even on big projects.
- You get really accurate prints because the filament’s diameter is super consistent, staying within +/- 0.02mm.
- It sticks well to the print bed for a good first layer and bridges nicely, meaning fewer printing problems.
- It’s made from good materials and comes in bright colors, ready to use with most FDM printers.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has low odor, ABS filament generally still requires good ventilation during printing.
- ABS Pro might still require a heated bed for optimal adhesion, which not all basic printers have.
Overall, the FLASHFORGE ABS Pro filament is a solid choice for anyone needing durable, heat-resistant 3D prints. It makes printing functional parts much more reliable and less frustrating.
5. ELEGOO ABS Filament 1.75mm Black 1KG
Rating: 8.6/10
The ELEGOO ABS Filament in black is a strong choice for your 3D printing needs. This 1.75mm filament comes on a 1kg spool, offering great toughness and resistance to heat and impacts. It’s designed to work with most FDM 3D printers, making it a versatile option for many projects.
What We Like:
- This filament is super tough and doesn’t break easily. It’s great for things like drone parts or phone cases that might get dropped.
- It can handle high temperatures, up to 85°C, and doesn’t mind getting wet. This makes it good for functional parts that need to be strong.
- The filament feeds smoothly without getting tangled. ELEGOO winds it neatly, so you won’t have frustrating knots.
- Each spool is sealed in a bag to keep moisture out, so it’s ready to print perfectly.
What Could Be Improved:
- You really need an enclosed 3D printer to get the best results with this ABS filament.
- It’s a good idea to dry the filament before you use it, even though it comes sealed.
Overall, the ELEGOO ABS filament is a reliable material for strong and durable 3D prints. If you have an enclosed printer, this filament will likely be a great addition to your printing supplies.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: ABS 3D Printer Filament
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a popular choice for 3D printing. It’s tough and can handle heat well. This guide helps you pick the best ABS filament for your projects.
Key Features to Look For
When you buy ABS filament, check these things:
- Diameter Consistency: Good filament has a steady diameter. This means your printer won’t have trouble feeding it. Look for filaments with a diameter tolerance of +/- 0.02mm or better. This is important for smooth prints.
- Strength and Durability: ABS is known for being strong. It doesn’t break easily. It can also handle some bending without snapping. This makes it great for parts that need to last.
- Heat Resistance: ABS can withstand higher temperatures than some other filaments. This means your printed objects won’t warp or melt easily in warm environments.
- Surface Finish: High-quality ABS filament prints with a smooth surface. You might still need to do some post-processing, but good filament starts you off right.
Important Materials and Their Properties
ABS filament is made from a few key things:
- Acrylonitrile: This part makes the plastic strong and resistant to chemicals. It also helps protect it from UV light.
- Butadiene: This rubbery plastic makes ABS tough. It helps prevent the filament from cracking when it’s stressed.
- Styrene: This part makes ABS easy to print. It gives it a glossy finish when printed correctly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make your ABS prints better or worse.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- High-Quality Raw Materials: Filament made from pure, good-quality ABS plastic will print better.
- Consistent Manufacturing: Companies that carefully control their manufacturing process make better filament. They ensure the diameter and composition are just right.
- Proper Drying: ABS can absorb moisture from the air. Wet filament leads to rough prints and weak parts. Always store your ABS in a dry place. Some brands offer pre-dried filament.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Inconsistent Diameter: If the filament is too thick or too thin in spots, your printer might jam. This causes gaps or rough layers in your prints.
- Contaminants: Small bits of other plastic or dirt mixed into the filament can cause clogs and poor print quality.
- Moisture Absorption: As mentioned, wet ABS is bad. It can cause popping sounds during printing and bubbly, weak prints.
User Experience and Use Cases
ABS is a versatile material. It’s good for many different projects.
- Functional Parts: Because it’s strong and heat-resistant, ABS is perfect for making parts that will be used. Think about brackets, gears, or tools.
- Protective Casings: You can print cases for electronics or other items that need protection.
- Outdoor Use: ABS can handle sunlight better than some other filaments. This makes it suitable for items that will be outside.
However, printing with ABS can be a bit tricky. It needs a heated print bed to prevent warping. It also releases fumes when heated, so you should print in a well-ventilated area. Some people also use an enclosure around their printer to keep the temperature steady.
Frequently Asked Questions about ABS 3D Printer Filament
Q1: What is ABS filament?
A1: ABS filament is a type of plastic used in 3D printers. It’s known for being strong and able to handle heat.
Q2: Is ABS filament difficult to print with?
A2: Yes, ABS can be a bit challenging. It needs a heated print bed and good ventilation because it can warp and release fumes.
Q3: What temperature should I print ABS at?
A3: Generally, ABS prints best between 230°C and 260°C. Your heated print bed should be around 90°C to 110°C.
Q4: Why is diameter consistency important?
A4: Consistent diameter ensures your printer feeds the filament smoothly. This leads to better layer adhesion and a higher quality print.
Q5: Can I use ABS for outdoor projects?
A5: Yes, ABS is more resistant to UV light and weather than some other filaments, making it suitable for outdoor use.
Q6: How should I store ABS filament?
A6: Store ABS filament in a dry place, preferably in an airtight container with desiccant to prevent moisture absorption.
Q7: What are the main benefits of using ABS?
A7: ABS is strong, durable, and has good heat resistance. It’s also less brittle than some other plastics.
Q8: What are the drawbacks of using ABS?
A8: ABS can warp easily if not printed correctly. It also releases fumes that require good ventilation.
Q9: How do I prevent ABS prints from warping?
A9: Use a heated print bed, an enclosure for your printer, and consider using a brim or raft in your slicing software.
Q10: What kind of projects is ABS filament best suited for?
A10: ABS is great for functional parts, tools, casings, and anything that needs to be strong and withstand some heat.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
My name is Gareth Lewis, and I’m the voice behind CampingGuider.com.. I created this space to share my passion for camping and the great outdoors. With years of experience and countless adventures under my belt, I aim to inspire and guide fellow enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a curious beginner, my goal is to provide you with practical tips, honest reviews, and insights to help you make the most out of your outdoor escapades. Join me on this journey, and let’s explore the beauty of nature together!