What is ABS?

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is a versatile, impact-resistant and dimensionally stable plastic that is characterised by good mechanical properties, attractive surfaces and good processability. As a standardThermoplastic ABS is used in technical and decorative applications in equal measure - from Enclosures from vehicle parts to Rubber-plastic composite parts.

 

ABS is a terpolymer consisting of three monomers:

  • Acrylonitrile for chemical resistance and hardness
  • Butadiene for impact strength and elasticity
  • Styrene for gloss, rigidity and good workability

 

This combination results in a material with balanced rigidity, impact strength and good surface quality.

 

Properties of ABS

 

Compared to engineering plastics such as PA or POM, ABS is less expensive but less resistant to chemicals and temperatures. Thanks to its smooth surface and dimensional stability, ABS is ideal for functional or visible components - e.g. as Housing material or for hybrid solutions in multi-component injection moulding with TPE.

 

Application of ABS

ABS is frequently used in:

  • Enclosures for electronic devices, tools and household products
  • Vehicle interior parts, e.g. trims, air vents, handles
  • Toys (e.g. LEGO®), consumer goods, design parts
  • Rubber-plastic composite parts, e.g. for ergonomic handles or Sealing systems
  • 3D printing, especially in the FDM process

 

Thanks to its good adhesion to soft TPEs ABS is particularly suitable for multi-component parts with soft Sealing lips or gripping surfaces.