ABS filament properties
Data taken from 15 datasheets from manufacturers in Spain, Europe, the United States and China, reviewed on October 26, 2026. The shaded bar marks the median of the declared values and each colored tick is a different datasheet. The scales are the same across the whole library, so you can compare materials at a glance.
ABS filament temperature and print settings
| Setting | Typical value | Range in datasheets |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle | 235–260 °C | 220–290 °C |
| Bed | 90–100 °C | 60–130 °C |
| Print speed | 35–150 mm/s | 20–300 mm/s |
| Drying temperature | 80 °C | 70–80 °C |
| Drying time | 7 h | 6–8 h |
ABS vs ASA, PETG, and PLA: comparison
Medians from each material's datasheets. Click a material to see its full range.
Meters of ABS per spool
Calculated with the median density from the datasheets (1.04 g/cm³). Real spools can vary by a few meters because of diameter tolerance.
What is ABS filament
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is an engineering thermoplastic widely used in industry: appliance housings, car interior parts or the best-known toy building bricks. Each component contributes something: acrylonitrile, chemical and thermal resistance; butadiene, toughness against impacts; styrene, rigidity and gloss.
According to the 15 datasheets analyzed, it prints with the nozzle at 235–260 °C and a very hot bed, at 90–100 °C. It is lighter than PLA, with a median density of 1.04 g/cm³, so a 1 kg spool of 1.75 mm holds about 400 meters.
ABS properties compared with PLA and PETG
- Heat resistance. Its median heat deflection temperature (HDT at 0.45 MPa) is 95 °C and its Vicat softening point 94 °C, clearly above PLA and PETG.
- Toughness. It absorbs impacts well, although its tensile strength (39 MPa) is lower than that of PLA.
- Post-processing. It can be sanded, painted, solvent-welded and smoothed with acetone vapor until the surface is glossy.
- Ultraviolet rays. It yellows and turns brittle in the sun. For outdoor use, ASA, its UV-resistant relative, is the better choice.
How to print ABS filament: enclosed printer and warping
ABS shrinks quite a bit as it cools. If one area of the part cools before another, the stresses lift the corners off the bed (warping) or open cracks between layers. To avoid it:
- Print in an enclosed printer, with a warm chamber and no drafts.
- Set the bed to the datasheet temperature, toward the high end of the range for large parts.
- Turn the part cooling fan off or way down. It is only needed for bridges and small overhangs.
- Add a brim on parts with sharp corners and avoid very dense infill on large parts.
Smell and emissions when printing ABS
ABS smells when printed and emits more ultrafine particles and volatile organic compounds than PLA, including styrene, according to measurements published in Environmental Science & Technology (2016). Print it in a ventilated place or in an enclosed printer with a filter, and avoid doing it in the bedroom or in small spaces.
How to smooth ABS with acetone
Acetone dissolves the surface of ABS. Exposed to its vapors in a closed container for a few minutes, the part loses its layer lines and turns glossy. Do it outdoors or with good ventilation, away from any flame, and let the part harden for several hours before touching it. Smoothing rounds off edges and small details, so it is not suitable for parts with tight tolerances.
Drying ABS filament
ABS absorbs less moisture than nylon or PETG, but a spool left open for weeks takes some up too. Datasheets that give drying settings suggest drying it at 80 °C for 7 h.
Frequently asked questions about ABS filament
What temperature do you print ABS at?
The datasheet median is 235–260 °C at the nozzle and 90–100 °C at the bed. Manufacturers declare a nozzle range of 220–290 °C.
Can you print ABS without an enclosed printer?
Small parts, yes, with some luck and no drafts. For medium or large parts, without an enclosed chamber warping and cracks between layers are almost certain.
What is the difference between ABS and ASA?
ASA replaces the butadiene with an acrylic rubber that resists ultraviolet radiation. It prints in a similar way, but holds up much better in the sun, which is why it is preferred for outdoor parts.