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ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a thermoplastic polymer made from three monomers:
Acrylonitrile – Adds chemical resistance and thermal stability.
Butadiene – Contributes toughness and impact resistance.
Styrene – Provides rigidity and a smooth, glossy finish.
This combination gives ABS a balance of strength, flexibility, and surface quality, making it one of the most widely used materials in injection molding.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Impact Strength | High resistance to sudden impacts and mechanical stress. |
| Heat Resistance | Good performance in temperatures up to ~80–100°C. |
| Dimensional Stability | Maintains shape under load and temperature variations. |
| Surface Finish | Accepts coatings, painting, and adhesives well. |
| Electrical Insulation | Suitable for electronic enclosures. |
Material Preparation
ABS pellets must be dried before molding (usually at 80°C for 2–4 hours) to remove moisture that can cause bubbling or cosmetic defects.
Melting & Injection
Heated to 200–250°C and injected into the mold under high pressure (typically 60–150 MPa).
Cooling
Mold temperature is typically kept between 40–80°C. Proper cooling prevents warping or sink marks.
Ejection & Post-Processing
Once the part solidifies, it's ejected. Parts may be trimmed, painted, glued, or ultrasonically welded depending on the final application.
Shrinkage Rate: 0.4–0.7% (important for mold design).
Ventilation: ABS emits volatiles during molding; good venting is essential.
Shear Sensitivity: Excessive shear can cause burn marks or degrade the material.
Gate Design: Direct, fan, or tab gates are commonly used to ensure smooth flow and reduce weld lines.
Toys: LEGO bricks, action figures
Automotive: Dashboards, trims, mirror housings
Consumer Electronics: Remote controls, keyboards, laptop housings
Appliances: Vacuum cleaner casings, coffee machine parts
Medical Devices: Non-implantable enclosures and components
Wall Thickness: 1.2 to 4 mm is ideal; avoid abrupt thickness changes to prevent sink marks.
Draft Angles: 1° or more per side for easy ejection.
Ribs & Bosses: Use ribs for strength and bosses for assembly without increasing wall thickness.
Corner Radii: Round internal corners to reduce stress concentration.
Texturing: ABS accepts texturing well for improved grip or aesthetics.
Excellent impact strength and toughness
High dimensional stability
Easy to paint, glue, or plate (e.g., chrome plating for automotive trims)
Good aesthetic quality with glossy finish
Recyclable and cost-effective for large-scale production
Not UV resistant (needs stabilizers for outdoor use)
Can emit fumes if overheated
Limited chemical resistance to solvents and oils
Degrades if not dried properly before molding
ABS can be blended with other materials to enhance performance:
ABS-PC: Improved heat resistance and toughness
ABS-PVC: Better flame retardancy
ABS with fillers: Glass fibers can enhance rigidity
| Material | Compared to ABS |
|---|---|
| Polypropylene (PP) | More flexible, but lower strength and surface finish |
| Polycarbonate (PC) | Stronger and more heat-resistant, but more expensive |
| Polystyrene (PS) | Cheaper but more brittle and less tough |
| Nylon (PA) | Higher mechanical performance, but absorbs moisture |
ABS is a go-to choice for:
OEM manufacturers
Plastic product designers
Toolmakers and molders
Automotive and appliance industries
It’s particularly valuable in high-volume production due to its repeatability and processing efficiency.
If you're considering ABS for your next injection molding project, working with an experienced mold manufacturer—like SWY MOULD—can ensure the material, mold design, and process are optimized for your product.
Would you like help selecting the right steel, runner system, or draft angle for your ABS mold? I can assist with those design details too.
Shine
Email: shine@swymould.com
Phone: +86 15757668880
