Printing with ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) requires specific conditions, primarily focusing on temperature control to prevent common issues like warping and layer delamination.
To successfully print with ABS, you must use a heated print bed and ideally print within an enclosure or cover.
Key Requirements for ABS Printing
ABS is a strong and durable thermoplastic, but it shrinks significantly as it cools. This rapid cooling and shrinkage can cause the print to lift off the build platform (warping) or layers to separate. Managing temperature is therefore crucial.
Heated Bed Settings
A heated bed is essential when printing with ABS. According to tips for 3D printing with ABS, the heated bed temperature should range from 90°C to 110°C.
- Purpose: This high temperature helps keep the initial layers warm, reducing the temperature difference between the plastic and the bed. This minimizes shrinkage stress and significantly improves adhesion to the build platform, directly combating warping.
Using an Enclosure
Utilizing an enclosure or cover for the printer is highly recommended.
- Purpose: An enclosure helps to maintain a stable and warm environment around the print. This slower and more uniform cooling process further reduces internal stresses within the plastic, drastically decreasing the chances of warping and improving layer bonding.
Other Important Considerations
Beyond temperature control, several other factors contribute to successful ABS prints:
- Nozzle Temperature: ABS typically requires higher nozzle temperatures than materials like PLA, often ranging from 220°C to 250°C. Always refer to the filament manufacturer's recommendations.
- Bed Adhesion Surface: While a heated bed is key, the surface material also matters. Common choices include:
- PEI (Polyetherimide) sheets
- Kapton tape with an adhesive spray or ABS slurry (ABS dissolved in acetone)
- Specialized build surfaces designed for ABS
- Cooling Fan: For many ABS prints, keeping the part cooling fan off or at a very low speed is advisable, especially for the initial layers. Excessive cooling can lead to layer separation.
- Ventilation: ABS printing produces fumes (specifically styrene) which should not be inhaled. Ensure you print in a well-ventilated area or use a filtered enclosure.
By controlling the print environment's temperature, particularly through the use of a heated bed (90-110°C) and an enclosure, you can effectively mitigate the challenges associated with ABS and achieve successful, high-quality prints.
