6 Best ABS 3D Printers – Versatile and Easy to Use!

You can make nearly anything with an ABS 3D printer. That’s why we reviewed six of the best printers so you can start building things today!
By
William McCollum
William McCollum
Research Writer
William is a talented journalist who’s been working in the industry for more than 10 years. He writes for our site on a freelance basis, putting all the expert findings to read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Rogelio Coulter
Rogelio Coulter
Expert Consultant
Rogelio is a tech genius. It seems like he knows everything when it comes to “How does it work?”. He is also an incredible IT specialist and a beginning graphic designer read more
Last updated: August 26, 2023
For 3D Print is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here

Have you heard of ABS 3D printers? Did you know they could print just about anything your heart desires? There are a lot of different features that go into ABS 3D printers. The printing technology is how the printer works. The accuracy and definition are how close the printed object is to the CAD design that it was based on.

ABS is a very versatile material, but you may want a printer that can use a plethora of materials so you can experiment. Lastly, if you are going to be using your printer for hours or even days at a time, you will want to consider how much power it uses because it will affect your electric bill. Based on these, the ANYCUBIC 4Max Pro 2.0 is our Editor’s Choice.

Quick Summary

  • Editor's Choice: ANYCUBIC 4Max Pro 2.0
    "This is a no-assembly-needed printer that has a power-off feature which makes it safer for kids and adults alike."
  • Best Value: ANYCUBIC Vyper
    "This ABS 3D printer has a 32-bit motherboard with a fast computing speed and a smooth system."
  • Most Extra Features: QIDI TECH X Max 3D Printer
    "This printer has two sets of extruders, a double Z-axis, and is industry quality."
  • "This ABS 3D printer is made of a strong metal frame with a large build volume and a warp-free heating surface."
  • Most Versatile: ANYCUBIC Mega S
    "This printer is developed by a team both domestic and overseas and can be used both daily and professionally."
  • Best for Beginners: ANYCUBIC Mega Zero 2.0
    "The ANYCUBIC Mega Zero 2.0 has a quick heat-up bed with big leveling knobs for simple leveling."

Top 6 ABS 3D Printers Reviewed 2024

?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2428 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.9
1
Editor's Choice

ANYCUBIC 4Max Pro 2.0

Features
  • Printing technology: FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
  • Accuracy: X/Y/Z 0.01/0.0125/0.00125mm
  • Material: ABS, TPU, PLA, HIPS, etc
  • Build volume: 270 x 210 x 190 mm
  • Resolution: 0.05-0.3 mm
  • Speed: 20~150mm/s (suggested 50mm/s)

More features: upgraded leveling knobs, upgraded fan, integrated sheet metal structure, stepper drivers

This printer is high quality with a responsive touch screen. The auto power shut-off saves power and is also a safety feature. The sensor pauses if your filament runs out. It has a very high print speed and accepts many materials. It is upgraded from the previous model with a new fan and leveling knobs.

We were impressed with the upgrades this printer has made from its previous model! The fan, which is a vital part of any printer, has undergone a balance correction that is dynam which betters the stability of printing. The leveling knobs are also upgraded for an easier experience and less effort of 60% compared to typical leveling.

    What stands out?
  • There is a lot to love about this printer. It is great that there is no assembly required, as assembly can get confusing and take a long time. Its safety feature is a good touch, so you can teach your children how to print without worrying about them being in danger. The patented platform for printing is incredibly effective for great adhesion while hot and good pop when it’s cool.
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • The touch screen is on the smaller side and can be hard to navigate if you have large hands or have trouble reading small fonts. Although it has a relatively intuitive design, the design is insignificant if you can’t use the touchscreen. We wish the touchscreen was bigger. It is very easy to touch things by accident, with its size and how responsive it is. But if you are able to use it, it has a great interface.
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3999 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.8
2
Best Value

ANYCUBIC Vyper

Features
  • Printing technology: FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
  • Accuracy: X/Y 0.0125mm; Z 0.002mm
  • Material: PLA, TPU, ABS, PETG, Wood
  • Build volume: 245 x 245 x 260 inches
  • Resolution: ±0.1mm
  • Speed: <180mm/s (recommended 80-100mm/s)

More features: auto-leveling, large size touch screen, stepper drivers, fast assembly

This ABS 3D printer has auto-leveling, which is leveling and printing with one touch. The touch screen is large with a simple user interface. It prints silently. It uses fused deposition modeling and has a large build volume. It supports many filaments, so you have many options for what materials you want to use.

