3D Printing Info

Filament comparison

ABS vs ABS+

Compare printing settings, strength, heat resistance, dated prices and sources.

ABS guideABS+ / Tough ABS guide

2 selected · all documented properties

Open these two in the interactive comparisonMore ABS comparisonsMore ABS+ comparisons
ABS vs ABS+ — documented properties and sources
PropertyABSABSABS+ / Tough ABSABS
Market snapshot
Listing priceUSD/kg; dated snapshots$19.99/kg median; $11.99–$45.00/kg across 16 dated product listings$26.49/kg median; $15.99–$29.99/kg across 4 dated product listings
Identity & Market
Base polymer / chemistryAcrylonitrile butadiene styrene — a styrenic terpolymer with a butadiene rubber phase[1][2]ABS reformulated for lower warping and a higher glass transition; Polymaker's ABS Pro and ABS Max reach Tg 114.9 and 126.3 °C against 101 °C for PolyLite ABS[3][4][1]
Densityg/cm³1.04 (Polymaker PolyLite ABS and ABS Pro) to 1.06 (ABS Max), ISO 1183; Bambu Lab 1.05[5][1][3][4]1.04 (ABS Pro) and 1.06 (ABS Max), ISO 1183[3][4]
Typical priceUSD/kg1 kg spools cluster near 20[6][7][8][9][10]1 kg spools cluster near 27[7]
Price range across brandsUSD/kg12–45 across brands; IEMAI 12, SUNLU 12 at a 3 kg minimum, ELEGOO 15 in a 5 kg pack, Polymaker 19, YXPOLYER 20, Bambu Lab 20, Push Plastic 25, 3DXTech 45[6][7][11][12][8][9][10][13]16–30 across brands; SUNLU E-ABS 16, Polymaker ABS Pro 25, YXPOLYER ABS Enhanced 28, Polymaker ABS Max 30[7][14][15]
Market availability1–5Ubiquitous, every brand and retailer[6][7][11][12]Available from several mainstream brands[7]
Spool sizes & diameters1.75 and 2.85 mm; 1, 5 and 10 kg spools[11][12]1.75 and 2.85 mm; 1 kg spools[7]
Typical applicationsEnclosures, automotive interior parts and tooling that must hold shape above PLA's 55 °C ceiling[1][16]Large enclosure and automotive parts where plain ABS warps or softens too early[3][4]
Printing Parameters
Nozzle temperature°C240–270 (Bambu Lab); 245–265 (Polymaker PolyLite)[5][1]270–290 (ABS Pro); 270–300 (ABS Max) — 25–35 °C above plain ABS[3][4]
Bed temperature°C80–100 (Bambu Lab); 90–100 (Polymaker)[5][1]120 (ABS Max)[4]
Enclosure / chamber requirement1–5Enclosure recommended — Polymaker calls a chamber needed at ambient temperature, Bambu Lab requires an enclosed printer and rules out its P1P and A-series machines[1][17]Enclosure required (passive)[3][4][17]
Recommended chamber temperature°C45–60 (Bambu Lab)[5]Not documented
Part cooling fan0–80 % (Bambu Lab); off (Polymaker PolyLite)[5][1]Not documented
Bed surface & adhesion aidClean the plate and apply glue — Bambu Lab lists glue as the way to improve adhesion and prevent warping[17]Clean the plate and apply glue; Simplify3D also lists Kapton tape and ABS slurry[17][18]
Maximum volumetric flow (mm³/s; see test conditions)mm³/s10–16 (PrusaSlicer guidance for ABS/ASA)[19]Up to 250 mm/s (ABS Pro) and 200 mm/s (ABS Max), equivalent to 20 and 16 on a 0.4 mm nozzle at 0.2 mm layer[3][4][19]
Warping tendency1–5High — enclosure needed for reliable large parts; Bambu Lab attributes surface cracking to cooling stress exceeding interlayer adhesion[17]High — enclosure needed for reliable large parts[17]
