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ABS moulding: tough components with a glossy finish

We injection-mould ABS components to customer drawings: a tough, impact-resistant thermoplastic with a glossy surface, well suited to visible parts.

What is ABS?

ABS is a terpolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene, and each of the three brings a quality: acrylonitrile chemical and heat resistance, butadiene impact toughness, styrene stiffness, gloss and ease of moulding.

It is one of the most widely used materials for housings and cosmetic parts: it holds tolerances well, can be coloured in the mass and painted. Without stabilising additives it is not suitable for long exposure to UV light.

Properties of ABS

  • High impact resistance
  • Good chemical resistance
  • Glossy surface

Indicative continuous service temperatures for the most common grades: the exact value depends on the grade and formulation and should be checked on the data sheet of the chosen material.

What is ABS used for?

  • Housings and shells for devices
  • Buttons, knobs and controls
  • Cosmetic parts for furniture
  • Boxes and covers for electrical components
  • Components for household appliances

How we mould ABS

ABS absorbs some moisture: before injection moulding the granules are dried to avoid surface defects. The mould temperature controls the gloss of visible parts.

ABS or another material?

The material is chosen according to the conditions of use of the component. The closest alternatives:

  • PS Polystyrene

    Compared with polystyrene it is far more impact-resistant, but it is not transparent.

  • PC Polycarbonate

    For greater heat and impact resistance, or for transparency, polycarbonate is the next step.

  • PP Polypropylene

    If the part is in contact with chemicals or has to flex many times, polypropylene performs better and weighs less.

Compare all materials in the comparison table

Do you have a component to make in ABS?

Send us your drawing or a sample: the contact form opens with the material already selected. If the material is still open, we will choose it together.

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