This is the perfect 3D printer for someone who wants high quality but is also on a budget. It has many great features. The print speed can go up to 180mm per second. You can use a lot of different filaments with it. It has a great computing system and touchpad. This printer leaves little to be desired, especially at its price point.

    What makes it special?
  • We love the quality of this printer for its price. Although it is a good value, it doesn't feel cheap or low quality. It has a very large build volume as well as supporting many different filaments, so you won't be limited in what you can create. The touchscreen is easy to navigate and big enough to use without struggle. It prints so silently that you could theoretically print in the middle of the night without waking a soul.
    What cons did we find?
  • Our team had trouble with assembling this printer. Although it is supposed to have a fast assembly, it has many different parts as well as vague instructions. This is a one-time problem, but when you are excited to use your printer the first time it comes, you want to be able to use it as quickly as possible. Also, if you give it as a gift, you don’t want your loved one to struggle to put it together.
Also Product Ranking:
See more...
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8911 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.7
3
Most Extra Features

QIDI TECH X Max 3D Printer

Features
  • Printing technology: FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
  • Accuracy: not specified
  • Material: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU
  • Build volume: 300 x 250 x 300 mm
  • Resolution: 100~500 microns
  • Speed: not specified

More features: high precision printing, flexible filament, double Z-axis

This advanced ABS 3D printer has many extra features to make it stand out from the crowd. It has two sets of extruders that each use a different filament. It also has a double Z-axis that prevents jitter. Everything about this printer is of the highest standards, and you can get customer support within 24 hours of your question.

This is the printer to buy if you are looking for an industrial-grade ABS 3D printer. It has a large 5-inch touchscreen, so it is easy to view and incredibly user-friendly. You can use this machine for over 24 hours, and it will still stay stable. Over 10,000 users choose this printer each year. It includes at least two technical upgrades per year.

    What do we love it for?
  • We love how high quality this printer is and how many extra features it comes with. There are two sets of extruders where you can even use two different kinds of filaments at once. It also has a double Z-axis feature that uses two axes’ motors to keep it stable even during long executive use. The touch screen is very big with a great user interface to build the creation of your dreams.
    What were we disappointed with?
  • While it is great that this ABS 3D printer has so many extra features and is so high quality, it may be unnecessary for your average user. If you are not advanced and have no experience with 3D printers, this printer may be hard for you to learn how to use or to fully understand all of its functions. This printer is designed for the advanced user who already knows the basics of printing and wants to upgrade their experience.
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3740 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.6
Features
  • Printing technology: FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
  • Accuracy: not specified
  • Material: PLA, ABS, PLA Color Change, Pearl, ABS Pro, Elastic, PVA, HIPS, PETG, TPE, TPU, Conductive Filament, Flexible Filament, Metal Filled Filament, Wood Filled Filament, and PP
  • Build volume: 8.9 x 5.8 x 5.9 inches
  • Resolution: 100~500 microns; 0.0039~0.019 inches
  • Speed: not specified

More features: double extruder, metal platform

This ABS 3D printer is compatible with many different types of filament. It has a guide rod to make precise movements on the Z-axis and to keep the flatform arm from getting deformed. The aluminum plate is thick so that it is fully flat and will not warp when the machine heats up. It has an enclosed chamber.

This model is a huge improvement over the original Creator. One of the main improvements is creating a metal frame that is incredibly stable as compared to the original frame that was made out of wood. The aluminum plate is thicker so that it stays flat even when heated. Like the original Creator, there is a full warranty.

    What stands out?
  • This printer has many wonderful features that we enjoyed. The dual extruder system helps you build more, faster. With a build volume of 8.9 x 5.8 x 5.9 inches, you won't be limited by size. The aluminum plate will never warp, even if you are at the highest heat setting. The guide rod helps ensure precision. It is compatible with so many different filaments, so you can choose the material of your choice.
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • We found that the interface on this printer can be a little tricky to navigate. It is just a small screen with buttons on the side, not a touch screen. So, you have to manually keep hitting the buttons until you come upon the setting you’re looking for. A touch screen would make this printer much easier to use. The buttons are small and may be hard to press if you have bigger hands, and the screen can be hard to read.
Also Product Ranking:
See more...
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8141 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.5
5
Most Versatile

ANYCUBIC Mega S

Features
  • Printing technology: FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
  • Accuracy: X/Y 0.0125mm Z 0.002mm
  • Material: TPU, PLA, ABS, HIPS, Wood
  • Build volume: 210 x 210 x 205 mm
  • Resolution: 50 microns
  • Speed: not specified

More features: sensitive touch screen, filament sensor, quick set up

This is a simple and practical ABS 3D printer that can get the job done for both professionals and amateurs alike. The filament sensor is flexible. It has a full-color touch screen and quick, easy assembly. The layer resolution is as good as 50 microns. It supports many materials, so you won’t run out of options and can truly customize what you are building.

