What is ABS Material?
ABS, or Acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene, is a common thermoplastic plastic polymer that’s used in injection molding. This engineering plastic is very popular because of its low production costs and ease of machine by plastic producers. The ABS material has many desirable properties, and the natural advantages of being affordable and machine-friendly do not limit its potential.
Impact resistance
Structural Strength & Stiffness
Chemical Resistance
Outstanding High and Low Temperature Performance
Great Electrical Insulation Properties
It’s easy to paint and glue
These physical properties are achieved by ABS plastic’s initial creation. Polymerizing acrylonitrile and styrene in the presence polybutadiene creates chemical chains that attract one another and bind together to make ABS stronger. ABS has superior hardness, gloss and toughness properties than pure polystyrene. To learn more about ABS’s mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties, view a ABS Material Information Sheet.
ABS plastic has many advantages in many industries. However, there are certain limitations that limit the material’s use in certain products or applications. These limitations include:
Weatherability (damaged from sunlight)
Solvent Resistance
Dangerous if burned
Only limited uses in association with the Food Industry
Polystyrene and Polyethylene are more expensive
ABS has been able to provide solutions for thousands of industries, and quality products for millions more applications. It is amazing to see the wide range of ABS’s involvement with common products and applications that help daily life. Below are a few examples of ABS-related products and applications: LEGO bricks and small kitchen appliances, keyboard keycaps and automotive components. These are just a few examples.