ABS: a strong plastic that is hard to print
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a strong, tough engineering plastic that LEGO bricks are made from. In 3D printing it warps easily and gives off fumes, so it needs an enclosed printer.
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What ABS is
ABS is one of the most widely used plastics of all. It is used for appliance housings, car parts and LEGO bricks. It is stiff, takes impacts and withstands more heat than PLA.
In 3D printing it is more demanding. According to Prusa Research, it warps a lot, needs a heated bed and an enclosed printer, and gives off fumes containing styrene while printing. Parts also shrink slightly as they cool, which you have to allow for with precise dimensions.
What ABS is good for
- Mechanically stressed parts that have to survive impacts.
- Parts exposed to heat, where PLA would soften.
- Parts with a smooth surface, as ABS can be smoothed to a gloss with acetone.
It is less suited to outdoor use, as the sun harms it more than its relative ASA.
Do we print ABS?
Not at the moment. We print PLA and PETG. For most technical parts, brackets and fasteners, PETG is a good substitute: it is tough, does not warp like ABS and withstands up to roughly 80 °C. The material costs €9 per kilogram.
If you specifically need ABS, for example for acetone smoothing or because a drawing requires it, write to us and we will advise.
Common questions
Is ABS better than PETG?
ABS is stiffer and withstands more heat, while PETG copes better with damp and is easier to print. For ordinary brackets and fasteners PETG is usually enough.
Why is ABS hard to print?
It shrinks as it cools, so the corners of the part lift off the bed. It needs an enclosed printer with warm air and good ventilation because of the fumes.
Related terms
ASA
ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate) is an engineering plastic for 3D printing that withstands UV radiation, rain and heat well. It is used mainly for parts that have to last a long time outdoors.
PETG
PETG is a tough 3D printing plastic, a close relative of the material in PET bottles. Compared with PLA it withstands more heat, impact and moisture, so it suits technical parts and outdoor use.
PLA vs PETG
PLA vs PETG is the most common choice in 3D printing. PLA is more accurate and enough for most things indoors, while PETG is tougher, withstands more heat and also suits outdoor use.
Tolerances
Tolerances in 3D printing set how far a printed dimension may differ from the model and how much clearance to leave between parts that are meant to fit together.
Filament
Filament is a thin plastic strand wound on a spool, which an FDM 3D printer melts and layers into a part. The type of plastic decides the part's strength, heat resistance and price.
SourcesSources checked 1 November 2026, 3
- Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, Wikipedia, checked 2026-11-01
- ABS, Prusa Research, checked 2026-11-01
- Lego, Wikipedia, checked 2026-11-01
We will print it for you
Upload a model and see the price per piece, the total with shipping and the date at once. We print in Košice, Slovakia, from PLA and PETG.
No model? No problem, pick a ready one
These sites have thousands of free models. Download an STL or 3MF and upload it here. If you sell it or use it for business, check the model licence. How to pick a model and licence