I wanted to try the Kensington lock adapter in ABS to see if it would be stronger than PLA. To do this I need to heat the bed much higher (100+ degs) and print at a much higher temperature (230-260 deg). I have also read that ABS is susceptible to warping in drafts so it is best to contain the printer in some way. Some of the newer models actual are fully enclosed to maintain a constant temperature. ie MakerBot Z18 and the Duplicator 4X

In addition ABS does not stick very well to the print bed and its a good idea to use ABS slurry (ABS melted in acetone) or hair spray, which it turns out is much the same thing. I went with hair spray as I don’t have any acetone.

My problem turned out to be that the heat bed on my printer would not heat to anything more than 89 degs and even then slowly failed to maintain even this on each subsequent print. Solutions to this maybe using a higher voltage on the heater element, fully enclosing the printer or even replacing the thick aluminium sheet and glass plate with a mirror. If I remember right Ikea do a 200×200 mirror so I might go get one. Glass is essential to get a super smooth finish on the under side of a print.

But I did manage to produce some output even so. I didn’t bother fiddling around to much as it seemed like the higher bed temperature was indeed needed.

The first print on the left was bitty due to low head temperature and the second came unstuck. The third printed fine and I will test this glued to the side of the cupboard at a later date.