Bed-adhesion difficulty1–5Needs a specific surface plus adhesive[17]Needs a specific surface plus adhesive[17]
Stringing / oozing tendency1–5Slight[1]Slight — Polymaker advises 1–2 mm retraction at 20–30 mm/s[16]
Overall printing difficulty1–5Intermediate — dry filament and a tuned profile[17][1]Intermediate — dry filament and a tuned profile; the hotter nozzle rules out PTFE-lined hotends[3][4]
Hardware Wear & Reliability
Nozzle hardness required1–4Brass fine indefinitely[17]Brass fine indefinitely[17]
Abrasiveness1–5Non-abrasive[17]Non-abrasive[17]
Nozzle clog risk1–5Low — no special hot-end required and clogging is not among the listed drawbacks; Prusa lists no drybox and no hardened nozzle[18][20]Low — unfilled ABS compound; no special hot-end required and clogging is not among the listed drawbacks[18][20]
Heat-creep / jam sensitivity1–5Slightly sensitive[18]Slightly sensitive[18]
Hotend requirementNo special hot-end required[18]No special hot-end required[18]
Moisture Behaviour
Moisture absorption (hygroscopicity)1–5Moderate — 0.65 % saturated at 25 °C / 55 % RH (Bambu Lab); Polymaker measures 0.51 % maximum uptake for ABS Pro[5][3]Moderate — 0.51 % maximum water absorption (ABS Pro)[3]
Equilibrium moisture content at ~50 % RH%0.65 saturated at 25 °C / 55 % RH (Bambu Lab); 0.51 maximum (Polymaker ABS Pro)[5][3]0.51 maximum water absorption (Polymaker ABS Pro)[3]
Drying temperature & time80 °C for 8 h (Bambu Lab); 70 °C for 6 h (Polymaker)[5][1]70 °C for 6 h (ABS Max)[4]
Symptoms when wetBubbling and popping at the nozzle, stringing, rough surface and weak layers[21]Bubbling and popping at the nozzle, stringing and a rough surface[21]
Effect of moisture on strengthPolymaker rates ABS moderate-sensitivity and publishes no dry-versus-conditioned figures; the loss appears as poor layer adhesion and surface defects rather than a stated strength delta[21]Polymaker rates ABS moderate-sensitivity and publishes no dry-versus-conditioned figures[21]
Storage requirementSealed with desiccant; Polymaker rates ABS moderate-sensitivity and advises periodic drying in humid climates[21]Sealed with desiccant; Polymaker rates ABS moderate-sensitivity[21]
Mechanical Properties
Tensile strength (XY)MPa33 ± 3 (Bambu Lab) to 35 (Polymaker ABS Pro and Max) printed XY, ISO 527; 3DXTech quotes 42 at break[5][3][4][22]34.9 (ABS Pro) and 35.7 (ABS Max) printed XY, ISO 527[3][4]
Young's modulusMPa2200 ± 190 (Bambu Lab) to 2330 (Polymaker ABS Pro) printed XY, ISO 527; 3DXTech quotes 1950[5][3][22]2330 (ABS Pro) and 2320 (ABS Max) printed XY, ISO 527[3][4]
Elongation at break%6.7 (ABS Max) to 10.5 (Bambu Lab) at break, printed XY, ISO 527[5][3][4]6.7 (ABS Max) and 7.3 (ABS Pro) at break, printed XY, ISO 527[3][4]
Flexural strengthMPa60 (ABS Pro) to 63 (ABS Max) printed XY, ISO 178; Bambu Lab 62 ± 4; 3DXTech quotes 76[5][3][4][22]60.1 (ABS Pro) and 63.3 (ABS Max) printed XY, ISO 178[3][4]
Flexural modulusMPa1880 ± 110 (Bambu Lab) to 2500 (ABS Max) printed XY, ISO 178[5][4]2330 (ABS Pro) and 2500 (ABS Max) printed XY, ISO 178[3][4]
Charpy impact, notchedkJ/m²10.5 (ABS Max) and 14.5 (ABS Pro) printed XY, ISO 179, notched; PolyLite ABS 18.0 ± 0.9 and Bambu Lab 21.5 ± 2.2[1][3][4][5]10.5 (ABS Max) and 14.5 (ABS Pro) printed XY, ISO 179, notched[3][4]
