ABS-Like Resin (Toughened Photopolymer)

ABS-like resin is a toughened acrylate photopolymer for resin printing. It is sold mainly for MSLA printers, where a masking LCD screen exposes each layer, and also for SLA and DLP. Flexible oligomers and toughening additives give the cured resin more elongation and better impact behavior than standard resin, so parts give slightly before they break instead of snapping. Detail and surface quality stay at the level of other resins.

Choose ABS-like resin for detailed parts that are handled, assembled and screwed together: functional prototypes, small housings, knobs and buttons, and models that must survive use. The name describes stiffness and feel, not chemistry. The cured resin is a thermoset with roughly ABS-like hardness and stiffness, but its impact strength, heat resistance and chemical behavior remain well below those of molded ABS. There is also no common standard for the term, so properties vary considerably between brands. Through Uretyco's partner network, ABS-like resins are offered mainly for MSLA and also for SLA and DLP; grade and process are confirmed during quote and order review.

Mechanical and physical properties

Printing with MSLA, SLA and DLP

MSLA printers expose each layer through an LCD mask. Resolution follows from the screen's pixel size, typically a few tens of microns, with layer heights around 0.03–0.05 mm. That makes MSLA efficient for batches of small, detailed parts, while SLA suits larger parts. As with any resin, washing in solvent, support removal and UV post-cure follow. Design and ordering points:

• Orientation: parts are usually tilted, often by 30–45°, so each layer has a smaller cross-section and peel forces stay low. Large flat faces printed parallel to the screen tend to fail or warp.
• Walls and features: about 1 mm is a practical minimum for walls that are handled, and 1.5–2 mm or more for clips, bosses and screw points.
• Snap-fits and clips: the extra elongation allows light snap-fits with low strain and few cycles. Test them on a sample before ordering a batch; for repeated use, choose PA12, PA11 or a tough resin.
• Screws and inserts: self-tapping screws hold better than in standard resin. Heat-set inserts do not work because the cured resin does not melt; for repeated assembly, use bonded or press-fit inserts.
• Supports: tougher resin makes supports harder to snap off, so they are usually cut, which can leave slightly larger marks. Mark cosmetic faces so supports go on hidden ones.
• Hollow parts and post-cure: hollowed parts need drain holes, and over-curing makes ABS-like resin more brittle, so the cure follows the resin supplier's guidance.

Tolerances and surface

Without a drawing tolerance, Uretyco applies the SLA default of ±0.2 mm or ±0.2%, whichever is greater; actual results vary with technology, orientation, part size, supports and post-processing, and fit-critical features should be tested before production. On MSLA printers, exposure settings also affect dimensions: overexposure makes holes slightly smaller and pins slightly larger, so mating features need clearance or a test print. Surfaces are very smooth; support marks and slight distortion of large flat areas are the main caveats.

Finishing options

ABS-like resin sands and drills with less chipping than standard resin, which makes finishing easier. Typical options:

Cost and lead-time drivers

ABS-like resin is one of the lower-cost resins, and MSLA printing is efficient for small parts:

• Batching: an MSLA printer exposes a whole layer at once, so print time depends on build height rather than on the number of parts on the plate, and many small parts can share one build.
• Orientation and height: tilted orientations add height and supports; tall parts take longer regardless of their volume.
• Part size: MSLA build volumes are relatively small, so large parts move to SLA or are split, which can change cost and lead time.
• Post-processing: washing and curing are routine, while cutting supports, sanding and painting are manual and often the largest cost on cosmetic parts.

ABS-like resin vs. other options

ABS-like resin closes part of the gap between standard resin and functional plastics while keeping the detail of resin printing. When a part must behave like real ABS under impact, heat or long-term load, FDM ABS, molded ABS or MJF PA12 is the better match.

When not to choose ABS-like resin

Typical applications

• Functional prototypes and small housings assembled with screws.
• Knobs, buttons, covers and consumer product mock-ups.
• Detailed models, miniatures and figurines that must survive handling.
• Light-duty jigs, fixtures and assembly aids at room temperature.
• Fit and assembly checks for parts later made from ABS or PC.
• Small batches of lightly loaded indoor parts.

Specifying ABS-like resin on Uretyco

1. 1
   Upload STL, 3MF or STEP

   Use a fine mesh so curved surfaces stay smooth, and check units and scale.

2. 2
   Select ABS-like resin and the process

   MSLA for small, detailed parts and batches, SLA for larger parts; the final process is confirmed in the quote.

3. 3
   Describe the mechanical need

   Note snap-fits, screw points, drop or handling loads and the operating temperature, so the grade can be checked or an alternative suggested.

4. 4
   Mark cosmetic faces and critical fits

   So supports go on hidden faces; add notes for drain holes, inserts or holes to be drilled after printing.

5. 5
   Choose finishing and color

   As printed, sanded, primed or painted; give a RAL code or sample for color-critical parts.

FAQ

Is ABS-like resin the same as ABS?

No. ABS is a thermoplastic that can be molded, melted, welded and recycled. ABS-like resin is a cured acrylate thermoset that only imitates the stiffness and feel of ABS. Its impact strength is a fraction of that of molded ABS, it softens at a lower temperature, and it cannot be solvent-welded or vapor-smoothed like ABS.

ABS-like resin or tough resin?

The two overlap. Tough resins for industrial SLA and DLP usually come with fuller datasheets and higher elongation or impact strength, which helps when properties must be documented. ABS-like resins, common on MSLA, are an economical choice for handled prototypes and detailed parts. Choose by the requirement and let the quote compare both.

Can ABS-like resin be used for snap-fits?

For light snap-fits with low strain that are assembled only a few times, often yes. Design generous lead-in angles and fillets at the root, and test a sample first. For snap-fits that are opened often or carry load, PA11, PA12 or a tough resin is more reliable.

What is MSLA and how does it differ from SLA?

Both cure liquid resin layer by layer. SLA traces each layer with a laser spot, while MSLA exposes the whole layer at once through an LCD screen that acts as a mask. MSLA is fast for batches of small parts and gives very fine detail; SLA machines usually offer larger build volumes and a wider range of engineering resins.

Related resources

• Standard SLA ResinBrittle general-purpose resin for cosmetic models.
• Tough ResinEngineering resin for snap-fits and functional prototypes.
• ABSThe thermoplastic for FDM, CNC and molding.
• PA12 (Nylon 12)Durable powder-bed parts.
• Water-Washable ResinMSLA resin cleaned with water instead of solvent.
• 3D PrintingTechnologies, files and cost drivers.