This model is great for amateurs and professionals alike. No matter what your needs are, this abs 3D printer will meet them. It can be used at work and then brought home for pleasure printing. This is a great printer for people who want versatility and the ability to get professional-grade products at home.

    What makes it stand out?
  • We loved the efficiency and quality of this printer. It has a large build volume of 210 x 210 x 205 mm, so you don't have to worry about building things that are too big. The resolution is as low as 50 microns, so you will get professional products whether you are using them at home or at work. Everything about this printer is simply easy. We love this printer.
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • We found that the ultrabase platform took a long time to cool down. It is extra hot for excellent adhesion while building, but in order to take your part off, you have to wait a long time for it to cool. This can slow down the build process, especially if you are building a lot of things in a row. It can be frustrating to try to get in the flow of things but have to wait so long for the base to cool. But the other features of the printer make this cool-down worth it.
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8061 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.4
6
Best for Beginners

ANYCUBIC Mega Zero 2.0

Features
  • Printing technology: FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
  • Accuracy: X/Y/Z 0.0125/0.0125/0.002mm
  • Material: PLA, TPU, ABS, HIPS, PETG, Wood
  • Build volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
  • Resolution: ±0.1mm
  • Speed: 20~100 x mm/s (suggested 60mm/s)

More features: metal frame, easy leveling, fast heat-up bed, large build volume

This is a great ABS 3D printer. The bed heats up quickly, so you don’t have to wait a long time before building. It levels extremely easily with big knobs. The build volume is large, so it won’t limit you. It also supports many materials, so you can build with nearly anything you could desire. It has a single extruder.

This printer is great for people who want something simple to use. It doesn’t have many fancy features that you have to take the time to learn. You can simply start building. Leveling your project is extremely simple, and the quick heat up means you can build nearly right away. This is a great beginner printer.

    What makes it special?
  • We love how simple this printer is and how it is a good first printer. It has a low price point and not too many complicated features, so it is a great introduction to the craft. However, it still has a large build volume, so you can go for those big projects you've been dreaming up. Its easy leveling system is beginner-friendly. It supports many different materials, so as a beginner, you can experiment with what you like.
    What cons did we find?
  • With it being a printer for beginners, you are missing out on some features those other printers have, such as a touch screen. The printing speed is slow at a mere 60mm per second. The layer resolution is .1mm, which isn't very high quality, so your builds will show some flaws and layer lines. The slicer software makes layers that are a little big, which contributes to the low resolution. But as a beginner, these are flaws that you can overlook as you experiment with ABS 3D printers.

Things to Consider

ABS is a very common filament in 3D printing. ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. It molds very easily when it’s hot and hardens smoothly when it cools down. It can take a lot of forms and still stay high quality, so it becomes used in a lot of manufacturing that is traditional in many industries, and it is also used by hobbyists who use ABS 3D printers.

Advantages of ABS 3D Printer

ABS is very durable. It is a thermoplastic that is used for rapid prototypes and to test products. It also is a good electrical insulator. It has high-temperature resistance and is flexible. It is also strong, which makes it good for engineering. It can be finished with acetone for a shiny and smooth finish.

Using an ABS 3D printer means you can get all of the high-quality features of ABS while at home creating whatever you wish. You don’t have to be a manufacturer to get the perks of ABS. Even if you are just creating miniature creatures, they can be extremely high quality with these printers.

Important Features

6 Best ABS 3D Printers - Versatile and Easy to Use!
Here’s how the printing process looks like.

There are a few key features to look at when considering which ABS 3D printer is the best one for you. One thing to look at is the printing technology. All of the printers we reviewed use FDM printing technology. Accuracy is another thing to consider. Accuracy is how close your model is to its true value. While ABS is an incredible material, it is good to have a printer that can use other materials, too, in case you want to experiment. The build volume is how much room you have to build and is important if you want to be making large builds. Resolution is how accurate your printer is. Every printer has an ideal printing speed at which it is most accurate. Lastly, each printer uses different amounts of power.

