FDM TechnologyThermoplastic

ABSIndustrial-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
30 MPa
Flexural Modulus
2205 MPa
Temperature Resistance
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 (±0.127 mm). 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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Manufactured in Forge Labs' North American production centers with serialized traceability for ABS.

Aerospace duct component made with ABS
Technical resources

Jump to data & downloads

Navigate directly to the property tables and grab the latest datasheet for your build review.

Technical datasheet

Detailed specs for ABS.

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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 +/-0.127 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 (Break): 30 MPa
Fortus-controlled +/-0.127 mm tolerances
Thermal
Glass Transition Temperature (Tg): 104 °C
HDT 96 deg C @ 0.45 MPa
Physical
Density: 1.05 g/cm³
Chemical
Excellent with Motor Oil
Compatible with brake fluid, coolant, motor oil
FDM applications showcase
Forge Labs Steam Platform

Manufacturing intelligence for ABS

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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 +/-0.127 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 +/-0.127 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 +/-0.127 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 +/-0.127 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

ABS 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 (Break)

30 MPa

Tested to ISO 527

ABS records Tensile Strength (Break) at 30 MPa, reinforcing its mechanical properties story.

Mechanical Properties

Tensile Modulus

2205 MPa

Tested to ISO 527

ABS records Tensile Modulus at 2205 MPa, reinforcing its mechanical properties story.

Mechanical Properties

Tensile Elongation at Break

4.5 %

Tested to ISO 527

ABS records Tensile Elongation at Break at 4.5 %, reinforcing its mechanical properties story.

ABS combines Excellent Impact Resistance - Superior energy absorption and toughness for demanding applications and Chemical Resistance - Withstands oils, greases, and many industrial chemicals 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 (Break)30 MPaISO 527
Tensile Modulus2205 MPaISO 527
Tensile Elongation at Break4.5 %ISO 527
Flexural Strength54 MPaISO 178
Flexural Modulus1910 MPaISO 178
Mechanical Performance

Mechanical Properties

ABS 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 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 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 combines Excellent Impact Resistance - Superior energy absorption and toughness for demanding applications and Chemical Resistance - Withstands oils, greases, and many industrial chemicals to support Submarine antenna mounts and marine components and Aircraft interior seat prototypes and cabin components that demand production-ready durability.

Key metric

Tensile Strength (Break)

30 MPa

Tested to ISO 527

Key metric

Tensile Modulus

2205 MPa

Tested to ISO 527

Key metric

Tensile Elongation at Break

4.5 %

Tested to ISO 527

Dive into the data

Detailed mechanical measurements live in the performance dashboard above. Switch tabs to compare against other materials instantly.

Material Makeup

Physical Properties

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

ABS exhibits a density of 1.05 g/cm³ that contributes to lightweight yet durable parts. With moisture absorption of 0.3 %, 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 delivers 1.05 g/cm³ density so assemblies fit and finish without secondary rework.

Key metric

Density

1.05 g/cm³

Tested to ISO 1183

Key metric

Surface Resistance

>10¹³ Ω/sq

Tested to IEC 60093

Key metric

Water Absorption (24 hr)

0.3 %

Tested to ISO 62

Dive into the data

Detailed physical properties measurements live in the performance dashboard above. Switch tabs to compare against other materials instantly.

Heat Performance

Thermal Properties

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

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

ABS maintains geometry with a Deflection Temperature (0.45 MPa) of 96 °C, protecting dimensional integrity during heat cycling.

Key metric

Glass Transition Temperature (Tg)

104 °C

Tested to DSC

Key metric

Deflection Temperature (0.45 MPa)

96 °C

Tested to ISO 75

Key metric

Coefficient of Thermal Expansion

88 µm/m·°C

Tested to ISO 11359

Dive into the data

Detailed thermal properties measurements live in the performance dashboard above. Switch tabs to compare against other materials instantly.

Compatibility Data

Chemical Properties

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

ABS 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 a cost-effective choice for chemically demanding applications.

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

Key metric

Motor Oil

Excellent

Type: Hydrocarbon

Key metric

Coolant/Antifreeze

Excellent

Type: Hydrocarbon

Dive into the data

Detailed chemical properties measurements live in the performance dashboard above. Switch tabs to compare against other materials instantly.

Chemical Resistance

Chemical compatibility for ABS

Evaluate how ABS responds to common chemicals before you commit to production tooling. Filter the grid to focus on acids, bases, solvents, or hydrocarbons.

10 of 10 chemicals shown

ChemicalTypeCompatibility
Motor OilHydrocarbonExcellent
GasolineHydrocarbonGood
Ethanol (10%)SolventGood
Isopropyl AlcoholSolventGood
AcetoneSolventPoor
Methyl Ethyl KetoneSolventPoor
Hydrochloric Acid (10%)AcidModerate
Sodium Hydroxide (10%)BaseModerate
Brake FluidHydrocarbonGood
Coolant/AntifreezeHydrocarbonExcellent
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

Material 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
± 0.127 mm (± 0.005")
  • 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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