Ramblin' Dan's Workshop Blog
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Ramblin' Dan's Workshop Blog
3D Printing With ABS
I have a kilogram of ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) filament in black that I have just started to use for 3D printing. I have been using PLA (Polylactic Acid) Both are thermoplastics with different characteristics. Both are very popular with the extruder type 3d Printers.
I was concerned about using ABS as it requires higher temperatures and some special techniques in it's use, It has also be reported to have an odour (when heated) that may be of concern. ABS does require higher temperatures for extrusion. Most of the other factors are overstated.
The odour with the brand I am using (Hatchbox) is far less than PLA and only noticed when overheated or a large volume of ABS heating on the printer bed. Certainly not a negative. There may be difference between brands and their quality, but no serious odour issue at all for me. I can smell it, so I am not saying it is odourless.
Of considerable concern for most reports about ABS was for it being able to stick to the work platform. Again, no issue for me and I am using only blue painters tape as a surface. In fact it sticks as well as PLA which is sometimes too good. It is a matter of getting temperatures and flows correct. My platform is 100 deg Celsius, the boiling point of water at sea level. Also I have a RepRap machine that is not enclosed. It takes awhile for it to reach 100, but it holds there with no problem.
So all my trepidation about ABS was for naught. It is definitely not the same as PLA but is completely workable on my machine and in my home office environment. I am not suffocating from noxious fumes. The room is running a lille warmer though with the higher temperatures.
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