ABS Thermoplastic - The Popular, Flexible 3D Printing Material

Lego blocks. Classic example of ABS thermoplastic.

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, or ABS, is one of the most popular 3D printing materials with which to print physical objects. Rivaling only PLA (Polylactic Acid) -- its plastic cousin -- in strength and toughness, ABS has made a mark for itself as a stable, durable, petroleum-based thermoplastic for modern 3D printers.

The reasons for its wide use are many:

• Easy availability and relatively cheaper than other materials for 3D printing
• Tried and tested on both consumer and industrial grade 3D printers (known to give good results on both)
• Supports printing in multiple colors
• Has a high melting point which makes the end product both heat resistant and durable
• Supports printing glossy and high quality 3D objects
• Suitable for most 3D printing projects except in the food industry
• More flexible than PLA thermoplastic despite the latter being biodegradable

MORE: See How To Print 3D Objects with ABS Thermoplastic and Sell Them >>