ABS

ABS is a copolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene. ABS is an amorphous thermoplastic with properties that make it suitable for a wide range of applications.

ABS is typically used in phones, computers, TV sets, protective helmets and household appliances. The material has good dimensional stability, which makes it suitable for producing enclosures and housings of various kinds — for example household appliances, white goods and vacuum cleaners. ABS is also very common in toy manufacturing and automotive applications.

ABS is available in many variants and the properties depend on the ratio of acrylonitrile and butadiene rubber. Acrylonitrile improves the material’s resistance to various chemicals as well as its strength and resistance to stress cracking compared to some other plastics. The butadiene rubber content affects impact strength and glass transition temperature as well as UV sensitivity. The higher the butadiene rubber content, the more easily the plastic yellows and ages when exposed to UV. ABS is therefore not suitable for outdoor use, but is better suited to products that don’t need to withstand UV radiation. The material can be improved somewhat by adding carbon black, or by using ABS with lower butadiene content. Parts can also be coated to improve UV protection.

ABS is naturally light white or light beige, but can either be coloured or receive masterbatch directly during the manufacturing process. Main properties:

● Low weight
● High surface gloss
● High stiffness and hardness up to 80° C
● Impact resistant down to around -40° C
● Good dimensional stability and processability
● High scratch resistance
● Excellent electrical properties
● Glass transition temperature of 105-115° C (varies with butadiene content)

Some less good properties:

● Poor UV resistance (yellows, ages, becomes brittle)
● Low resistance to solvents and hydrocarbons