WHAT IS ABS (ACRYLONITRILE BUTADIENE STYRENE) USED FOR?
ABS is a relatively inexpensive engineering plastic that is not typically used in high heat situations due to its low melting point. It is flexible and lightweight and that can be made into many items that are used in everyday life.
ABS does not fare well in sunlight so UV absorbers and light stabilizers are added to ABS products to make sure that they provide the durability we have come to know and rely on from this fine line of plastics.
There are countless applications for ABS. Among the most widely identifiable are keys on a computer keyboard, power-tool housing, telephone housings, plastic face-guards on wall sockets (oftentimes a PC/ABS blend), and children’s building bricks.
ABS is used in drain pipe systems (pipes, fittings), plastic musical instruments, protective headgear and, because of its durability, it is used in luggage and small kitchen appliances.
ABS plastic is lighter than PVC (SG 1.2) but heavier than PE, if used in vehicles it can decrease the weight of vehicles by 10%, making them more fuel-efficient. Typically, ABS plastic sheet is used on dashboards, wheel covers, and body parts because of its strength, low-temperature resistance, and rugged surface that doesn’t easily scratch.
ABS plastic sheets create a clean cosmetic surface for prototypes and are easier to paint than other types of plastic. Furthermore, ABS plastic is more economical for creating temporary prototypes because of its low cost.
ABS KEY PROPERTIES:
- Structural strength and stiffness
- Strong resistance to physical impacts
- Durable and abrasion-resistant
- Good resistance to corrosive chemicals
- Excellent high and low-temperature performance
- Great electrical insulation properties
- Easy to paint and glue
- Recyclable