Maya Ellison
ABS plastic is commonly used for 3D printing miniatures for tabletop games. It is a strong and flexible plastic material that is also used in LEGO and in the miniatures for the games Of Mice and Mystics and Scythe. ABS is known to attract water from the air, which can cause brittleness, filament degradation, and breakage, so proper storage is required. When printing with ABS, a heated base or other solutions are mandatory, and the process will include an odour. One alternative to ABS is polystyrene, which is the most common material for models produced by Games Workshop, Wyrd, and several others. Another alternative is PLA, which is commonly used for home-based 3D printers. It is considered more eco-friendly than ABS, as it is manufactured from corn starch and sugarcane and releases no harmful substances at high temperatures. It also has no odour and is easy to work with. However, ABS is stronger than PLA, which is slightly brittle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Commonly used for miniatures? | Yes |
| Strength | Strong and flexible |
| Odour | Yes |
| Printing requirements | Heated base or other solution along with printing a skirt is mandatory |
| Warping | Causes 30% less warping than PLA |
| Bonding | Better layer bonding |
| Colour options | Fewer colour options than PLA |
| Eco-friendliness | Not eco-friendly |
| Safety | Releases health-damaging substances at high temperatures |
| Ease of use | Difficult to use |
| Price | Expensive |
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What You'll Learn
ABS plastic is commonly used for miniatures
One advantage of using ABS plastic for miniatures is its strength and flexibility. It is known to be stronger than other materials like PLA, making it less prone to breakage. ABS plastic can withstand impact and bending without easily deforming, ensuring that the miniatures maintain their shape and structure over time. This is particularly important for miniature figures that may be handled frequently or require additional durability.
Another benefit of ABS plastic is its ability to capture intricate details. Users have reported that miniatures printed with ABS resin exhibit comparable details to those created with more expensive resins. The precision of ABS allows for complex designs and fine features, making it ideal for creating intricate models and figures. This attention to detail is crucial for achieving the desired level of realism and aesthetics in miniatures.
However, one consideration when using ABS plastic for miniatures is the presence of an odour during the printing process. ABS tends to produce a stronger smell compared to other materials, which may be unpleasant for some users. Additionally, a heated base or similar solution is typically required when printing with ABS, adding complexity to the process. Proper ventilation and odour management are essential to mitigate this issue.
ABS plastic is widely available and commonly used for miniatures, offering a balance of strength, flexibility, and detail. While it may require additional steps during printing, the resulting miniatures are durable and of high quality. For those seeking to create intricate and long-lasting miniature figures, ABS plastic is a popular and reliable choice.
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ABS is strong and flexible
ABS plastic is commonly used for miniatures, and is known to be strong and flexible. It is one of the best materials to print miniatures with, as it captures intricate details and is not very brittle. ABS is also used to make LEGOs, and is featured in the ultra-high-quality games Of Mice and Mystics and Scythe.
ABS is a stronger plastic than PLA, which is another commonly used 3D printing plastic. However, ABS prints with an odour and requires a heated base, whereas PLA has no smell and is easier to work with. ABS and PLA are both known to attract water from the air, which can cause brittleness, filament degradation, and breakage. Therefore, proper storage is required to prolong the shelf life of these materials. It is recommended to store filaments in vacuum bags to keep them free of air humidity and impurities.
While ABS is generally a good choice for miniatures, some people opt to add a small amount of flexible resin to the ABS to improve its flexibility. However, there is a risk that adding too much resin will cause the miniatures to bend over time due to their weight.
Overall, ABS is a strong and flexible plastic that is well-suited for creating detailed miniatures. Its strength and flexibility make it a popular choice for 3D printing, but it does have some drawbacks, such as its odour and the need for careful storage.
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ABS is odourless
ABS plastic is widely used for 3D printing and manufacturing due to its strength, durability, and versatility. It is commonly used in products such as Legos, as well as in miniatures for tabletop games like Of Mice and Mystics and Scythe. ABS is known for its dimensional stability, maintaining its shape and size over time.
One notable characteristic of ABS plastic is that it is typically odourless. While traditional ABS may emit a pungent burning plastic smell during 3D printing, the introduction of low-odour ABS variants has addressed this issue. These new versions retain the desirable attributes of ABS while eliminating the unpleasant smell associated with the printing process.
The absence of a strong odour in low-odour ABS is particularly advantageous for individuals sensitive to strong scents or those working in enclosed spaces. It also makes ABS suitable for use in environments where odours need to be minimised, such as healthcare settings or food packaging.