Other impact dataCharpy unnotched 39.3 ± 3.6 printed XY (Bambu Lab, ISO 179); notched 21.5 ± 2.2[5]Not documented
Layer adhesion / Z tensileMPa21.9 (ABS Pro) to 29.7 (PolyLite) printed Z, ISO 527; Bambu Lab 28 ± 2[5][1][3]21.9 (ABS Pro) and 25.4 (ABS Max) printed Z, ISO 527[3][4]
Brittleness1–5Tough — absorbs impact, yields before breaking[5][1]Tough — absorbs impact, yields before breaking[3][4]
Creep resistance / sustained load1–5Moderate — no printed-ABS creep test found; Tg of 101–126 °C keeps room-temperature service far below softening, unlike PLA[1][3][4]Moderate — no creep test found; Tg of 115 °C (ABS Pro) and 126 °C (ABS Max) keeps room-temperature service far below softening[3][4]
Fatigue / repeated-flex resistance1–5Moderate — no printed-ABS S-N curve found; 10.5 % elongation and 21.5 kJ/m² notched Charpy give far more cyclic tolerance than PLA[5][23]Moderate — no S-N curve found; 6.7–7.3 % elongation and 10.5–14.5 kJ/m² notched Charpy, below unfilled Bambu Lab ABS[3][4][5]
Elasticity / flexibility1–5Rigid[5]Rigid[3]
Z strength as % of XY%85 (Bambu Lab, printed Z against XY tensile); 63 for Polymaker ABS Pro[5][3]63 (ABS Pro) and 71 (ABS Max), printed[3][4]
Thermal Properties
HDT at 0.45 MPa°C87 (Bambu Lab) to 118 (Polymaker ABS Max), ISO 75 at 0.45 MPa; PolyLite ABS 100[5][1][4]106.4 (ABS Pro) and 118.1 (ABS Max), ISO 75 at 0.45 MPa[3][4]
HDT at 1.8 MPa°C84 (Bambu Lab) to 113 (Polymaker ABS Max), ISO 75 at 1.8 MPa; PolyLite ABS 98[5][1][4]101.4 (ABS Pro) and 113.1 (ABS Max), ISO 75 at 1.8 MPa[3][4]
Glass transition (Tg)°C101 (PolyLite) to 126 (ABS Max), DSC; 105 quoted by 3DXTech[1][4][22]114.9 (ABS Pro) and 126.3 (ABS Max), DSC[3][4]
Melting point / Vicat°CAmorphous — no melting point; Vicat 104 (PolyLite) to 127 (ABS Max), ISO 306[1][4]Amorphous — no melting point; Vicat 116.1 (ABS Pro) and 127.4 (ABS Max), ISO 306[3][4]
Continuous service temperature°C101 measured on a loaded glass-filled ABS bar (My Tech Fun); unfilled ABS is bounded by its 84–98 °C heat deflection[24][5][1]Not documented
Annealing responseDecomposition above 380 °C (PolyLite ABS, TGA)[1]Not documented
Thermal expansion (CTE)µm/m·K86 ± 3 at 0° and 89 ± 3 at 90° raster (printed, fibre Bragg grating, 25–50 °C); 82 for a neat large-format bead at 30 °C[25][26]86–89 for printed unfilled ABS (fibre Bragg grating, 25–50 °C); no grade-specific measurement published[25]
Flammability / UL 94Flammable; no UL 94 rating published for standard ABS, though V-0 grades exist[27][5]Not documented
Environment & Chemical
UV resistance1–5Months outdoors before embrittlement[16]Months outdoors before embrittlement[16]
Chemical resistanceGood against weak acids, weak alkalis, oils and grease; poor against strong acids; dissolved by acetone[1]Good against weak acids, weak alkalis, oils and grease; dissolved by acetone[1]
Water / humidity resistance in service1–5Good — minor absorption[5]Not documented
Food contactNot food safe — Polymaker cites potential chemical leaching[16]Not food safe — Polymaker cites potential chemical leaching[16]
