ACRYLONITRILE BUTADIENE STYRENE (ABS)

Description

ABS is a tough material with most grades yellow translucent opaque in nature although there are some transparent grades available.  A wide range of properties are possible from medium impact through high and very high impact, as well as high heat, plating and flame retardant grades.

Properties

ABS has high impact strength, good scratch resistance and hardness with high gloss.  It also has good mechanical strength and rigidity with good dimensional stability.  Fillers can be incorporated to improve rigidity.  ABS may be blended with other plastics, most commonly Polycarbonate (PC/ABS), in order to improve particular performance properties.

Colouring

Mouldings can be produced in a wide variety of colours and are dimensionally stable with high gloss finishes possible.  The surface is resistant to scuffing but has poor weathering properties.  For outdoor use carbon black or UV stabilisers should be added.

Resistance

Finishing

Mouldings can be joined by welding and adhesives.  Decoration using printing, embossing or metallizing is possible.  ABS is easily machined on conventional metalworking machinery although mouldings should be handled carefully as they can easily scratch.

Applications

ABS is widely used in the automotive industry due to its high impact strength, good heat distortion, high gloss appearance and suitability for electroplating.  Typical uses are mirror housings, radiator grilles, wheel covers and instrument panels.  Also used for office machines, pipes and pipe fittings, refrigeration, vacuum cleaners and other kitchen appliances.  PC/ABS may be used where a higher heat resistance is required, for example in the manufacture of hair dryers, irons and coffee makers.

The breakdown by end use for ABS in the United Kingdom is as follows: