How to print with BotFeeder ABS?

A complete guide to print with BotFeeder ABS

ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a frequently used 3D printing material. It has good mechanical properties and can be used for a wide range of applications. BotFeeder ABS shows exceptionally low warping and consistent layer bonding, making it more reliable and easier to print with than other regular ABS filaments. This guide will explain all you need to know to print with BotFeeder ABS filament.

Note: The information provided here applies to BotFeeder ABS, similar quality cannot be guaranteed with third-party filaments.

COMPATIBILITY

BotFeeder ABS can be printed on most 3D printers as a single material.

Compatible brand not limit to the following:

• Ultimaker
• MakerBot
• Pursa
• Creality
• RepRap
• Lulzbot
• FlashForge
• Anet
• XYZprinting
• Atom
• Tarantula

NOZZLE SIZE

Can be printed with all nozzle sizes from 0.10 to 0.80 mm.

TEMPERATURE

For BotFeeder ABS a slightly higher nozzle temperature is used: between 250 and 260 °C. The exact temperature depends on the selected nozzle size and profile; small nozzles and thin layers use lower temperatures, while bigger nozzles require a higher temperature.

The build plate temperature for BotFeeder ABS is either 110 or 120 °C – depending on the selected printer and nozzle size.

RESOLUTION

BotFeeder ABS can be printed at resolution 0.05 to 0.80 mm. At ultra-fine resolution, 0.05 mm, it might be beneficial to tune down the temperature toward the end of your print.

PRINT SPEED

The printing speed of BotFeeder ABS range from 30 to 90 mm/sec. General rule of thumb, the slower the speed better the quality.

ADHESION

BotFeeder ABS has been optimized to minimize warping, which means that the material usually adheres well to the build plate. However, we strongly advise to apply a thin layer of glue to the glass plate for optimal adhesion and glass plate protection. Not using glue results in a high risk of chipping the glass plate when removing the print.

You can also use adhesion sheets as an alternative adhesion method.

Printing brim is suggested to provide optimal adhesion on the first layer. A brim is made of extra lines printed around the perimeter of the initial layer of your 3D print to ensure a successful adhesion to the build plate.

After printing, it’s common practice to wait for your part to cool down before removing it. But for ABS, it’s often easier to remove the 3D print if the build plate is still slightly warm (at approximately 40 °C).

RETRACTION

To avoid stringing print, retraction should be turn on. BotFeeder ABS prints better with longer retraction distance. Typically 4.5 mm @ 100 mm/sec, no prime.

SUPPORT

Support structure is required when printing a model that has overhang angle of 50 degree. Increasing the density of the support structure improves the quality of the underside, but often time it is too hard to remove the support.

OUR PRINT SETTINGS

This profile is optimized based on UFO 3D Printer. A good reference point of where to start.
3D printer type: delta
Nozzle size: 0.30 mm
Resolution: 0.10 mm
Extrusion temperature: 250 C
Print bed temperature: 110 C
Print speed: 65 mm/sec (default speed)
Adhesion type: brim
Retraction distance: 4.5 mm
Retraction speed: 100 mm/sec
Prime: no
Support infill: 15%
Support pattern: zig zag
Support angle: 50 degree
Dense support layer: 2
Dense Infill: 60%
Upper separation layer: 1 to 2 (or 0.20 mm)
Lower separation layer: 1 to 2 (or 0.20 mm)

PRINT ENVIRONMENT

Although BotFeeder ABS prints reliably, the material is prone to delamination when printing large or thin-walled objects. The front enclosure will help avoid cracks in your 3D prints and will provide a controlled print environment for more consistent and reliable results.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

BotFeeder ABS is safe to print when using the recommended temperature settings listed above. To ensure a comfortable and healthy working environment, we recommend 3D printing in a well-ventilated area.

For more information, download the safety data sheet for BotFeeder ABS here

Tricks & Tips

• Extrusion Temperature: 250 to 260C
• Print Bed Temperature: 110 to 120C
• If you are printing white at 250C, black will require ~5 degree more.
• Let print bed cool down to room temperature before removing your print.
• Must print with heated print bed.
• Works great on glass platform, PEI, blue tape, buildtak, and kapton tape.
• Adhesion solution: hair spray, ABS juice, and glue stick
• If wrapping occurs, print using raft.
• Enclosure improves print quality.
• First layer usually 5 to 10 C higher than subsequent layers.
• First layer usually print at 35mm/sec or slower.
• ABS absorbs heat and so benefits from additional active cooling.
• ABS adsorbs ~5% of moisture. Un-used spool should store in container or plastic bag.
• Use Acetone to smooth out the print.
• Sand the print down with 300-grit sandpaper before acrylic painting.
• Longer life span compared to PLA.
• More flexible compared to PLA.