Close



Results 1 to 10 of 10
  1. #1
    Student sdtag's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2015
    Location
    So Cal
    Posts
    33

    Identifying abs and pla

    how can I tell if something I printed 6 months ago was printed in abs or pla?
    I'm thinking it's going to be destructive, like wipe some acetone on a spot and if it dissolves it's abs.
    If it doesn't it's pla. (?)
    is there a better way?

  2. #2
    Super Moderator
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    KS
    Posts
    907
    Add jfkansas on Thingiverse
    Yep, put a little acetone on the bottom.

  3. #3
    Super Moderator curious aardvark's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Posts
    8,801
    even better - if it's dull and lifeless looking and a little rough to the touch: it's abs.

    If it's smooth and shiny and hard, it's probably pla.

  4. #4
    Senior Engineer
    Join Date
    Jun 2014
    Location
    Burnley, UK
    Posts
    1,662
    A scanning electron microscope could do it I think.

  5. #5
    Student sdtag's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2015
    Location
    So Cal
    Posts
    33
    lately I've been getting some pretty smooth and glossy prints using abs. Some pretty wicked curls too on the longer prints too. I think I'm extruding too hot. And my bed won't go over 90c. Some of my abs and pla spools are the same color so I just wanted to know if there was a tried and true method already, other than an electron microscope.
    looks like acetone will be my test.
    thanks everyone.

  6. #6
    Senior Engineer
    Join Date
    Jun 2014
    Location
    Burnley, UK
    Posts
    1,662
    Quote Originally Posted by sdtag View Post
    lately I've been getting some pretty smooth and glossy prints using abs. Some pretty wicked curls too on the longer prints too. I think I'm extruding too hot. And my bed won't go over 90c. Some of my abs and pla spools are the same color so I just wanted to know if there was a tried and true method already, other than an electron microscope.
    looks like acetone will be my test.
    thanks everyone.
    Damn, I was just hoping you would have one I could use.

  7. #7
    Staff Engineer
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    Oakland, CA
    Posts
    935
    You could do a hot needle test. Put a red-hot needle to an inconspicuous part of the print. Smell the smoke. Compare the smell to known samples of both materials; the difference should be pretty obvious.

  8. #8
    Super Moderator curious aardvark's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Posts
    8,801
    bear in mind that acetone will - apparently - soften pla.

    Your best bet is to get a marker pen and stick an A or a P - on the bottom of your prints when you've done them.

    Or do what I did and just not use abs :-)

  9. #9
    Student sdtag's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2015
    Location
    So Cal
    Posts
    33
    I have been using abs mostly and living with the curls. Now I am getting back into PLA again. And yes, it definitely is glossier than ABS.
    And I really really like how PLA doesn't curl. But I get strings.
    I am at 215C at the nozzle and 60C on the bed.
    I am printing at .25 layer height at a speed of 24. I am retracting to 8 mm. It was originally set to 6.
    Why am I getting strings? Is the nozzle still too hot? I guess I need to do some testing before I make anything else.
    You guys who love PLA, (ca) what are your temperatures, distances, and speeds? I know it's a little different for different machines and filaments, but give me a starting point please.
    tia

  10. #10
    Engineer-in-Training
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Location
    SE Wisconsin
    Posts
    206
    A rough finish on ABS is due to excessive moisture content. Properly dried, extruded ABS cools to a nice glossy finish just like PLA should. The different is that PLA isn't nearly as affected by water.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •