ABS

Grade Selector

Industrial-Grade FDM Thermoplastic

ABS is a high-performance thermoplastic designed for industrial FDM applications. This reliable material offers excellent mechanical properties, dimensional stability, and surface finish quality, making it ideal for functional prototypes, tooling, and end-use parts across diverse industrial applications.

Tensile Strength
N/A
Flexural Modulus
2060 MPa
HDT
96 °C
Technology
FDM
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ABS 3D printed part example
Large Build Volume
Cost-Effective
FDM material

ABS overview

ABS represents a proven choice for industrial FDM 3D printing, offering an excellent combination of mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and thermal stability. This production-grade thermoplastic delivers consistent, reliable performance across automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing applications where durability and dimensional accuracy are paramount.

Why manufacture with ABS

ABS combines excellent impact resistance - superior energy absorption and toughness for demanding applications and chemical resistance - withstands oils, greases, and many industrial chemicals, delivering high temperature performance - maintains strength up to 96°c deflection temperature for demanding applications. From rapid prototyping to production runs, teams rely on ABS to maintain tight tolerances while reducing assembly complexity through consolidated part designs.

FDM Production Technology

ABS-M30 leverages Stratasys Fortus FDM technology to deliver production-grade parts with exceptional impact resistance and dimensional accuracy (±0.25 mm or ±0.3%, whichever is greater). The soluble support material system enables complex internal geometries and undercuts impossible with traditional manufacturing. With 96°C heat deflection temperature and proven chemical resistance to automotive fluids, ABS excels in under-hood applications and industrial tooling. The material's 30 MPa tensile strength combined with excellent post-processing capabilities—including vapor smoothing for injection-molded surface finish—makes it ideal for both functional prototypes and end-use production parts requiring durability and aesthetic appeal.

Build Volume

914 × 610 × 914 mm

Max part size

Lead Time

2-4 business days

Fast turnaround available

Layer Height

0.127 - 0.330 mm

Resolution

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Aerospace duct component made with ABS
Applications & field work

Where ABS excels

ABS-M30 from Forge Labs delivers production-grade FDM parts with the impact strength and dimensional repeatability demanded by end-use tooling and rugged field hardware. Fortus build envelopes and ±0.25 mm tolerances keep multi-part assemblies aligned straight off the machine.

Heat deflection to 96 deg C and chemical compatibility with brake fluid, motor oil, and coolant let ABS survive under-hood and shop-floor duty cycles that would deform commodity plastics. Soluble support strategies unlock internal channels and captured fastener geometry without manual rework.

Steam-managed DFM automates toolpath validation, lot traceability, and finishing routes so solvent smoothing, painting, and threaded inserts deliver showroom-ready surfaces for pilots or investor demos within days instead of weeks.

Mechanical

Tensile Strength, Yield (XZ Axis): 31 MPa

Fortus-controlled ±0.25 mm tolerances
Thermal

Heat Deflection Temperature @ 66 psi: 96 °C

HDT 96 deg C @ 0.45 MPa
Physical

Specific Gravity: 1.04

Electrical

Volume Resistivity: 4.0E15 - 3.3E16 ohm-cm

FDM applications showcase
Forge Labs Steam

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Upload CAD files to Forge Labs Steam for instant pricing and live manufacturability feedback. Real-time DFM highlights issues before production so timelines stay predictable.

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Industry applications for ABS

Select an industry to see how Forge Labs deploys ABS-M30 and companion ASA coverings for mission-critical programs across transportation, automation, and marine platforms.

ABS-M30 structural cores sealed with marine coatings keep subsea antenna assemblies neutral and corrosion-resistant while eliminating multi-piece aluminum fabrication. Compound curves print as single bodies that conform to hulls without hand-forming.

Key Applications

  • Explorer-class AUV antenna and LED mounting systems with integrated cable routing
  • Neutral-buoyancy instrument fairings for long-duration autonomous surveys
  • Pressure-tolerant electronics pods with labyrinth seals and gasket grooves
  • Hull drilling templates indexing compound surfaces within ±0.25 mm

Performance Data

International Submarine Engineering cut machining spend by 73% and shrank lead times from 3-4 weeks to 2-3 days by moving antenna mounts to Forge Labs ABS-M30 cores paired with weatherable ASA shells.

