ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is an engineering-grade filament known for its excellent impact resistance, heat resistance, and load-bearing performance. It is ideal for functional prototypes, mechanical parts, tooling, enclosures, and automotive interior components that require durability and long-term performance.
For the best printing results, we recommend the following settings:
| Setting | Recommended Value |
|---|---|
| Nozzle Temperature | 240–280°C |
| Bed Temperature | 90–100°C |
| Print Speed | 50–200 mm/s |
| Cooling Fan | Off |
| Drying (if needed) | 70°C for 6 hours |
Note: The recommended settings are based on a 0.4 mm nozzle. Printing conditions may vary with different nozzle diameters.
ABS filament has low moisture sensitivity and generally does not require drying. However, pre-drying is recommended for optimal print results. The recommended setting is 70°C for 6 hours.
When not in use, store the filament in a sealed container with desiccant and keep it away from direct sunlight.
Yes. We strongly recommend using the official Top Cover when printing ABS with the Snapmaker U1.
ABS is highly sensitive to ambient temperature fluctuations and can warp, crack, or experience poor layer adhesion if printed in an open environment. It also produces a noticeable odor during printing, so proper ventilation is recommended.
The Snapmaker U1 Top Cover helps maintain a stable chamber temperature, significantly reducing the risk of warping and improving print quality. It has a three-stage air filtration system, providing a more comfortable printing experience.
For the best results with ABS, the Top Cover should be installed before printing.
No. A Hardened Steel Hot End is not required for printing ABS.
ABS is a non-abrasive filament and can be printed reliably with the standard Stainless Steel Hot End on the Snapmaker U1. The standard hot end fully supports the recommended printing temperatures of 240–280°C.
A Hardened Steel Hot End is generally recommended only for abrasive filaments containing materials such as carbon fiber, glass fiber, or glow-in-the-dark additives.
ABS has a relatively high shrinkage rate. During printing, if different parts of the model cool at different rates, uneven shrinkage creates thermal stress. When this stress exceeds the adhesion between the print and the build plate or the material's resistance to deformation, the corners may lift or the base may warp.
To reduce the risk of warping:
Note: A closed chamber does not completely eliminate warping. Its primary purpose is to reduce temperature fluctuations during printing, which helps minimize thermal stress and significantly lowers the risk of warping.
If layer bonding is insufficient:
These adjustments help improve layer bonding.
ABS is ideal for durable functional parts that require strength and heat resistance, including:
Yes. ABS has a Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) of 100°C, offering better heat resistance than PLA and PETG. It is well suited for applications exposed to elevated temperatures, such as automotive interior parts and functional engineering components.
ABS can be used outdoors for short-term applications. However, prolonged exposure to sunlight may cause yellowing, embrittlement, and reduced mechanical performance.
For long-term outdoor applications, ASA is recommended.