Buying ABS 3D Filament Rolls: Is Leroy Merlin a Good Choice?

Introduction

At DunaTech, we tested ABS filaments from various brands, including some available at Leroy Merlin, to determine if they’re truly worth it. After comparing five different rolls on our Anycubic Kobra printer, we discovered several key differences in quality, printability, and mechanical strength. If you’re considering buying ABS 3D filament rolls and wondering whether Leroy Merlin is a good choice, I’ll give you the straight answer: for most functional prints, you’re better off ordering from specialized brands online. But let me break down exactly why, with real test data and practical advice.

What is ABS Filament?

ABS filament (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is one of the most commonly used materials in FDM 3D printing due to its impact resistance and ability to withstand extreme conditions. However, it requires higher printing temperatures and is more difficult to handle compared to PLA. In my experience, ABS is the go-to choice when you need parts that won’t deform under heat—think car interior clips, drone frames, or enclosures that sit near electronics. The trade-off is that it demands a controlled environment: a heated bed above 90°C, an enclosure to prevent drafts, and good ventilation because the fumes aren’t exactly pleasant. If you’re coming from PLA, expect a learning curve, but the durability payoff is real.

**Key Features:**
– Printing temperature: between 230°C and 260°C.
– Requires heated bed: >90°C.
– Produces emissions (a well-ventilated area is recommended).
– More impact and heat-resistant than PLA.

Where to Buy ABS Filament?

In my experience, Leroy Merlin offers a limited selection of ABS filaments at prices that are not always competitive. The available rolls tend to be generic, and after testing one in our workshop, we noticed inconsistency in diameter and bed adhesion issues. If you’re in a hurry and need a roll same-day, sure, it’s an option—but you’re gambling on quality. The ABS roll we grabbed from a Leroy Merlin in Madrid had diameter variations of ±0.05 mm, which caused uneven extrusion and clogged our nozzle twice during a single print. That’s time and material wasted.

On the other hand, we found better options on AliExpress, where brands like eSUN and SUNLU offer ABS rolls with consistent diameters and fewer warping problems. Additionally, these rolls are often available at lower prices with coupons. For example, a 1 kg spool of eSUN ABS+ typically runs around $23 with a 15% discount, and shipping to Spain takes about 10–14 days via AliExpress Standard Shipping. You can also pick it up at a Correos parcel locker if you’re not home during delivery. The consistency is night and day—diameter tolerance of ±0.02 mm means your extruder stays happy and your prints come out clean.

Tests at DunaTech

To evaluate the quality of ABS filaments, we used an Anycubic Kobra printer and conducted test prints with mechanical parts like gears. Here are the results:

**Generic Leroy Merlin Filament (1 kg roll):**
– **Pros**: Physically accessible, no shipping costs.
– **Cons**: Inconsistent diameter (variations of ±0.05 mm), bed adhesion issues, frequent warping. We had to reprint three out of five test gears because the first layer lifted at the corners.

**eSUN ABS+ Filament (AliExpress):**
– **Pros**: Consistent diameter (±0.02 mm), excellent adhesion with a heated bed at 100°C, fewer emissions.
– **Cons**: Requires proper ventilation and pre-drying if the roll is not well-stored. We dried ours at 65°C for 4 hours before printing—no stringing, no warping.

Check Current Price and Coupons on AliExpress

Common Problems and Solutions

**Excessive Warping**: If ABS filament detaches from the heated bed, ensure you’re using an appropriate bed temperature (100°C) and apply an adhesive layer like hair spray or specialized glue. In my tests, the generic Leroy Merlin roll warped even with glue stick, likely because the inconsistent diameter created uneven layer cooling. The fix? Switch to a brand with tighter tolerances, and always use an enclosure—even a cardboard box over the printer helps retain heat and reduces drafts.

**Inconsistent Diameter**: Purchase trusted brands with quality certification. In my experience, generic rolls tend to cause extruder clogs. Symptom: you hear clicking from the extruder, and the print suddenly stops extruding mid-layer. Cause: a thick section of filament jams the nozzle. Fix: measure the diameter at multiple points with calipers before loading; if you see variations over 0.03 mm, return the roll or use it only for non-critical parts.

**Harmful Emissions**: Use a printer in a well-ventilated area or with an active carbon filter. This is especially critical if printing in enclosed spaces. I run a small HEPA + carbon filter next to my printer, and I keep a window cracked. The eSUN ABS+ produced noticeably less smell than the generic roll, but don’t skip ventilation regardless. If you’re printing in a bedroom or office, consider an enclosure with a vent tube to the outside.

FAQ

Is ABS better than PLA?

It depends on the application. While PLA is ideal for decorative pieces, ABS is better for functional parts requiring impact or heat resistance. For example, a PLA gear will deform if your motor gets warm; ABS won’t.

Can ABS be used without a heated bed?

It is not recommended. ABS requires a heated bed to prevent warping and ensure proper adhesion. Without one, the bottom layers cool too fast and curl up, ruining the print.

Which ABS brands are the best?

After testing several brands, I recommend eSUN and SUNLU for their consistent quality and reliable performance. Both are widely available on AliExpress and offer better value than generic store brands.

How long does AliExpress shipping take to Spain?

For ABS filament, expect 10–14 days with AliExpress Standard Shipping. You can also choose Correos pickup or home delivery. Customs are usually included in the price, so no surprise fees.

Is Leroy Merlin ABS filament worth buying for beginners?

Only if you’re in a pinch and need filament immediately. For beginners, the inconsistency will add frustration to an already tricky material. Start with a reliable brand like eSUN to build confidence.

Conclusion

Although Leroy Merlin may be a quick option for buying ABS filament, their rolls do not offer the same quality as specialized brands available on AliExpress, such as eSUN. If you’re looking for reliable results and less hassle, investing in a higher-quality roll is the best decision. The extra few days of shipping are worth the peace of mind—your printer will thank you, and your prints will come out stronger and cleaner. For functional parts that need to last, skip the hardware store and order online.

— The DunaTech Team