However, it is important to note that ABS plastics do pose environmental and health concerns due to the chemicals they contain, including styrene, acrylonitrile, and butadiene. These chemicals can leach into the environment as ABS degrades, potentially impacting ecosystems, wildlife, and human health through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact.
To address these challenges, companies are actively seeking sustainable alternatives to ABS. For example, Sulapac offers Sulapac Luxe materials as a functional and environmentally friendly replacement for ABS in cosmetic packaging. As awareness of the environmental impact of ABS grows, we can expect to see more sustainable options emerge across various industries.
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ABS-like resin is an alternative
ABS plastic is the most commonly used plastic for miniatures, including those used in tabletop games. However, ABS-like resin is a viable alternative.
One of the main advantages of using ABS-like resin is increased durability. Users have reported that miniatures made with this material are less likely to break when dropped and can withstand more pressure before snapping. This is a significant improvement over standard resin, which tends to be brittle and fragile. The flexibility of ABS-like resin also makes it easier to clean without the risk of pieces snapping off.
Another benefit of ABS-like resin is its ability to capture fine details. Some users have claimed that ABS-like resin fails to capture intricate details, but others have found that with proper calibration, the level of detail is comparable to that of other resins. The perception of detail may be subjective, and the naked eye may not be able to discern a significant difference.
In terms of cost, ABS-like resin can be more expensive than standard resins. For example, a bottle of ABS-like resin may cost around 30€, while a similar amount of standard resin can be found for 20$ or less. However, prices can vary depending on the brand and retailer, and it is possible to find ABS-like resins at more competitive price points. Additionally, the increased durability of ABS-like resin may offset the higher cost, as it reduces the need for frequent replacements due to breakage.
When using ABS-like resin, it is important to consider the potential for failed prints. Some users have reported issues with the resin causing more failed prints than standard resins, and some have had difficulty getting it to work with their printers. However, others have found that with minor adjustments to printer settings, ABS-like resin can be made to work successfully.
Overall, ABS-like resin offers improved durability and comparable detail to standard resins, making it a suitable alternative for creating miniatures. While it may come at a higher cost and require some adjustments to printing processes, the benefits of increased toughness and flexibility may outweigh these considerations for some users.
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ABS is more expensive than polystyrene
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is a commonly used plastic for miniatures in tabletop games. It is the plastic used for Lego, as well as the miniatures in games such as Of Mice and Mystics and Scythe. ABS is a thermoplastic polymer that is strong, stable, and can be post-processed in various ways, including sanding, painting, gluing, filling, and chemical smoothing. It is also one of the plastics used for 3D printing.
However, ABS is more expensive than polystyrene, which is the most common plastic used for miniatures in wargames and board games. Polystyrene is also the plastic used for most traditional models, such as cars and planes. While ABS is stronger and more impact-resistant than polystyrene, polystyrene can be purchased at lower prices, especially when bought in large sheets from a plastic supplier.
The higher cost of ABS is due to several factors. Firstly, ABS contains acrylonitrile, which contributes to its chemical resistance, fatigue resistance, hardness, and rigidity. Acrylonitrile is a synthetic monomer produced from propylene and ammonia, which incurs production costs. Additionally, ABS can be challenging to work with due to its long wait times between pieces as the glue dries.
In contrast, polystyrene is widely available and can be purchased at hobby shops or online through sites like eBay. It is also easier to work with than ABS, as polystyrene is compatible with plastic cement, a common adhesive. While ABS can be glued using acetone, it requires proper ventilation during the drying process.
Despite the price difference, ABS is still a popular choice for miniatures due to its strength, stability, and post-processing capabilities. However, for those seeking a more cost-effective option, polystyrene is a viable alternative, especially when purchased in bulk from a plastic supplier.
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Frequently asked questions
ABS plastic is commonly used for miniatures and is known for its strength and flexibility. It is also used for LEGO, and in the ultra-high-quality games Of Mice and Mystics and Scythe.
ABS plastic has a strong odour when printing and requires a heated base or another solution, along with printing a skirt.
Polystyrene (or High-Impact Polystyrene, aka HIPS) is commonly used for miniatures in wargames and board games. Other alternatives include PLA, PETG, and resin.
PLA is easy to work with, has no smell, and is biodegradable. It is also the most eco-friendly 3D printing material, as it is made from corn starch and sugarcane and releases no harmful substances at high temperatures.
Siraya Tech Fast Navy Grey resin is a good option for miniatures as it is durable, captures intricate details, cures quickly, and provides a good base for painting.
