ABS

The pricing for ABS is based on:

• Model volume: The volume of your model is used to calculate the material cost (mm³)
• Model surface 
• Orientation: The way your model is positioned on the print platform will impact support generation and therefore the price.

Additionally, a startup cost is applied to the price of your model. This is a fixed cost independent of the parameters of your model. If you order two or more copies of a model, the price automatically decreases because the preparation of multiple copies can be carried out more efficiently.

Since ABS comes the closest to the material of real production models, it’s primarily used for fully functional applications including snap-fits, end-use components and prototypes for form, fit and function testing.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a filament-based 3D printing technology where a temperature-controlled head extrudes a thermoplastic material layer by layer onto a build platform. The principle is simple and can be compared to that of a glue gun, where the stick of glue is heated up until it melts and is then pushed through a fine nozzle at the front of the glue gun.

In an FDM printer, a long plastic wire (filament) is used instead of glue. The wire is fed from a spool to the nozzle where it’s liquefied and ‘drawn’ on the platform to immediately harden again. The nozzle moves to drop the material at the correct location, drawing your model line by line. When a layer is drawn, the platform lowers by one layer thickness (0.1 - 0.25 mm) so the printer can continue with the next layer.

When your model contains overhanging sections, a support structure is created where needed. Because the material of the model cannot be deposited in the air, the support structure prevents it from falling down. This support material is fed through another nozzle. Afterwards, the support structure is manually removed as much as possible.