ABS Filament Strength vs. PETG and ASA - Which is Best for Your Project?

What is ABS Filament?

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is a thermoplastic polymer widely used in manufacturing and injection moulding. It’s the same material used to make LEGO bricks, automotive parts, and consumer goods – which says a lot about its durability and reliability.

In the world of 3D printing, ABS filament is valued for:

• Strength and toughness – parts can withstand higher loads compared to PLA.
• Heat resistance – ABS can handle higher temperatures without deforming.
• Durability – excellent for parts that need long-term wear resistance.

How Strong is ABS Filament Compared to Other Filaments?

When measuring tensile strength, ABS typically falls between 30–50 MPa (megapascals), making it stronger than PLA in terms of impact resistance and toughness.

• ABS vs PLA: PLA is stiffer but more brittle. ABS is less stiff but more durable and impact-resistant.
• ABS vs PETG: PETG offers similar toughness but with easier printability and less warping. ABS, however, still has higher heat resistance.
• ABS vs ASA: ASA is essentially a UV-resistant cousin of ABS, making it stronger outdoors. Indoors, ABS performs just as well.

Why Choose ABS Filament for 3D Printing?

ABS filament is a go-to material when strength is a priority. It’s commonly used for:

• Functional prototypes – gears, brackets, enclosures.
• Automotive components – dash parts, clips, and covers.
• Tools and jigs – workshop aids that need to endure stress.
• Consumer products – durable items like phone holders or appliance parts.

For Australian makers and businesses, ABS is a reliable choice when creating functional 3D printed parts that need to withstand pressure, heat, or impact.

Tips for Printing Strong ABS Parts

To get the most out of ABS filament:

• Print in an enclosed 3D printer to reduce warping.
• Use the right print profile – such as “Bambu Lab ABS” or a custom ABS profile.
• Optimise bed adhesion with a heated bed, PEI sheets, or ABS slurry.
• Consider infill and wall thickness – more walls and higher infill increase strength significantly.

Is ABS the Strongest 3D Printing Filament?

While ABS is strong and durable, it’s not the strongest material available. Filaments like Nylon, Polycarbonate, and Carbon Fibre composites outperform ABS in tensile strength. However, ABS offers an excellent balance of strength, cost, and accessibility – making it a top choice for hobbyists and businesses in Australia.

Final Thoughts

So, how strong is ABS filament? The answer: strong enough for most functional 3D printing projects, especially when heat resistance and durability matter. While it may not match exotic materials like carbon fibre composites, ABS remains one of the most reliable and widely used 3D printing filaments worldwide.