Explore marine engineering

ABS-M30 delivers cabin retrofit panels and maintenance tooling that install without sanding thanks to ±0.25 mm dimensional control. Smooth, paint-ready surfaces accelerate trim approvals, while soluble supports enable hidden ducting.

Key Applications

  • Passenger service unit bezels and seat shrouds for FAR 25.853 mock-ups
  • On-wing maintenance drill jigs and go/no-go gauges
  • Environmental control duct prototypes for airflow validation
  • Avionics enclosures and harness brackets for integration labs

Performance Data

Fortus-controlled ±0.25 mm tolerances let retrofit teams snap ABS panels into cabin monuments without secondary machining during certification build reviews.

Explore aerospace interiors

Automation teams rely on ABS for durable nests, sensor brackets, and customer-facing enclosures that still finish like injection molding. Solvent smoothing and threaded inserts deliver production look-and-feel right off the Fortus line.

Key Applications

  • Award-winning smart tool enclosures with solvent-smoothed presentation surfaces
  • Poka-yoke nests and datum fixtures for assembly cells
  • Control box housings with integrated standoffs and fastener bosses
  • Cable-managed sensor mounts for robotics and conveyor systems

Performance Data

Robbox Tools documented 50-100x prototype cost savings and 10x faster iteration by shipping Pinnacle Innovation Award-winning enclosures in Forge Labs ABS within days.

Explore industrial automation

ABS-M30 withstands thermal cycling and chemical splash on track or in the garage, enabling rapid iterations of ducts, brackets, and cockpit hardware that would otherwise require tooling.

Key Applications

  • Wind-tunnel brake and intake cooling ducts tuned between test sessions
  • Fixtureless drill guides for composite body panel fit-up
  • Dashboard electronics housings ready for paint and texture
  • Powertrain sensor mounts resistant to brake fluid, coolant, and motor oil

Performance Data

A 96 deg C deflection temperature plus compatibility with automotive fluids keeps ABS-M30 ducts and mounts stable through endurance runs while Steam-managed DFM holds geometry within ±0.25 mm.

Explore motorsport & automotive

ABS production examples

FDM applications showcase

FDM applications showcase

Industrial FDM Applications

Submarine antenna mount

Submarine antenna mount

International Submarine Engineering

Aircraft interior seats

Aircraft interior seats

Aerospace seat prototypes

Performance Dashboard

Technical performance for ABS-M30

ABS-M30 delivers dependable strength and impact resistance for Submarine antenna mounts and marine components and Aircraft interior seat prototypes and cabin components, helping teams move from prototype to production with confidence.

Mechanical Properties

Tensile Strength, Yield (XZ Axis)

31 MPa

Tested to ASTM D638

ABS records Tensile Strength, Yield (XZ Axis) at 31 MPa, reinforcing its mechanical properties story.

Mechanical Properties

Tensile Strength, Yield (ZX Axis)

26 MPa

Tested to ASTM D638

ABS records Tensile Strength, Yield (ZX Axis) at 26 MPa, reinforcing its mechanical properties story.

Mechanical Properties

Tensile Strength, Ultimate (XZ Axis)

32 MPa

Tested to ASTM D638

ABS records Tensile Strength, Ultimate (XZ Axis) at 32 MPa, reinforcing its mechanical properties story.

ABS-M30 combines balanced performance to support Submarine antenna mounts and marine components and Aircraft interior seat prototypes and cabin components that demand production-ready durability.