Printing technology

All of the printers we reviewed in our ABS 3D printer review use fused deposition modeling, or FDM, printing technology. FMD technology deposits ABS in accordance with a pattern that is specific to that design. It can be used for very important scientific discoveries Trusted Source Understanding and improving FDM 3D printing to fabricate high-resolution and optically transparent microfluidic devices - Lab on a Chip (RSC Publishing) The fabrication of microfluidic devices through fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing has faced several challenges, mainly regarding obtaining microchannels with suitable transparency and sizes. Thus, the use of this printing system to fabricate microdevices for analytical and bioanalytical application. pubs.rsc.org as well.

The layout of FDM has a printhead that moves in 2D along an X and Y axis on top of a platform for building. The ABS gets pushed through a nozzle that is heated up and gets laid out in layers based on the CAD design. Then the build platform gets lowered, and another layer is laid down until the design is finished.

FDM is a great option of printing technology for ABS 3D printers because it doesn’t need a solvent that is organic, and you don’t need to remove extra powder from polymers. However, it does happen at very high temperatures in order to melt the ABS, which means there is a limit to the encapsulation of the biomolecules in the resulting build.

Accuracy

The definition of accuracy can be conceptualized using a target. Accuracy is how close the measurement is to its value that is true. You can imagine true value as the bullseye. Your shot is more and more accurate the closer it gets to the bullseye. Now let’s transfer that to the world of ABS 3D printers. The true value is the dimensions of your CAD design. It is how close the 3D print comes to the design in CAD.

The accuracy is measured in millimeters and means how many millimeters it is from the true value. It is measured for the X, Y, and Z axes.

Material

We reviewed printers that use ABS material in our ABS 3D printer review. ABS filament is a great material to use. It is a very strong thermoplastic. It is used for prototyping rapidly and also for manufacturing to testing products. It is also a good insulator and is perfect for engineers. It can also be processed with acetone for a fantastic finish. While ABS has all these perks, the printers we reviewed can also use other materials Trusted Source The Plastics of 3D Printing | Tools, Publications & Resources The substrate for FDM printers are almost exclusively some form of thermoplastic that is delivered in an extruded wire-like form on a spool. It is usually called “filament” in the generic. The two common diameters for use in FDM printing are 1.75mm and 3mm, and a specific diameter is called for by the print head being used for the printer in question. A printer that uses 1.75mm diameter filament won’t be able to use 3mm without retrofitting the hardware for the difference, and vice versa. Slightly more common, the 1.75mm diameter is used by Makerbot Industries, the most popular manufacturer of FDM printers. www.ala.org too.

The ANYCUBIC i3 Mega S can use TPU, PLA, ABS, HIPS, and Wood. The ANYCUBIC 4Max Pro 2.0 can use ABS, TPU, PLA, HIPS, etc. The ANYCUBIC Vyper can use PLA, TPU, ABS, PETG, and Wood.

Build volume

The build volume is the amount of space you have to build your model. This is extremely important if you want to build big models or if you want to build multiple models at once. Typically, more expensive ABS 3D printers will have a larger build value. It is a huge selling point.

If you aren’t going to build large objects, build volume isn’t something you really need to worry about. It is measured in millimeters, centimeters, or inches and is in the format of length, width, and height.

Resolution

In ABS 3D printers, the resolution is an indication of the accuracy of the printer. Resolution is considered for three different dimensions. There are the 2D dimensions which are planar, or X and Y. There is also the 3D dimension which is Z. The X and Y dimensions are controlled by a different mechanism than the Z dimension, so their resolutions will differ. What contributes to print quality the most is the X and Y resolution, which is the advertised resolution.

The smaller the number that measures resolution, the higher the quality of your model will be. Resolution is typically measured in millimeters or microns.

The ANYCUBIC i3 Mega S has a resolution of 50 microns. The ANYCUBIC 4Max Pro 2.0 has a resolution of 0.05-0.3 mm. The ANYCUBIC Vyper has a resolution of ±0.1mm. The R QIDI X MAX 3D Printer has a resolution of 100-500 microns. The FlashForge 3D Printer Creator Pro has a resolution of 100-500 microns.

Printing speed

Printing speeds of ABS 3D printers come in a range along with a recommended speed. The recommended speed is the speed at which the printer functions best and is the most accurate. That is why the resolution sometimes is a range; it depends on the speed.

