ABS
ABS
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
ABS, or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, is one of the most versatile and widely used engineering thermoplastics. It is an amorphous terpolymer known for its exceptional toughness, high impact resistance, and ease of processing.
A combination of three distinct monomers - acrylonitrile for chemical and thermal stability, butadiene for toughness and impact strength, and styrene for rigidity and a glossy finish - ABS offers a balanced performance profile suitable for both structural and aesthetic components.
Unlike many other plastics, ABS is highly receptive to secondary finishing. It can be easily sanded, glued, painted, or even chrome-plated, making it a favorite for consumer products and automotive interiors.
Key Properties
Mechanical & Physical
- High Impact Resistance
Extremely resilient to shock and drops, even at lower temperatures, preventing brittle failure. - Structural Rigidity
Offers excellent stiffness-to-weight ratio, allowing for thin-walled designs that remain durable. - Excellent Surface Quality
Naturally produces a high-gloss finish and is the preferred choice for parts requiring painting or plating. - Lightweight
With a lower density than many other engineering plastics like Acetal or Nylon, ABS helps reduce the overall weight of assemblies. - Low Moisture Absorption
Does not swell or degrade significantly when exposed to humidity.
Chemical & Thermal
- Chemical Resistance
Good resistance to aqueous acids, alkalis, and many oils. However, it is susceptible to aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbons (like acetone). - Insulating Properties
ABS naturally acts as an electrical insulator, making it ideal for housing sensitive electronics. - Process Versatility
Compatible with injection molding, extrusion, vacuum forming, and 3D printing. - Dimensional Stability
Maintains tight tolerances well during manufacturing, although it has a higher thermal expansion than some precision-grade materials..
COMMON APPLICATIONS
Technical Details
| TEST METHOD | VALUE | VALUE (IMPERIAL) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHYSICAL PROPERTIES | |||
| Density | ISO 1183 | 1.04–1.07 g/cm³ | 0.038 lb/in³ |
| Water Absorption (24h) | ISO 62 | 0.30% | 0.30% |
| Water Absorption (Saturation) | ISO 62 | 0.70% | 0.70% |
| MECHANICAL PROPERTIES (at 23°C) | |||
| Tensile Strength at Yield | ISO 527 | 40–50 MPa | 5,800–7,250 psi |
| Tensile Modulus of Elasticity | ISO 527 | 2,100–2,600 MPa | 305–377 ksi |
| Elongation at Yield | ISO 527 | 2-5% | 2-5% |
| Elongation at Break | ISO 527 | 15-30% | 15-30% |
| Flexural Strength | ISO 178 | 65–75 MPa | 9,400–10,900 psi |
| Flexural Modulus | ISO 178 | 2,200–2,500 MPa | 319–362 ksi |
| Charpy Impact (Notched) | ISO 179 | 10–25 kJ/m² | 4.7–11.9 ft-lb/in² |
| Rockwell Hardness | ISO 2039-2 | R 100–112 | R 100–112 |
| THERMAL PROPERTIES | |||
| Melting Temperature | 200-250°C | 392–482°F | |
| Heat Deflection Temp (1.8 MPa) | ISO 75 | 85–95°C | 185–203°F |
| Max. Service Temp (Long Term) | 80°C | 176°F | |
| Min. Service Temp | -20°C | -4°F | |
| Thermal expansion (CLTE) | ISO 11359 | 90–110 x 10⁻⁶/K | 5.0–6.1 x 10⁻⁵/°F |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.17–0.25 W/(m·K) | 1.18–1.73 BTU·in/(hr·ft²·°F) | |
| Flammability Rating | UL 94 | HB | HB |
| ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES | |||
| Dielectric Strength | IEC 60243 | 25–35 kV/mm | |
| Volume Resistivity | IEC 60093 | 10¹⁵ – 10¹⁶ Ω·cm | |
| Surface Resistivity | IEC 60093 | 10¹³ – 10¹⁴ Ω | |
| Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) | IEC 60250 | 2.8 – 3.2 | |
| Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) | IEC 60250 | 0.005 – 0.02 |
These values are typical averages and should be used for material selection and design guidance only.
