Published on Thu Mar 02 2023 17:56:50 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

Hatchbox ABS Filament: A Comprehensive Review

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a widely used thermoplastic known for its toughness, heat resistance, and impact resistance. Hatchbox ABS is a popular choice among 3D printing enthusiasts for its consistent quality and relatively easy printing characteristics. This article delves into the specifics of Hatchbox ABS, offering a comprehensive overview, usage tips, and an objective evaluation.

What is Hatchbox ABS?

Hatchbox ABS is a thermoplastic filament specifically formulated for use in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printers. It is known for its strong inter-layer adhesion when printed correctly, resulting in durable and functional parts. Hatchbox is a well-established brand, consistently praised for its quality control and affordability.

Detailed Specifications:

• Diameter: Typically 1.75mm or 3.0mm (verify the specification on the specific product you buy)
• Diameter Tolerance: ±0.03mm (this tight tolerance contributes to print consistency)
• Printing Temperature: 210-250°C (depending on your printer and environment)
• Bed Temperature: 80-110°C (crucial for adhesion and warp prevention)
• Density: ~1.04 g/cm³ (affects print weight and material usage calculations)
• Tensile Strength: ~42 MPa (indicates the material’s resistance to pulling forces)
• Impact Strength: ~15 kJ/m² (measure of its ability to withstand sudden impacts)
• Available Colors: Varies widely, including Black, White, Gray, Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, and many more.
• Spool Size: Typically 1 kg (2.2 lbs)

Usage Tips for Optimal Printing:

Printing with ABS can be a bit more challenging than using PLA, but following these tips will dramatically improve your results:

1. Enclosure is Essential: An enclosure maintains a consistent ambient temperature around the print, minimizing warping and cracking. This is perhaps the most crucial factor for successful ABS prints. A cardboard box can even work in a pinch for testing.

2. Heated Bed is a Must: Adhesion is key. A bed temperature in the 80-110°C range is recommended. Use a bed adhesive like glue stick, hairspray, or specialized ABS slurry to further enhance adhesion.

3. First Layer Matters: Slow down the first layer speed to ensure proper adhesion. A well-leveled bed is also absolutely essential.

4. Avoid Drafts: Even with an enclosure, drafts can negatively impact ABS prints. Make sure your printer is located in a stable environment away from open windows or air conditioning vents.

5. Optimize Cooling: While ABS needs less cooling than PLA, you may still need some. Start with minimal fan settings (10-20%) and adjust as needed to prevent stringing or bridging issues.

6. Print Speed: Moderate print speeds (40-60 mm/s) generally yield the best results with Hatchbox ABS. Too fast, and you risk poor layer adhesion. Too slow, and you risk heat creep and nozzle clogging.

7. Proper Storage: ABS is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. Store your filament in a sealed container with desiccant packs to prevent moisture absorption, which can lead to printing issues like bubbling and stringing.

8. Ventilation: ABS emits fumes when heated. Ensure your printing area is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling these fumes. A dedicated air purifier can also be beneficial.

9. Dealing with Warping: If warping persists, try increasing the bed temperature slightly, using a raft or brim, or adjusting the print orientation to minimize the footprint on the bed.

10. Experiment: Every printer is different. Don’t be afraid to experiment with settings like temperature, speed, and retraction to find what works best for your setup.

Hatchbox ABS Evaluation:

Here’s a breakdown of Hatchbox ABS based on key performance indicators, rated out of 10:

• Print Quality: 8/10 (Consistent and smooth prints achievable with proper settings)
• Toughness: 9/10 (ABS is known for its strength and impact resistance)
• Flexibility: 3/10 (ABS is a rigid material; low flexibility)
• Warping: 6/10 (Can be managed with proper techniques but requires attention)
• Adhesion: 7/10 (Good adhesion achievable with heated bed and adhesive)
• Moisture Sensitivity: 6/10 (Requires proper storage to prevent issues)
• Color Range: 8/10 (Wide variety of colors available)
• Temperature Range: 8/10 (Suitable for applications requiring moderate heat resistance)
• Odor & Fumes: 5/10 (Noticeable odor; ventilation recommended)
• Spool Winding Quality: 9/10 (Typically well-wound, minimizing tangles)

Average Score: 7.2/10

Written by Alex