Measurement
ABSBase
Standard
Tensile Strength, Yield (XZ Axis)31 MPaASTM D638
Tensile Strength, Yield (ZX Axis)26 MPaASTM D638
Tensile Strength, Ultimate (XZ Axis)32 MPaASTM D638
Tensile Strength, Ultimate (ZX Axis)28 MPaASTM D638
Tensile Modulus (XZ Axis)2230 MPaASTM D638
Tensile Modulus (ZX Axis)2180 MPaASTM D638
Tensile Elongation at Break (XZ Axis)7 %ASTM D638
Tensile Elongation at Break (ZX Axis)2 %ASTM D638
Tensile Elongation at Yield (XZ Axis)2 %ASTM D638
Tensile Elongation at Yield (ZX Axis)1 %ASTM D638
Flexural Strength (XZ Axis)60 MPaASTM D790
Flexural Strength (ZX Axis)48 MPaASTM D790
Flexural Modulus (XZ Axis)2060 MPaASTM D790
Flexural Modulus (ZX Axis)1760 MPaASTM D790
Flexural Strain at Break (XZ Axis)4 %ASTM D790
Flexural Strain at Break (ZX Axis)3.5 %ASTM D790
IZOD Impact, Notched128 J/mASTM D256
IZOD Impact, Unnotched300 J/mASTM D256
Mechanical Performance

Mechanical Properties

ABS-M30 delivers dependable strength and impact resistance for Submarine antenna mounts and marine components and Aircraft interior seat prototypes and cabin components, helping teams move from prototype to production with confidence.

ABS-M30 delivers exceptional mechanical performance with excellent strength characteristics, effectively handling demanding load conditions. Its balanced mechanical profile allows it to maintain structural integrity while preventing brittleness in critical applications.

These qualities make it well-suited for Submarine antenna mounts and marine components, Aircraft interior seat prototypes and cabin components, and Manufacturing jigs and fixtures, providing long-term durability in demanding environments. ABS-M30 maintains dimensional stability over time, ensuring consistent performance across temperature and stress variations.

This makes it a reliable choice for applications requiring precise geometries and tight tolerances across Marine Engineering, Aerospace, and Manufacturing. Its versatility and durability allow it to perform consistently across a wide range of mechanical applications, ensuring parts maintain their integrity under repetitive stress and environmental conditions.

ABS-M30 combines balanced performance to support Submarine antenna mounts and marine components and Aircraft interior seat prototypes and cabin components that demand production-ready durability.

Material Makeup

Physical Properties

ABS-M30 offers consistent density and surface quality so critical features hold tolerances and downstream finishing remains predictable.

ABS-M30 exhibits optimal density characteristics that contributes to lightweight yet durable parts. Its low moisture absorption ensures dimensional stability in varying environmental conditions.

These physical properties enable consistent part quality and predictable performance across Submarine antenna mounts and marine components, Aircraft interior seat prototypes and cabin components, and Manufacturing jigs and fixtures. The material's inherent characteristics minimize warpage and maintain tight tolerances throughout the part lifecycle.

For Marine Engineering, Aerospace, and Manufacturing, these physical attributes translate to reliable production outcomes with minimal post-processing requirements, ensuring parts meet specifications straight from the build platform.

ABS-M30 keeps part quality consistent shot-to-shot, simplifying downstream finishing.

Heat Performance

Thermal Properties

ABS-M30 maintains dimensional stability through temperature swings, making it a reliable option for Marine Engineering and Aerospace programs that see repeated thermal cycling.

ABS-M30 demonstrates excellent thermal stability with a heat deflection temperature of 96 °C, enabling it to maintain dimensional accuracy in elevated temperature environments. This thermal performance ensures parts retain their shape and mechanical properties even under thermal stress.

The material's thermal characteristics make it ideal for Submarine antenna mounts and marine components, Aircraft interior seat prototypes and cabin components, and Manufacturing jigs and fixtures that experience temperature fluctuations. Its ability to withstand thermal cycling without degradation ensures long-term reliability in Marine Engineering, Aerospace, and Manufacturing.

With broad temperature tolerance, ABS-M30 provides engineers with confidence when designing parts for thermally demanding applications, from under-hood automotive components to industrial equipment exposed to heat sources.

ABS-M30 maintains geometry with a Heat Deflection Temperature @ 66 psi of 96 °C, protecting dimensional integrity during heat cycling.

Functional Performance

Electrical Properties

ABS-M30 provides predictable electrical behavior for housings and functional prototypes that need controlled resistivity and dielectric strength.

