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ABS filament

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene

ABS is a tough, heat-resistant engineering plastic, the same material as LEGO bricks. It makes durable functional parts that cope with heat far better than PLA or PETG, but it shrinks as it cools, so it needs an enclosed printer and good ventilation.

151 ABS filaments from 72 brands, in 1,021 colours.

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At a glance

Our rating
Ease of printing
Toughness
Stiffness
Heat resistance
Outdoor and UV
Flexibility
  • Needs an enclosure
  • Needs ventilation

Typical settings

Median values across all ABS filaments. Always check the maker's recommendations for a specific filament.

Nozzle
230–260 °C
Bed
90–110 °C
Density
1.04 g/cm³
Max drying temperature
80 °C

Diameters: 1.75 mm (1,021 colours), 2.85 mm (110 colours)

Colours

Popular ABS filaments

Browse all 151

Top ABS brands

About ABS

Properties

  • Tough and impact resistant, with good strength for everyday mechanical parts.
  • Good heat resistance, softening at around 95–100 °C.
  • Easy to sand, glue and finish. It can be smoothed with acetone vapour for a glossy, near-moulded surface.
  • Not UV stable: it yellows and turns brittle in long-term sunlight.

Good for

  • Car interior parts, enclosures for electronics and other parts that get warm
  • Functional parts that need to be sanded, painted, glued or smoothed
  • Tool handles, housings and clips

Less suited to

  • Outdoor parts in direct sun (ASA is the better choice)
  • Large flat parts on an open printer, which will warp and crack
  • Printing in a living space without ventilation

Printing tips

  • Nozzle around 230–260 °C and bed around 95–110 °C.
  • Print in an enclosure to keep the air warm and draughts off the part; this prevents warping and layer cracks.
  • Use little or no part cooling.
  • Use a brim on large parts and a good bed surface such as textured PEI.
  • Ventilate. ABS gives off styrene and fine particles while printing. Print in a separate, well-ventilated room or use an enclosure with filtration.
  • Dry at around 60–80 °C if it has absorbed moisture.

ABS questions

Can ABS be used outdoors?

Only for a short time. ABS yellows and becomes brittle in sunlight. For outdoor parts, use ASA, which prints almost the same way but is UV stable. See ABS vs ASA.

Is ABS good for car parts?

Yes, for interior parts. ABS stays rigid to around 95–100 °C, so it survives a hot cabin where PLA would warp. For exterior parts in the sun, choose ASA.

Do I need an enclosure to print ABS?

For anything bigger than small parts, yes. ABS shrinks as it cools, and without warm, still air around the print the corners lift and layers split. An enclosure also helps contain the fumes.

Are ABS fumes dangerous?

They should not be breathed in for long periods. ABS releases styrene and ultrafine particles when printed. Print in a well-ventilated room away from where people sleep or work, or use an enclosure with a carbon and HEPA filter.

Is ABS stronger than PLA?

It is tougher and far more heat resistant, but not stiffer. PLA can feel more rigid, yet it snaps; ABS bends and survives impacts. See PLA vs ABS.

ABS or PETG: which should I use?

Choose PETG if you have an open printer or print in a living space: it is easier and safer to print. Choose ABS when you need higher heat resistance or want to smooth parts with acetone. See PETG vs ABS.

Can ABS be smoothed?

Yes. Acetone vapour melts the surface slightly and leaves a glossy, smooth finish. Do it outside or in a well-ventilated space, as acetone is highly flammable.