ABS

Injection Molding | High impact resistance, low density

Introduction

ABS is a thermoplastic polymer that is easy to machine and process, and which creates plastic parts with an excellent surface finish. It offers high impact strength and resistance to extreme temperatures and chemicals and can be finished with processes such as metallization, electroplating, bonding and hot pressing.

Applications: Handheld devices, housings, cosmetic parts, moldings for electrical tools and consumer goods.

Behavior: Molded ABS parts are susceptible to defects such as knit lines, sinks and voids, but material blends such as ABS/PC can reduce sink in thick areas.

Properties	Metric	Other
Density	1.01 – 1.20 g/cc	0.0365 – 0.0434 lb/in³
Hardness	68 – 113	68 – 113
Tensile Strength (Yield)	13.0 – 65.0 MPa	1890 – 9430 psi
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)	22.1 – 49.0 MPa	3210 – 7110 psi
Elongation at Yield	0.62 – 30 %	0.62 – 30 %
Elongation at Break	3.0 – 150 %	3.0 – 150 %
Dielectric Strength	18.0 – 50.0 kV/mm	457 – 1270 kV/in
Melt Temperature	180 – 274 °C	356 – 525 °F

Surface Finish

Electroplating

Electroplating can be functional, decorative or corrosion-related. Many industries use the process, including the automotive sector, in which chrome-plating of steel automobile parts is common.

Painting

Painting the surface of a part improves its aesthetic appearance and can provide brand recognition to consumers. In addition, painting can have a protective effect on parts.

Screen Printing

Screen printing is a printing technique where a mesh is used to transfer ink onto a substrate, except in areas made impermeable to the ink by a blocking stencil.