ABS (ACRYLONITRILE / BUTADIENE / STYRENE)
Material Information
ABS is formed by combining three monomers – Acrylonitrile, Butadiene, and Styrene. This medium priced thermoplastic offers a combination of impact and abrasion resistance, tensile strength, dimensional stability, heat resistance, rigidity, low temperature properties, chemical resistance and good electrical characteristics. ABS is ideal for turning, drilling, sawing, milling, die-cutting, cold stamping, and shearing. This material is easy to glue and paint with non petroleum-based products. Petroleum based products should not be used because they will cause the material to craze. ABS is also one of the few non-metallic materials that can be readily electroplated. ABS is produced in thin gauge sheet with Haircell/Smooth finish and a Smooth/Smooth finish. ABS is also produced in an Industrial grade in thicker plate and rod.
Application
- Machined prototypes
- Structural components
- Machine housings
- Instrument panels
- Point of purchase displays
- Tote bins – Luggage – Trays
- Business machine housings
- Washers – Stampings
- Aircraft interior trim
- Laboratory equipment
- Automotive parts
- Support blocks
- Safety helmets
- Piping
- Valve bodies
Properties
- Outstanding impact resistance
- Good mechanical properties, tough and rigid
- Easily machined to close tolerances
- Dimensionally stable, moisture and creep resistance
- Excellent abrasion resistance
- Good electrical properties
- Stress cracking resistance to inorganic salt solutions, alkalis, and acids
- Excellent aesthetic qualities
- Chemical resistance
- Easy to glue and paint with non-petroleum based products
- Moderate price
- May be thermoformed
Physical |
Astm Test Method |
ABS |
| Density (lb/in^3) | D792 | 0.038 |
| Specific Gravity | D792 | 1.04 |
| Water Absorption @ 24 hours (%) | D570 | – |
Mechanical |
||
| Tensile Strength (PSI) | D638 | 6,500 |
| Tensile Modulus (PSI) | D638 | 340000 |
| Tensile Elongation at Break (%) | D638 | 25 |
| Flexural Strength (PSI) | D790 | 11000 |
| Flexural Modulus (PSI) | D790 | 320000 |
| Compressive Strength (PSI) | D695 | – |
| Compressive Modulus (PSI) | D695 | – |
| Izod Impact (Notched), ft-lb/in | D256 | 7 |
| Rockwell Hardness | D785 | R105 |
Thermal |
||
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion, 10^-5/°F | D696 | 5.3 |
| Heat Deflection Temperature 264 psi, ºF | D648 | 215 |
| Melting Point, °F | D3418 | – |
| Continous Service Temp (Operating), °F | – | 140 |
| Thermal Conductivity, BTU-in/hr-ft² °F | F433 | – |
| Flammability Rating | UL94 | HB |
Electrical |
||
| Dielectric Strength, Short Term, (Volts/Mil) | D149 | – |
| Volume Resistivity (ohm/square) | D257 | 10^15 |
| Dielectric Constant at 60hz | D150 | – |
| Dissipation Factor at 60Hz | D150 | – |
NOTE:
The information contained herein are typical values intended for reference and comparison purposes only. They should NOT be used as a basis for design specifications or quality control. Contact us for manufacturers' complete material property datasheets. All values at 73°F (23°C) unless otherwise noted.