Zoom on ABS filament
8 July 2025
Zoom on ABS filament
(Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
What is ABS medical?
Medical ABS filament is a rigid, durable thermoplastic formulated from ISO 10993-5-certified granules for skin contact. Originally from France, it is available in ivory (and also black); here, we focus on the ivory version, ideal for prototyping and external devices in contact with the skin, but not for implantable use.
Technical data
- Material: ABS
- Color: Ivory
- Appearance: Rigid
- Diameters: 1.75 mm & 2.85 mm
- Coil weight: 500 g
- Origin: Made in France
- Certification: ISO 10993-5 (skin contact)
Printing properties of ABS
To obtain quality prints, it is important to observe certain printing conditions:
- Extrusion temperature: 220 – 240 °C
- Platen temperature: 100 – 115 °C
- Printing speed: 20 – 40 mm/s
Tip: a closed enclosure with filter and a well-heated tray (≥ 100°C) limit warping.
Mechanical and thermal properties
- Tensile strength: 70MPa
- Elongation at break: 13
- Glass transition temperature: 95 – 115°C
- Degradation temperature: >250°C
Fields of application
Medical grade ABS filament is particularly suitable for specific healthcare applications:
- Custom orthotics and splints: rigidity, lightness, patient comfort
- Anatomical models: precision and cost control for planning or training purposes
- Prototype housings and interfaces: perfect for sensors and monitoring objects in direct contact with the skin
Advantages and safety precautions
✅Advantages
- ISO 10993-5 certified: suitable for skin contact
- High mechanical and thermal resistance
- Low deformation thanks to optimized formulation
- Easy finishing: sanding, machining or smoothing with acetone
❌ Safety precautions
- Non-implantable: for external use only
- Sensitive to humidity: store away from air
- VOC emissions (styrol): prefer closed or ventilated enclosure with HEPA/carbon filter
For further information or to order, please visit the ABS filament product page.
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