The speed determines how fast the motors of your extruder move to push out less or more ABS material.

If you’re short on time, you can speed up your printer within its limits. But your quality of print may suffer if you go above the recommended speed. The same can be said of a speed that is too slow. This is why printers have recommended speeds.

The ANYCUBIC 4Max Pro 2.0 has a print speed of 20~150mm/s (suggested 50mm/s). The ANYCUBIC Vyper has a print speed of <180mm/s (recommended 80-100mm/s). The ANYCUBIC Mega Zero 2.0 has a print speed of  20~100 x mm/s (suggested 60mm/s).

Power

Something that should be on your mind is how much power your ABS 3D printer uses. Power is the equation of current multiplied by voltage. The parts of the printer that use power are the lights, the hotbeds, and the heated beds. The majority of 3D printers use 50 watts of power per hour. If you are going to be running your printer a lot, the power usage of your printer is something to consider because it can actually affect your electric bill.

FAQ

How to work with ABS material?

ABS was one of the first materials to be used in industrial 3D printers. It is still popular because it does not cost much and it is very strong. To use ABS, your bed has to reach a temperature of 95-110 degrees C. A heated bed is mandatory, and an enclosure is highly recommended because of fumes. The build surface should have Kapton tape and ABS slurry. The extruder needs to reach a temperature between 220 and 250 degrees C, but there isn’t any special hot-end that you need. Lastly, you don’t need a cooling fan. These are the basics of using ABS in an ABS 3D printer.

How to clean a 3D printer after ABS material?

The thing you need to clean the most after using ABS is your nozzle. If you have to keep adjusting the feed rate, if your first layer of printing starts to look uneven, if your motor is starting to thump, if there is dust building up, or if you hear a scraping sound, it is time to clean your nozzle. First, you want a needle specific for cleaning nozzles. Next, heat up your nozzle and put the needle through it. This pushes the ABS out of your nozzle. If there are big pieces stuck to the outside, use needle-nose pliers to remove them while the nozzle is hot. Lastly, wipe down the outside of the nozzle with a napkin once it’s cooled down.

For what kind of projects does ABS material work the best?

ABS is used a lot in mass production. Some things that are made from ABS are car bumpers and dashboards, headgear, electrical covers, Legos and other toys, and some musical instruments. But it can also be used for amateur use as well. It is common to build figurines with ABS 3D printers. You can build your own toys. You can make jewelry. You can make parts for the robots you are building. You can make flower vases or pots for plants. Really, ABS is an incredibly versatile material, and you can make anything you can dream up using an ABS 3D printer.

Our verdict

Throughout our ABS 3D printers review, we touched on six different amazing printers. However, three of them are undeniably the best choices: our Editor’s Choice, Best Value, and Premium Pick. Our Editor’s Choice, the ANYCUBIC 4Max Pro 2.0, comes fully assembled. It has an auto-off safety feature so that children can use it as well. It has a responsive touch screen as well as new knobs and a new fan.

Our Best Value, the ANYCUBIC Vyper, has auto-leveling, an easy touchpad, and a large build volume. It prints silently and accepts many different types of materials. The QIDI TECH X Max 3D Printer has the most number of extra features like two sets of extruders and a double Z-axis. So, if you’re looking to buy the best ABS 3D printer, look no further! These three are your top picks.

References

1.
Understanding and improving FDM 3D printing to fabricate high-resolution and optically transparent microfluidic devices - Lab on a Chip (RSC Publishing)
The fabrication of microfluidic devices through fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing has faced several challenges, mainly regarding obtaining microchannels with suitable transparency and sizes. Thus, the use of this printing system to fabricate microdevices for analytical and bioanalytical application.
2.
The Plastics of 3D Printing | Tools, Publications & Resources
The substrate for FDM printers are almost exclusively some form of thermoplastic that is delivered in an extruded wire-like form on a spool. It is usually called “filament” in the generic. The two common diameters for use in FDM printing are 1.75mm and 3mm, and a specific diameter is called for by the print head being used for the printer in question. A printer that uses 1.75mm diameter filament won’t be able to use 3mm without retrofitting the hardware for the difference, and vice versa. Slightly more common, the 1.75mm diameter is used by Makerbot Industries, the most popular manufacturer of FDM printers.
9,9
Total Score
ANYCUBIC 4Max Pro 2.0 - Editor's Choice
Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *