3D printing is layering down materials (like powder grains, plastics, or fused) to create a three-dimensional object from a digital 3D model. 

For aesthetic or functional prototypes, the term rapid prototyping was used for the 3D printing technique earlier. Nowadays, the most common 3D printing process is Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), which uses the continuous filament of the thermoplastic material. 

One of the renowned materials used in rapid prototyping is ABS material. Though not directly but its distinct grades with unique properties are used. ABS material elevates prototypes making them functional and easy to use. It is the first plastic used in various industrial applications. Moreover, its affordability and machinability make this engineering material popular.

Various materials are used for 3D printing technology, such as polycarbonate 3D printer filament, PLA, etc. But ABS is a bit complex to print compared to PLA (polylactic acid).

Still, 3D printing experts prefer ABS material due to its impact resistance and high-temperature threshold (-20 ° and 80 °). Particles released from ABS materials could be harmful to the user. Thus, a 3D printer with a closed enclosure is used.

Here we will learn about expounds of abs material:

1. What is abs material?
2. Different types of ABS materials
3. Properties of ABS Materials
4. Various Applications of ABS Materials

WHAT IS ABS MATERIAL?

An opaque thermoplastic and an amorphous polymer comprise three monomers: Acrylonitrile, Butadiene, and Styrene. ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. Popularly known for its impact resistance, structural strength, and various other mechanical properties, the material is available as a long filament wound around a spool. It is usually used for injection molding applications.

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DIFFERENT TYPES OF ABS MATERIALS

Different types of ABS materials are used in rapid prototyping. Each type is unique in its way. Thus, let’s discover more about each type before settling on one. Below are the common types of ABS material:

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ABS–ESD7

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene-electrostatic dissipative offers static dissipative properties. To provide electrostatic dissipative properties, the material combines the strength and stability of the ABS material with carbon. This thermoplastic is usually used for jigs and fixtures while convening electronic components. Furthermore, it helps fabricate prototypes, support appliances for electronics, and static sensitive applications.

ABSi

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene: Biocompatible is a translucent ABS-type thermoplastic. This material is firm and long-lasting compared to the standard ABS material. Such qualities make ABSi ideal for the automotive industry and medical device prototyping applications as the process includes monitoring material flow and light transmission.

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ABS-M30

ABS-M30 is ideal for applications that require functional prototyping, production parts, concept models, manufacturing tools, and end-use parts. This adaptable material brings the familiarity of ABS material to the FDM 3D printing plastics line-up.

ABS M30 has excellent tensile strength, strong layer bonding, and flexural strength than ABS. Moreover, it is 25-70 percent stronger than the standard ABS material. When these characteristics are used with higher quality and realistic print, ABS-M30 stands out superior to ABS.

Though light in weight, ABS-M30 is well-known for its strength and sturdiness, making it an optimal choice for general use in 3D printing and blending utility.

ABS-M30i

This biocompatible 3D printing material is ideal for pharmaceutical, medical, and food-packaging engineers and producers of surgical planning models, tools, and fixtures.

ABS-M30i adheres to

• Biological evaluation of medical devices, i.e., ISO 10993 test requirements
• Plastic biocompatibility i.e. USP Class Vl,
• Biocompatibility of breathing gas pathways, i.e., ISO 18562
• Gamma or EtO sterilized.

PROPERTIES OF ABS MATERIALS

ABS is the perfect material choice when looking for an inexpensive, sturdy plastic that holds up well to the outer jolt. 

Have you wondered what makes this material structurally stiff? Its mechanical properties make ABS a perfect option for protective camera housings and packaging.

• This engineering thermoplastic can be easily machined, assembled, and thermoformed,
• Delivers good impact strength due to its stiff nature even at low temperatures,
• Distinctly resistant to dilute acids and alkalis,
• Possess a high bonding property,
• Good insulating characteristics,
• Dimensional stability is relatively high (in due course remains solid and stable mechanically),
• Excellent surface aspect and high surface brightness,
• Moderately resistant to aliphatic hydrocarbons,
• High rigidity,
• Possess adequate corrosion and stain resistance, &
• Good insulating properties.

Apart from the above, ABS possesses good electrical insulating properties.

DIFFERENT APPLICATIONS OF ABS MATERIALS

This low-cost engineering thermoplastic has excellent properties such as low melting temperature, high–resistance against corrosive chemicals and physical impacts, and the ability to get machined easily.    

This aptness makes ABS one of the required materials in various industries. Here are some typical applications of ABS material:

1. Food Processing Components and Food transportation elements

As ABS thermoplastic possesses good chemical, stress, and creeps resistance, it is safely used for food processing and handling operations.       

2. Electronic Industry

Due to its high impact strength and resistance to rust and corrosion, ABS plays a vital role in the electronic industry. Be it computer keyboard components, plastic face guards for wall sockets, or protective housing for power tools, ABS is a well-known choice in the industry.

3. Automotive Industry

Even when exposed to extreme temperature variations, ABS thermoplastic stays dimensionally stable. This property makes ABS perfect for the automotive industry. For instance, professionals use ABS plastic to prepare vehicle interior and exterior trim, steering wheel covers, and dashboards. ABS plastic does not get wrenched under tremendous stress; instead absorbs and divides the energy during a collision, maintaining the passenger’s safety.  

4. Home Appliances

For everyday home appliances like vacuum cleaners, refrigerator linings, phone devices, lawn mower covers, LEGO bricks, and musical instruments, ABS material works for all. Its structural strength and rigidity make it suitable for manufacturing home appliance parts. 

5. Office Equipment

ABS is a high-quality material available in a different range of color palettes. Depending on the rapid prototyping procedures, you can use ABS to make elegant office equipment such as memorizers and telephone shells. 

6. Construction Applications

ABS material has a high impact strength, making it a perfect choice for construction applications such as pipes and fittings.

CONCLUSION

ABS material has been used since 3D printing technology came into existence. Due to its affordability and superb mechanical properties, it still maintains popularity and is employed in various industrial applications for creating durable parts.