MakerGear Forum

Im going to venture into this again.. my previous experience with abs wasn't a great one.. but it was partly because of my noobieness. however... i think i've done enough pla prints to realize i need some parts that are stronger more resilient to heat. (did you know that pla melts in hot water..dohh..)..I found that out the hard way.. I got some clearance abs from Makergear guys to play with.

Plan is to minimize drafts to prevent warping.. and try semi-heated enclosure.

so with that said any other tips you guys use for successful abs prints would be helpful..

Print in lower layer heights. This gives more squash to hold layers together.
Use high-density (40%) hexagonal infill. This gives more support to hold layers together.
Make sure the hotend fan is off. This keeps heat which will hold layers together.

Use ABS juice on Kapton tape, with a good squash, slow first layer. This will keep it on the bed.

Otherwise, have fun

I'll occasionally use ABS for small, short duration prints. Large surface area prints, or anything > 1.5 hours, fuhgetaboutit.

The best results I've ever achieved with ABS were when I used blue painters tape and a glue stick. (Scotch brand permanent, others swear by the Elmer's purple extreme glue stick). Even then, some of the perimeters were slightly curled, and removing the print from the bed was a nightmare.

And now, to hate on ABS a little... (Just releasing built up aggravation)

In my opinion, the time investment doesn't always equal a reasonable reward. I choose to spend a little bit more money on an alternative to avoid ABS.
........................................................................
ABS =

1. Time to install smooth, bubble free Kapton tape.
2. Time and cost to build an enclosure.
3. Time and mess to make ABS juice and apply it perfectly.
4. Time spent baby-sitting your print.
5. Time messing with failed prints.
6. Time spent removing your print from the bed. (Without breaking the part, the glass, or ruining the smooth, bubble-free, Kapton tape)

........................................................................

Oh, and I almost forgot: All of the above + those fumes that irritate the surface of your eye-balls...

That felt good. Sorry if you love ABS... I had to let that out.