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ABS · FDM · SAN DIEGO

ABS 3D Printing — Machinable, Impact-Tough

ABS is the classic engineering thermoplastic — machinable, impact-tough, heat-stable to ~98°C. Prints in an enclosed, heated chamber. $0.049/cm³ at 1.4× PLA.

Price
$0.049
per cm³
HDT
98°C
heat deflect
Tensile
40 MPa
strength
Colors
10
in stock
Quote ABS →See properties table

When to choose ABS

ABS is the right pick when the part needs to take a hit, live under the hood, or get machined after printing. Impact-exposed housings, automotive interior parts, legacy replacement parts (drill-to-fit), protective cases, drill bushings, and anything you want to vapor-smooth to a glossy finish.

When to pick something else

Avoid ABS for outdoor / UV-exposed parts (use ASA instead). Avoid it for parts that need maximum print accuracy at large sizes — warp makes ≥200mm parts tricky. Avoid for food-contact — use food-safe PETG.

ABS Properties & Datasheet

Verified against manufacturer datasheets and our own print testing at the San Diego shop.

Tensile strength40 MPaMiddle of the pack
Heat deflection98 °CSurvives car interiors in direct sun
Impact resistanceExcellentAbsorbs shock without shattering
MachinabilityExcellentDrills, taps, threads, and machines cleanly
Vapor smoothingYes, with acetoneOur shop can vapor-smooth on request
UV resistancePoorYellows; use ASA for outdoor
Warp riskHighRequires an enclosed, heated chamber
OdorNoticeableWe vent the enclosure; parts off-gas briefly

DESIGN TIPS

Designing for ABS

  • 01Walls: 3 perimeters minimum for functional parts; ABS benefits from the thicker shell.
  • 02First-layer squish matters more with ABS; we tune per-print for your geometry.
  • 03Design for shrinkage: ABS shrinks ~0.7%; we compensate in slicer, but holes tighten slightly.
  • 04Tap M3+ post-print; ABS taps cleanly with thread-cutting taps.
  • 05Large flat parts benefit from brim + mouse-ears at corners.

CUSTOMER WORK

Real parts we've printed in ABS

Blower injector housing

Under-hood automotive part — needed 98°C stability and impact tolerance.

Drill bushing fixture

Post-print tapped M5 threads, held 200+ cycles in a production line.

Power-tool case insert

Impact-exposed ABS tray; took a drop test we wouldn't have tried in PLA.

Considering alternatives?

ASASee specs →

ABS's UV-stable cousin — same mechanics, designed for outdoor.

PCSee specs →

Step up when you need higher impact + transparency.

ABS FAQ

How much does ABS 3D printing cost?+
ABS prints at $0.049 per cm³ (1.4× PLA). A typical palm-sized part (~20 cm³) runs around $1.47 including our markup. Exact price depends on quality preset, infill, and quantity — see /pricing for the full formula.
What is ABS best for?+
ABS is the right pick when the part needs to take a hit, live under the hood, or get machined after printing. Impact-exposed housings, automotive interior parts, legacy replacement parts (drill-to-fit), protective cases, drill bushings, and anything you want to vapor-smooth to a glossy finish.
When should I NOT use ABS?+
Avoid ABS for outdoor / UV-exposed parts (use ASA instead). Avoid it for parts that need maximum print accuracy at large sizes — warp makes ≥200mm parts tricky. Avoid for food-contact — use food-safe PETG.
What does TAKT 3D's ABS print setup require?+
Enclosed, heated chamber required to control warp and layer bonding. Standard 0.4mm brass or hardened nozzle; no special drying. All of our ABS jobs use filament dried the same day to avoid moisture-induced defects, and every spool is logged against the part batch for traceability.
How long is ABS 3D printing turnaround?+
Standard turnaround for ABS is 3–5 business days. Expedited (3 days) adds 30%; rush (1–2 days) adds 60%. Most small ABS orders ship within 48 hours from our San Diego shop.
Ready when you are

Ready to print in ABS?

Upload your STL, STEP, OBJ, or 3MF and get an instant price in ABS — no form, no sales call.

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