Biodegradability / compostabilityNot biodegradable[16]Not biodegradable[16]
RecyclabilityMechanically recyclable as resin code 9, but not accepted in household plastic collection[16]Mechanically recyclable but not accepted in household plastic collection[16]
Electrical & ESD propertiesSurface resistance above 10¹³ ohm/sq — insulating (3DXTech, ASTM D257)[22]Not documented
Health & Safety
Fume toxicity1–5High — hazardous VOC such as styrene; enclosure and filtration needed[28][17]High — hazardous VOC such as styrene; enclosure and filtration needed[28][17]
VOC emission rateµg/min12–113 styrene, the dominant VOC from every ABS and HIPS combination tested[28]12–113 styrene, the dominant VOC from every ABS and HIPS combination tested[28]
Ultrafine-particle emission rateparticles/min2 × 10¹⁰ to 9 × 10¹⁰ median across all ABS printers, two orders of magnitude above PLA's ≈1 × 10⁸[28]2 × 10¹⁰ to 9 × 10¹⁰ median across all ABS printers, two orders of magnitude above PLA's ≈1 × 10⁸[28]
Hazardous species emittedStyrene dominates. Bambu Lab states ABS and ASA release harmful gases such as styrene at printing temperature, which can be toxic and cause dizziness or nausea[28][17]Styrene dominates. Bambu Lab states ABS and ASA release harmful gases such as styrene at printing temperature, which can be toxic and cause dizziness or nausea[28][17]
Ventilation / filtration requirement1–5Enclosure with carbon and HEPA filtration — an enclosure alone cut measured UFP by only about 35 %[28][17]Enclosure with carbon and HEPA filtration — an enclosure alone cut measured UFP by only about 35 %[28][17]
Post-Processing
Sanding & machiningSands well and takes filler; the usual preparation before painting[16]Sands well and takes filler before painting[16]
Painting & finishingNot documentedPaints readily after light abrasion[16]
Gluing & solvent weldingSolvent-welds with acetone[1]Not documented
Vapour / chemical smoothingAcetone vapour smoothing works — ABS dissolves in acetone[1]Acetone vapour smoothing works[1]
Support material pairingHIPS breaks away or dissolves in d-limonene; Bambu Lab sells a dedicated Support for ABS[29][17]HIPS breaks away or dissolves in d-limonene; Bambu Lab sells a dedicated Support for ABS[29][17]
Dimensional accuracy & detailWarping and cooling-stress cracking are the accuracy limits, not shrinkage of the melt[17]Not documented
Solvents & Solubility
Soluble inAcetone dissolves it — the basis of ABS slurry; so do MEK, THF, ethyl acetate, chloroform, dichloromethane and toluene.[30][1]Acetone dissolves it — the basis of ABS slurry; so do MEK, THF, ethyl acetate, chloroform, dichloromethane and toluene.[30][1]
Softened or crazed byPetrol and perchloroethylene soften it and benzene attacks it; d-limonene disrupts layer adhesion in some ABS and ASA grades.[30][31]Petrol and perchloroethylene soften it and benzene attacks it; d-limonene disrupts layer adhesion in some ABS and ASA grades.[30][31]
Solvent welding & smoothing agentAcetone: about 20 min of vapour at 80 °C over 5 mm of liquid. Prusa measured layer adhesion more than doubled.[32]Acetone: about 20 min of vapour at 80 °C over 5 mm of liquid. Prusa measured layer adhesion more than doubled.[32]

