ABS is the classic engineering plastic — the same family of material as LEGO bricks and automotive trim. It takes heat that would warp PLA and PETG, machines and sands beautifully, and holds up to years of mechanical use.
Why print in ABS
Choose ABS when parts live somewhere hot: car interiors, near electronics, enclosures with warm components, or workshop fixtures. It's also the best material for post-processing — it sands smooth, drills and taps cleanly, and can be acetone-smoothed to a near-injection-molded finish.
ABS material properties
| Property | Rating |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | Very good — durable under sustained load |
| Stiffness | Good — slightly ductile, machines well |
| Heat resistance | Very good — stable to roughly 205°F (95°C) |
| UV / outdoor use | Fair — yellows in sun; use ASA outdoors |
| Flexibility | Low-moderate — tough, not brittle |
| Detail & finish | Good — matte finish, sands and smooths well |
Best uses for ABS
- Automotive interior parts, clips, and trim replacements
- Electronics enclosures and equipment housings
- Workshop jigs, fixtures, and tool parts
- Anything that will be sanded, painted, or machined
Colors and pricing
ABS prints at $0.10 per gram in 11 stocked colors. Other colors available on request via manual quote. $15 minimum order.
Design tips for ABS
- Large flat parts can warp — add generous fillets to corners.
- For outdoor use, choose ASA — identical strength with UV stability.
- Design threads at M4 or larger, or spec heat-set inserts.
Upload your file for an instant ABS quote, or see all options in the materials guide.