ABS

ABS is a well-established engineering plastic used across automotive, consumer, and industrial products. In 3D printing, ABS is valued for its toughness and heat resistance, making it a strong choice for parts that need to perform beyond basic plastics like PLA or PETG.

In this guide, we’ll explain what ABS is, its advantages and limitations, when it’s the right choice, and how ABS is priced at Precision Print Co.

What Is ABS?

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a petroleum-based thermoplastic known for its strength, impact resistance, and ability to withstand higher temperatures.

At Precision Print Co, ABS is commonly used for functional housings, brackets, mechanical components, and parts exposed to moderate heat where standard materials would fail.

Advantages of ABS 3D Printing

ABS offers reliable performance for functional applications.

Good Heat Resistance

ABS performs well in warmer environments and maintains its shape better than PLA or PETG when exposed to heat.

Tough and Impact Resistant

ABS can handle knocks, drops, and repeated use without becoming brittle.

Suitable for Functional Parts

ABS is ideal for parts that need to work, not just look good.

Widely Used Engineering Plastic

ABS is a proven material with predictable performance in real-world applications.

Limitations of ABS

ABS requires more controlled printing conditions and is not ideal for every use case.

Prone to Warping

ABS must be printed in a controlled environment to prevent warping and cracking.

Poor UV Resistance

ABS degrades over time when exposed to sunlight and is not suitable for long-term outdoor use.

Strong Odour During Printing

ABS produces fumes during printing, which is why professional equipment and ventilation are required.

When Is ABS the Right Choice?

ABS is an excellent option when your project involves:

  • Functional housings and enclosures

  • Mechanical components

  • Parts exposed to moderate heat

  • Automotive or workshop applications

  • Durable, impact-resistant parts

ABS is often chosen when PETG is not heat-resistant enough, but ASA or PA6 would be unnecessary.

ABS Pricing at Precision Print Co

We maintain clear and transparent pricing for engineering materials like ABS.

ABS printing at Precision Print Co is priced at:

  • £0.25 per gram of material

  • £3.00 per hour of print time

Final pricing depends on:

  • Part size and weight

  • Print duration

  • Layer height and infill

  • Quantity ordered

If ABS isn’t suitable for your application, we’ll always recommend a more appropriate material.

ABS vs Other Materials

ABS fits into our material lineup as follows:

  • PLA – prototypes and visual parts

  • PLA-CF – rigid structural components

  • PETG – durable functional parts

  • ABS – heat-resistant functional components

  • ASA – outdoor and UV-stable parts

  • TPU – flexible components

  • PA6 (Nylon 6) – high-strength engineering parts

ABS is best used where heat resistance and toughness are required indoors.

ABS at Precision Print Co

We recommend ABS for customers who need reliable, functional parts that can withstand heat and impact without stepping into higher-cost engineering plastics.

Our focus is always on selecting the right material for real-world use, not just printing what’s requested.

Need Help Choosing a Material?

If you’re unsure whether ABS is right for your project, we’re happy to help. We’ll review how your part will be used and recommend the most suitable material based on performance, environment, and cost.

👉 Learn more about our custom 3D printing services:
https://precisionprint.uk/pages/custom-3d-printing-services

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