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ABS
Material Type
General Plastics
Material Full Name
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
Process Compatibility
Injection Molding, CNC Machining
Basic Properties
Property Category |
Parameter/Performance |
Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene Copolymer | Acrylonitrile (strength), Butadiene (toughness), Styrene (processability) |
| Density | 1.02~1.06 g/cm³ | Heavier than PP/PE, lighter than PC |
| Transparency | Opaque | Can be modified with transparent additives (e.g., MMA) |
| Surface Gloss | High gloss | Suitable for direct plating/painting without additional treatment |
| Impact Resistance | High (20~50 kJ/m², Izod Notched Impact) | Maintains toughness at low temperatures (-20°C) |
| Tensile Strength | 35~50 MPa | Lower than PC (60~70 MPa), higher than PS (30~40 MPa) |
| Flexural Strength | 50~80 MPa | Moderate rigidity, ideal for housing components |
| Hardness | Rockwell Hardness R100~R115 | Moderate scratch resistance |
| Heat Deflection Temp (HDT) | 80~110°C (1.82MPa load) | Heat-resistant grades can reach 120°C (e.g., ABS+PC blends) |
| Continuous Service Temp | -20°C~80°C | Above 80°C may cause deformation; switch to heat-resistant materials |
| Flammability | Combustible (UL94 HB) | Flame-retardant grades available (e.g., V0-rated ABS) |
| Dielectric Strength | 15~20 kV/mm | Good insulation, suitable for electronic parts |
| Volume Resistivity | 10¹⁵~10¹⁶ Ω·cm | Anti-static grades require conductive fillers |
| Chemical Resistance | Resists weak acids/alkalis; not resistant to ketones/esters | Dissolves or cracks in acetone/ethyl acetate |
| Water Absorption | 0.2~0.4% (24 hours) | Pre-drying required before molding (80°C/2~4 hours) |
| Shrinkage Rate | 0.4~0.7% | Mold design must compensate for shrinkage |
| Melt Flow Rate (MFR) | Medium (10~30 g/10min) | Suitable for complex structures but prone to weld lines |
Key Points of Injection Molding
- Drying Treatment: drying at 80-85℃ for 2-4 hours (water absorption rate 0.2-0.4%, silver streaks are easily produced if not dried).
- Melting Temperature: 200-240℃ (high temperature may cause decomposition and yellowing).
- Mold Temperature: 40-80℃ (high mold temperature improves surface gloss, but prolongs the cycle).
- Injection Speed: medium-high speed (avoid low speed causing weld marks).
- Shrinkage: 0.4-0.7% (mold compensation is required, dimensional stability is good).
Common Application Areas
- Consumer Electronics: Keyboard, mouse housing, charger housing (easy to spray LOGO).
- Home Appliances: Vacuum cleaner housing and air conditioning panel (balance between cost and strength).
- Automotive Parts: Interior parts (dashboard, air outlet), grille (electroplating grade ABS).
- Daily Necessities: Toys (such as Lego blocks), luggage, bathroom accessories.
- Industrial Parts: Pipe joints, tool handles (impact resistance requirements).
ABS Modified Types
Type |
Key Features |
Common Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Flame-Retardant ABS | Contains brominated/phosphorus additives (UL94 V0 rating) | Electrical enclosures, automotive connectors |
| Plating-Grade ABS | High styrene content, surface-treated for better adhesion | Automotive emblems, cosmetic trims |
| Transparent ABS | Blended with MMA (methyl methacrylate) for clarity | Display cases, light covers |
| ABS Alloys | ||
| – ABS+PC | Enhanced heat/impact resistance (HDT up to 120°C) | Smartphone cases, power tool housings |
| – ABS+PA | Improved chemical resistance (fuels/oils) | Automotive fuel system components |
| – ABS+GF (Glass Fiber) | Higher rigidity, lower shrinkage (20-30% GF content) | Industrial housings, structural parts |
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Excellent surface finish (paintable/platable) | Poor UV resistance (requires stabilizers) |
| Balanced mechanical properties | Dissolves in ketones/esters (e.g., acetone) |
| Lower cost vs. PC/PA engineering plastics | Limited heat resistance (<80°C long-term) |
| Easy to process (injection molding) | Prone to stress cracking under load |
Comparison with Other Materials
Material |
Key Advantages over ABS |
Key Disadvantages vs. ABS |
Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| PP | Lower cost, better chemical resistance | Lower strength/surface finish | Food containers, living hinges |
| PC | Higher heat/impact resistance | More expensive, harder to process | Bullet-proof glass, medical devices |
| PA (Nylon) | Superior wear/heat resistance | Absorbs moisture, dimensional instability | Gears, bearings |
| POM | Excellent fatigue resistance | Poor UV resistance, difficult to bond | Precision gears, fasteners |
| PS | Higher clarity, lower cost | Brittle, poor impact strength | Disposable cutlery, CD cases |
Other General Plastics Selection
PP Materials
PE Materials
PMMA Materials
PVC Materials
PS Materials
FAQ Of ABS Materials
Visit our FAQ center for more questions.
How to reduce weld lines in ABS parts?
Increase melt temperature (220-240°C), optimize gate locations, use mold flow analysis.
Why does electroplated ABS peel off?
Root cause: Insufficient surface etching (chromic acid treatment) before plating.
How to improve ABS's outdoor durability?
Add UV stabilizers (2-5% TiO₂), or switch to ASA (better weatherability).