
ABS · FDM · SAN DIEGO
ABS 3D Printing — Machinable, Impact-Tough
ABS is the classic engineering thermoplastic — machinable, impact-tough, heat-stable to ~98°C. Prints in an enclosed, heated chamber. $0.049/cm³ at 1.4× PLA.
Upload a file and see your all-in price in ABS in seconds. Standard parts in 5–7 business days, rush in 1–2, $20 minimum, free pickup in Miramar or UPS nationwide.
Reference: 7.8 cm³ bracket (50×30×40 mm) at standard quality & infill, priced by the same engine as the quote tool. Material rate $0.049/cm³; quotes include machine time. $20 order minimum.
or call (844) 907-3568STL, STEP, OBJ or 3MF · No account needed · Every part checked against your model before it ships
1,000,000+ parts printed · Trusted by Taylor Guitars, UC San Diego, Georgia Tech
When to choose ABS
ABS is the right pick when the part needs to take a hit, live under the hood, or get machined after printing. Impact-exposed housings, automotive interior parts, legacy replacement parts (drill-to-fit), protective cases, drill bushings, and anything you want to vapor-smooth to a glossy finish.
When to pick something else
Avoid ABS for outdoor / UV-exposed parts (use ASA instead). Avoid it for parts that need maximum print accuracy at large sizes — warp makes ≥200mm parts tricky. Avoid for food-contact — use food-safe PETG.
ABS Properties & Datasheet
Verified against manufacturer datasheets and our own print testing at the San Diego shop.
| Tensile strength | 40 MPa | Middle of the pack |
| Heat deflection | 98 °C | Survives car interiors in direct sun |
| Impact resistance | Excellent | Absorbs shock without shattering |
| Machinability | Excellent | Drills, taps, threads, and machines cleanly |
| Vapor smoothing | Yes, with acetone | Our shop can vapor-smooth on request |
| UV resistance | Poor | Yellows; use ASA for outdoor |
| Warp risk | High | Requires an enclosed, heated chamber |
| Odor | Noticeable | We vent the enclosure; parts off-gas briefly |
DESIGN TIPS
Designing for ABS
- 01Walls: 3 perimeters minimum for functional parts; ABS benefits from the thicker shell.
- 02First-layer squish matters more with ABS; we tune per-print for your geometry.
- 03Design for shrinkage: ABS shrinks ~0.7%; we compensate in slicer, but holes tighten slightly.
- 04Tap M3+ post-print; ABS taps cleanly with thread-cutting taps.
- 05Large flat parts benefit from brim + mouse-ears at corners.
CUSTOMER WORK
Real parts we've printed in ABS
Blower injector housing
Under-hood automotive part — needed 98°C stability and impact tolerance.
Drill bushing fixture
Post-print tapped M5 threads, held 200+ cycles in a production line.
Power-tool case insert
Impact-exposed ABS tray; took a drop test we wouldn't have tried in PLA.
ABS FAQ
How much does ABS 3D printing cost?+
What is ABS best for?+
When should I NOT use ABS?+
What does TAKT 3D's ABS print setup require?+
How long is ABS 3D printing turnaround?+
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Ready to print in ABS?
Upload your STL, STEP, OBJ or 3MF and see the all-in price in ABS in seconds — no account, $20 minimum. Standard parts in 5–7 business days, rush in 1–2, free pickup in Miramar or UPS nationwide.