In the previous part, we introduced ABS as a material with excellent strength and temperature resistance. However, these benefits come at the cost of more demanding printing. While PLA often forgives beginner’s mistakes, ABS requires more careful preparation and specific conditions. The biggest challenges are warping and fume emissions. This article is a practical guide that will teach you how to tame these problems and achieve consistently great results with ABS.
Enemy No. 1: Warping
ABS has a significantly higher coefficient of thermal expansion than PLA. This means it shrinks more when cooling. If this process is not controlled, it leads to internal stress, causing the corners and edges of the model to lift and detach from the print bed. This phenomenon is called warping and is the main cause of unsuccessful ABS prints.
Enclosed Print Chamber
The most effective solution against warping is the use of an enclosed print chamber. It fulfills two key tasks:
- Maintains a stable and high ambient temperature: This slows down the cooling process of the print, reduces internal stress, and prevents deformation.
- Protects the print from drafts: Even a slight current of cold air can cause localized shrinkage and detachment of the model.
You don’t have to immediately buy an expensive printer with an integrated chamber. For a start, a simple plexiglass box or even a makeshift solution from a cardboard box will suffice.
Heated Bed and Proper Adhesion
A heated bed is an absolute necessity for printing with ABS. It keeps the first layer warm and adhered to the surface.
- Bed temperature: For ABS, a high temperature is required, usually in the range of 90–110 °C.
- Adhesive aids: Special surfaces or coatings are often used to ensure perfect adhesion. The so-called ABS juice (a mixture of a small amount of ABS filament dissolved in acetone), applied in a thin layer to a glass bed, is very popular. Special adhesive sprays or glues also work well.
- Brim and Raft: In the slicer, it is advisable to activate the Brim function for models with sharp corners, which increases the contact area of the first layer with the bed. For very problematic models, a Raft can be used, which is several layers printed underneath the model itself.
Fumes and Safety
When ABS melts, it releases a characteristic plastic odor and, more importantly, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including styrene, which can be harmful to health. Therefore, safety is crucial when printing with ABS.
Ventilation and Filtration
Never print ABS in an unventilated room! It is absolutely essential to ensure either:
- Good ventilation: Place the printer in a room with a window that you can keep open during printing.
- Air filtration: The ideal solution is an enclosed chamber equipped with a HEPA and activated carbon filter, which captures both solid particles and harmful fumes.
Optimal Slicer Settings
Correct settings in software like PrusaSlicer or Cura are the final piece of the puzzle.
Table: Recommended Settings for ABS Printing
Mastering ABS printing requires patience and the right equipment, but the reward will be parts with properties you could never achieve with PLA.
In the next part, we’ll look at the most fun part: post-processing. We’ll show you how to create perfectly smooth and glossy surfaces using acetone, and discuss other finishing techniques.
