ABS Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
A tough, amorphous engineering plastic that is easy to process, offers an attractive surface finish and a friendly price. One of the most common materials for housings and interior parts.
Key properties
| Impact strength | Good |
|---|---|
| Heat resistance | Moderate (up to ~80–100°C) |
| Transparency | Opaque |
| Chemical resistance | Low–moderate |
| UV resistance | Low |
| Ease of processing | High |
| Relative cost | Low |
General values for comparison only. Exact data varies by grade and supplier.
Where it's used
- Housings for electronics and appliances
- Automotive interior parts
- Parts that are painted or chrome-plated
- Toys, consumer products and 3D printing
Watch out for
- Degrades under UV: yellows and embrittles. For outdoor use, ASA or a protective coating is better
- Sensitive to solvents such as acetone, esters and ketones
- Flammable, so electrical products need a flame-retardant grade
- Limited heat resistance compared with PC and PC/ABS
Processing tips
- Dry for 2–4 hours at about 80°C before molding
- Typical melt temperature ~210–260°C, mold ~50–80°C
- Low shrinkage of ~0.4–0.7%, good for dimensional stability
- A warmer mold improves gloss and reduces flow lines
Alternatives and when to choose them
- ASA – When the part is outdoors and needs UV resistance
- PC/ABS – When more heat and impact resistance is needed
- HIPS – When cost drives the decision and requirements are low
Not sure which material to choose?
Tell us about your application and we’ll help you choose the best-suited material.
Book a free first consultation