FDM Materials Guide – Tips for 3D Printing with ABS

Filament Abs for 3d printers Fortus

So, you’ve got your FDM 3D printer dialed in, and now you’re ready to print with something stronger than PLA? Welcome to the world of ABS — one of the most popular and widely used FDM materials in industrial 3D printing. Known for its balance of strength, toughness, and temperature resistance, ABS has become a go-to material for prototypes and functional parts alike.

But here’s the thing: ABS can be a bit temperamental. It warps. It cracks. It refuses to behave if your setup isn’t right. This guide will walk you through how to get the best results printing with ABS — from choosing the right hardware to fine-tuning your settings. We’ll also look at related materials like ABS-ESD, ASA, and PC-ABS, so you know what works best for your application. Let’s dive in and make ABS work for you — not against you.

Hardware Requirements for Printing with ABS

First things first: not all 3D printers are up for the ABS challenge. This material needs a controlled environment to behave.

Here’s what your printer should have:

  • Enclosed build chamber: ABS hates drafts and temperature drops. An enclosure keeps the ambient temperature stable, preventing warping and cracking.
  • Heated bed: Set it between 100–110°C to help parts stick and reduce warping at the corners.
  • Heated build chamber (optional but ideal): If you’re using a Fortus system like the Stratasys Fortus 450mc or Fortus 900mc, you’re in luck — these machines maintain a consistent chamber temp that’s perfect for ABS.
  • PEI build plate or build sheet: ABS adheres well to PEI surfaces — no more edge lift!
  • Proper ventilation: ABS gives off fumes; make sure you’re printing in a well-ventilated space or using an air filtration system.

Best Practices: Getting ABS to Behave

ABS isn’t impossible to work with — you just need to respect it.

Here are some best practices to keep things smooth:

  • First layer magic: Level your bed, clean the surface, and make sure the first layer squishes just right. Think of it like laying a perfect foundation before building a house.
  • Use rafts or brims: These help with bed adhesion and reduce the chance of warping mid-print.
  • Slow it down: Printing ABS at high speeds can cause layer bonding issues. Dial it back to 40–60 mm/s for more reliable prints.
  • Dry your filament: ABS absorbs moisture like a sponge. Keep it dry in a sealed container with desiccants.
  • Avoid fans: Cooling too quickly = warping. Turn off part cooling fans for ABS unless you’re bridging.

Tips for Success

Let’s get a bit more advanced. These tips come straight from the shop floor — stuff you only learn after a few failed prints and a lot of head-scratching.

  • Try ABS-ESD for static-sensitive parts in electronics applications. It behaves like standard ABS, but adds electrostatic discharge protection.
  • Need outdoor durability? ASA is a close cousin to ABS, with UV resistance built-in. It prints similarly but handles the sun better.
  • PC-ABS offers a blend of strength and heat resistance — perfect for automotive parts or rugged housings.
  • Working on fire-rated applications? PC-ABS FR UL94 V0 is the go-to choice.
  • Use PC Support with Polycarbonate-based blends (like PC-ABS or Polycarbonate PC) for clean, soluble support removal.

 

Related Materials You Should Know

As you get deeper into FDM printing, you’ll come across a wide range of high-performance filaments. Here’s a quick overview of what pairs well with ABS or can serve as a powerful alternative:

  • ABS-ESD – Great for electronic housings and anti-static applications.
  • ASA – UV-stable, ideal for outdoor parts.
  • Nylon 12 CF – Carbon-fiber reinforced nylon for lightweight, rigid parts.
  • PC-ABS FR UL94 V0 – Flame-retardant for compliance-driven designs.
  • Ultem™ 1010 / Ultem™ 9085 – Aerospace-grade materials for parts requiring serious thermal and mechanical strength.
  • TPU 95A – Flexible and impact-resistant, great for damping and gaskets.
  • PEKK – High-performance thermoplastic with extreme chemical and heat resistance.
  • 9085 Support – Soluble support material specifically designed for Ultem™ 9085 parts.

Conclusion

Printing with ABS doesn’t have to be a fight. With the right setup, tuned parameters, and a bit of patience, ABS can become one of the most reliable materials in your toolbox. Its durability, machinability, and low cost make it ideal for functional prototypes, tooling, and even small-scale production parts.

And if you want to take things up a notch, specialized grades like ABS-ESD or PC-ABS FR UL94 V0 give you extra features without compromising on printability. On Stratasys Fortus systems like the Fortus 450mc or Fortus 900mc, ABS and related materials shine — delivering dimensional accuracy, strong interlayer bonding, and long-term reliability.

The key takeaway? Don’t give up on ABS just because it’s tricky at first. Master it, and it’ll reward you with consistent, pro-grade results. As always, the secret lies in pairing the right material with the right printer and the right settings.

Looking for ABS or Stratasys-compatible FDM materials that just work? At Additive 3D Link, we stock a wide range of premium industrial-grade filaments including ABS, ABS-ESD, ASA, PC-ABS, and Ultem™ 9085 — all ready to ship across Europe. Contact us today for expert support and fast delivery!

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