Why a >50% Decline in our ABS Filament Production is Welcomed

As a business, Filamentive recently analysed our 2021 filament production volumes, comparing this to 2020 production data. First and foremost to assess recycled material usage, but secondary to that, such analysis enables us to distinguish trends in filament usage - both increases and decreases.?

ABS Filament Production down more than 50%

Without question, the most notable finding of our filament production analysis was that ABS filament production decreased by more than 50% in 2021, versus 2020.

At the turn of the last decade, the expiry of a key patent catalysed innovation in the 3D printing space, causing a dramatic drop in the price for 3D printers. Concurrently, ABS was one of the first materials to be introduced - already in use in traditional manufacturing processes, such as Injection Moulding, ABS became a natural fit for 3D printing.

The bioplastic, Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) emerged soon after which offered 3D printing users an easier-to-print material with no odour - both advantages over traditionally-used ABS. That being said, ABS continued to be a mainstay in 3D printing as it offered strength and durability superior to PLA - making it better suited to more industrial applications such as functional prototypes, manufacturing aids and end-use parts.

ABS is Bad for the Environment

On the surface, it’s easy to assume that - as a filament business - the dramatic decrease in production (and thus, sales) for a well-known material is surely a negative.

However, from an environmental perspective alone, less ABS production is a good thing. ABS is an oil-based plastic which derives from non-renewable fossil fuels. 3D printing users are extremely environmentally aware which exemplifies that the drop in ABS demand is at least, in part, driven by environmental reasons.

ABS is Potentially Harmful

Health and safety is another concern. During 3D printing, a strong odour is emitted which can create an uncomfortable environment - especially one with inadequate ventilation. More alarmingly, research suggests that potentially harmful particles are emitted during 3D printing (of?ABS). Whilst long-term impacts have not been widely studied, it is still a cause for concern - as aptly summarised by Miles Scott of All3DP:

“Is it going to kill you in an instant? Probably not. Is it good for you? Definitely not.”

ABS Alternatives

Going back to the commercial aspect, our analysis show that increase in production (and therefore sales) of other materials have more than offset the decrease in ABS sales - most notably:

• ASA filament sales have increased by more than 90%
• Carbon fibre PETg (CF-PETg) filament sales up by more than 70%

With ASA offering ABS properties with the bonus of UV resistance and CF-PETg offering tensile modulus (load-bearing) superior to ABS, it is easy to see why both materials have contributed to the decline of ABS usage.

Sustainable and Strong

In the 2021 Sculpteo State of 3D Printing Report, two of the key trends identified were:

• Strength (as the most important 3D printing material property)
• Sustainable materials (47% of users said this was needed for the industry to grow)

Meeting the needs for a sustainable material offering strength, Filamentive launched PLA Tough in August 2021. Offering 750% more impact resistance than regular PLA, PLA Tough is stronger than regular PLA, whilst still being more sustainable than ABS due its bio-based origin.?

As industry 3D printing users seek to switch to more sustainable materials - like PLA Tough - it is expected that demand for ABS filament will decline further.

Towards Sustainable 3D Printing

With the emergence of strong PLA products such as tough PLA - combined with superior engineering thermoplastics such ASA and CF-PETg - ABS will continue to decline, at least in FFF / FDM printing.

As explained, it is not entirely a negative for the industry since ABS is categorically less environmentally-friendly than PLA and also presents a health & safety risk to 3D printing users greater than the dangers posed by other 3D printing filament materials, such as PLA.

Whilst ABS will still be required for certain industrial applications, its overall decline should be seen as a step change - a positive move towards safer, more sustainable 3D printing.

About the Author

Ravi Toor is Founder / Managing Director at?Filamentive?- the?UK-leading?3D printing filament brand with a specific focus on?sustainable materials,?without compromising quality. Filamentive materials are trusted by?thousands?worldwide, and are helping educators, engineers?and makers reduce the environmental impact of 3D printing.