ABS filament itself is cheap — often cheaper than PLA at $18–30 per kg ($0.018–0.03 per gram). The real cost of ABS is everything around it: it wants an enclosed, heated environment, pulls more electricity, and fails more often without one. Price ABS prints on the whole system, not the spool.
What an ABS print costs
Material for a 125 g part is $2.25–3.75. But with a 100 °C bed and an enclosure, average power draw can be 2–3× a PLA print (think 200–350 W), so a 6-hour print costs $0.36–0.63 in electricity at $0.30/kWh. Add a higher failure allowance (warping and layer splits) and the all-in cost typically overtakes PLA.
Cost tips for ABS
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An enclosure pays for itself: fewer warped parts is the single biggest ABS saving.
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Brims over rafts: rafts can add 10%+ material on large flat parts.
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Batch small ABS parts in one heated session instead of reheating the chamber per part.
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Consider ASA for outdoor parts: similar price, much better UV resistance — fewer replacements.
When ABS is worth it
ABS earns its overhead when parts need 90 °C+ heat tolerance, acetone-smoothing, or machining. For general toughness at lower total cost, PETG covers most use cases without the enclosure tax.
Frequently asked questions
Is ABS cheaper than PLA?
Per gram of filament, often yes ($18–30/kg). All-in — extra electricity, enclosure, higher failure rate — a finished ABS part usually costs more than the same part in PLA.
How much electricity does ABS printing use?
With a 100 °C bed and enclosure, expect a 200–350 W average — roughly 2–3× PLA. A 6-hour print is still under a dollar at typical rates.
Should I sell ABS prints?
Only when the application demands it (heat, post-machining, acetone finish). Quote with a bigger failure buffer than PLA/PETG — warps on large parts are common.