Material entries describe families or representative grades, not an interchangeable specification for every spool. Test methods, orientations and conditions may differ. Unknown values are marked “Not documented”. Prices and source dates remain historical snapshots; check the linked guide for product details. Differences highlight text, not a universal winner.

Sources for this comparison

  1. PolyLite ABS Technical Data Sheet (V5.5 served at this URL) Polymaker · 2024-11 · tds
  2. Safety Data Sheet SDS20250724B00 — Bambu ABS Bambu Lab · 2025-07 · msds
  3. Polymaker ABS Pro Technical Data Sheet V1 (2026-05-29) Polymaker · 2026-05 · tds
  4. Polymaker ABS Max Technical Data Sheet V1.1 (2026-06-01) Polymaker · 2026-06 · tds
  5. Bambu Filament Technical Data Sheet V3.0 — ABS Bambu Lab · 2026-08 · tds
  6. ABS — product page Bambu Lab US Store · 2026-08 · vendor
  7. Polymaker product catalogue Polymaker · 2026-08 · vendor
  8. Push Plastic product catalogue Push Plastic · 2026-08 · vendor
  9. SUNLU ABS 3D Printer Filament 1 kg SUNLU · 2026-08 · vendor
  10. IEMAI ABS 3D Printing Filament product page IEMAI 3D · 2026-08 · vendor
  11. 3DXTech product catalogue 3DXTech · 2026-08 · vendor
  12. ELEGOO product catalogue ELEGOO · 2026-08 · vendor
  13. YXPOLYER ABS Squirrel Grey product page YXPOLYER · 2026-08 · vendor
  14. SUNLU E-ABS (Easy ABS) 3D Printer Filament 1 kg SUNLU · 2026-08 · vendor
  15. YXPOLYER ABS Enhanced product page YXPOLYER · 2026-08 · vendor
  16. ABS — material basics Polymaker Wiki · 2026-08 · doc
  17. ABS / ASA / PC Usage Guide Bambu Lab Wiki · 2026-08 · doc
  18. ABS — Ultimate 3D Printing Materials Guide Simplify3D · 2026-08 · doc
  19. Max volumetric speed Prusa Knowledge Base · 2026-08 · doc
  20. Filament Material Guide Prusa Knowledge Base · 2026-08 · doc
  21. Wet Filament — signs, causes and drying Polymaker Wiki · 2026-08 · doc
  22. 3DXMAX ABS Technical Data Sheet 3DXTech · 2026-08 · tds
  23. Mechanical Properties of Additively Manufactured Polymeric Materials — PLA and PETG — For Biomechanical Applications Polymers 16(13):1868 · 2024-06 · paper
  24. ABS-GF vs PET-CF — results spreadsheet My Tech Fun (Igor Gaspar) · 2026-08 · test
  25. Characterization of Thermal Expansion Coefficient of 3D Printing Polymeric Materials Using Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors Materials 17(18):4668 · 2024-09 · paper
  26. Effects of Fiber Orientation on the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion of Fiber-Filled Polymer Systems in Large Format Polymer Extrusion-Based Additive Manufacturing Materials 15(8):2764 · 2022-04 · paper
  27. Firewire Flame Retardant ABS Technical Data Sheet 3DXTech · 2026-08 · tds
  28. Emissions of Ultrafine Particles and Volatile Organic Compounds from Commercially Available Desktop Three-Dimensional Printers with Multiple Filaments (Azimi et al.) Environmental Science & Technology 50(3) 1260-1268 · 2016-01 · paper
  29. HIPS — Ultimate 3D Printing Materials Guide Simplify3D · 2026-08 · doc
  30. Chemical resistance — resistance of Ensinger plastics to chemicals (DIN 50 014, 23/50) Ensinger · 2026-08 · tds
  31. HIPS — Knowledge Base Prusa Research · 2026-08 · doc
  32. Improve your 3D prints with chemical smoothing Prusa Research · 2026-08 · doc