Technical Details
| TEST METHOD | VALUE | |
|---|---|---|
| PHYSICAL PROPERTIES | ||
| Density | ISO 1183 | 1.04–1.07 g/cm³ |
| Water Absorption (24h) | ISO 62 | 0.30% |
| Water Absorption (Saturation) | ISO 62 | 0.70% |
| MECHANICAL PROPERTIES | ||
| Tensile Strength at Yield | ISO 527 | 40–50 MPa |
| Tensile Modulus of Elasticity | ISO 527 | 2,100–2,600 MPa |
| Elongation at Yield | ISO 527 | 2-5% |
| Elongation at Break | ISO 527 | 15-30% |
| Flexural Strength | ISO 178 | 65–75 MPa |
| Flexural Modulus | ISO 178 | 2,200–2,500 MPa |
| Charpy Impact (Notched) | ISO 179 | 10–25 kJ/m² |
| Rockwell Hardness | ISO 2039-2 | R 100–112 |
| THERMAL PROPERTIES | ||
| Melting Temperature | 200-250°C | |
| Heat Deflection Temp (1.8 MPa) | ISO 75 | 85–95°C |
| Max. Service Temp (Long Term) | 80°C | |
| Min. Service Temp | -20°C | |
| Thermal expansion (CLTE) | ISO 11359 | 90–110 x 10⁻⁶/K |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.17–0.25 W/(m·K) | |
| Flammability Rating | UL 94 | HB |
| ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES | ||
| Dielectric Strength | IEC 60243 | 25–35 kV/mm |
| Volume Resistivity | IEC 60093 | 10¹⁵ – 10¹⁶ Ω·cm |
| Surface Resistivity | IEC 60093 | 10¹³ – 10¹⁴ Ω |
| Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) | IEC 60250 | 2.8 – 3.2 |
| Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) | IEC 60250 | 0.005 – 0.02 |
These values are typical averages and should be used for material selection and design guidance only.
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
| CATEGORY | REPRESENTATIVE SUBSTANCE | RATING | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acids (Weak) | Acetic Acid, Citric Acid | A | Very resistant to organic acids |
| Acids (Strong) | Sulfuric or Hydrochloric Acid | B | Generally good, but concentrated oxidizing acids will attack ABS. |
| Alcohols | Ethanol, Isopropanol | B | Can cause stress cracking over long periods. |
| Alkalis (Bases) | Sodium Hydroxide | A | Highly resistant to basic solutions. |
| Aromatic Hydrocarbons | Benzene, Toluene | C | Severe attack. Softens and dissolves the material. |
| Chlorinated Solvents | Methylene Chloride | C | Soluble. These are used as glues/welding agents for ABS. |
| Fuels | Petrol, Diesel, Kerosene | C | Causes significant swelling and loss of strength. |
| Ketones | Acetone, Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) | C | Immediate failure. ABS dissolves completely in ketones. |
| Oxidizing Agents | Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite) | B | Fair resistance; high concentrations cause yellowing. |
| Water / Steam | Distilled Water, Steam | A/C | Excellent in water; fails in steam as ABS softens at 80°C–100°C. |
RATING SCALE:
A (Excellent): Little to no effect.
B (Good/Fair): Minor swelling or slight changes in properties; acceptable for short-term exposure.
C (Poor): Severe degradation or stress cracking. Not recommended.
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
| CATEGORY | EXAMPLE | RATING |
|---|---|---|
| Acids (Weak) | Acetic Acid (10%) | A |
| Acids (Strong) | Sulfuric or Hydrochloric Acid | B |
| Alcohols | Ethanol, Isopropanol | B |
| Alkalis (Bases) | Sodium Hydroxide | A |
| Aromatic Hydrocarbons | Benzene, Toluene | C |
| Chlorinated Solvents | Methylene Chloride | C |
| Fuels | Petrol, Diesel, Kerosene | C |
| Ketones | Acetone, Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) | C |
| Oxidizing Agents | Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite) | B |
| Water / Steam | Distilled Water, Steam | A/C |
RATING SCALE:
A (Excellent): Little to no effect.
B (Good/Fair): Minor swelling or slight changes in properties; acceptable for short-term exposure.
C (Poor): Severe degradation or stress cracking. Not recommended.
FAQ
SERVICES
Plastock has extensive experience in all cutting, laser and manufacturing techniques across a huge range of industries and materials using the latest technologies. With expert engineering knowledge and world class equipment, we can help with the design, development, fabrication and installation or your project. No job is too big or too small.
SERVICES
Plastock has extensive experience in all cutting, laser and manufacturing techniques across a huge range of industries and materials using the latest technologies. With expert engineering knowledge and world class equipment, we can help with the design, development, fabrication and installation or your project. No job is too big or too small.
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