ABS-M30 provides controlled electrical resistivity of 4.0E15 - 3.3E16 ohm-cm, making it suitable for electrical housings and insulators. Its dielectric strength of 100 - 360 V/mil ensure reliable performance in electrical assemblies.

These electrical characteristics enable its use in Submarine antenna mounts and marine components, Aircraft interior seat prototypes and cabin components, and Manufacturing jigs and fixtures where electrical performance is critical. The material maintains consistent electrical properties across its operating temperature range, ensuring stable performance in varying conditions.

For Marine Engineering, Aerospace, and Manufacturing requiring precise electrical behavior, ABS-M30 delivers the consistency and reliability needed for functional prototypes and production parts that interact with electrical systems.

ABS-M30 posts 4.0E15 - 3.3E16 ohm-cm Volume Resistivity, giving enclosures dependable insulating performance.

Compatibility Data

Chemical Properties

ABS-M30 offers tested chemical resistance across acids, bases, solvents, and hydrocarbons to ensure reliable performance in harsh environments.

ABS-M30 demonstrates broad chemical resistance with testing against 10 different chemicals, showing excellent compatibility with 2 substances and good compatibility with 4 others. This extensive chemical resistance profile makes it suitable for harsh industrial environments.

The material's resistance to acids, bases, solvents, and hydrocarbons enables its use in Submarine antenna mounts and marine components, Aircraft interior seat prototypes and cabin components, and Manufacturing jigs and fixtures that require exposure to aggressive chemicals. Its chemical inertness ensures parts maintain their mechanical properties even after prolonged chemical exposure.

For Marine Engineering, Aerospace, and Manufacturing, this chemical stability translates to longer service life and reduced maintenance requirements, making ABS-M30 a cost-effective choice for chemically demanding applications.

ABS-M30 has been tested against 10 chemicals with 2 showing excellent compatibility for demanding chemical environments.

Medical Readiness

Biocompatibility and compliance profile

ABS meets key medical standards so teams can accelerate regulatory reviews and develop parts with short-term contact requirements.

Compliance standards

Download certificates to include with quality documentation or share with your QA team.

StandardCertifiedNotes
UL 94 HBCertifiedHorizontal burning classification for general-purpose thermoplastics
RoHS ComplianceCertifiedRestriction of Hazardous Substances directive
REACH ComplianceCertifiedEuropean chemical safety regulation
BiocompatibilityPendingNot certified for medical device applications
Resources

Datasheets and design resources

Equip your team with certification packs, design guides, and spec sheets tailored to ABS.

Download center

Access the most recent datasheet and supporting documentation maintained by our engineering team.

Resources

ABS-M30 DatasheetMechanical Properties Overview

Design guidelines

Explore printable geometry recommendations, wall thickness tips, and finishing playbooks for FDM.

View FDM design guide

Compliance certificates

Keep your quality packet current with pre-approved certifications.

UL 94 HBCertified
RoHS ComplianceCertified
REACH ComplianceCertified

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Advanced Manufacturing

Built with Precision FDM Technology

ABS is manufactured using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology, offering reliable performance for functional prototypes and end-use parts.

FDM Manufacturing Lab

ABS runs on industrial FDM platforms with heated chambers, hardened extrusion paths, and qualified material profiles to guarantee consistent layer adhesion and mechanical integrity.

Process Parameters

Layer Height
0.127 - 0.330 mm
Tolerance
±0.25 mm or ±0.3%, whichever is greater
  • Build Volume: 914 × 610 × 914 mm. Large production capacity enables efficient manufacturing of multiple parts or assemblies.
  • Quality Control. In-process monitoring and batch traceability ensure consistent part quality and material properties.

Finishing Options

Support removalSandingDrillingTappingPaintingChemical smoothing
Learn more about FDM Technology
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about ABS

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ABS is known for its excellent impact resistance - superior energy absorption and toughness for demanding applications, chemical resistance - withstands oils, greases, and many industrial chemicals, high temperature performance - maintains strength up to 96°c deflection temperature, making it suitable for marine engineering and aerospace applications.

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