ABS
Tough, impact-resistant and easy to machine — the everyday engineering plastic for enclosures and prototypes.
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a low-cost engineering thermoplastic that combines good impact strength, rigidity and an attractive finish. It is easy to machine and to glue, and is widely used for enclosures, prototypes and consumer parts.
Material properties
| Density | 1.04 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | ~40 MPa |
| Max service temp | ~80 °C |
| Impact resistance | Good |
| Chemical resistance | Fair |
| Machinability | Good |
| Relative cost | Low |
Typical values for reference; exact properties depend on grade, temper and heat treatment. Full material certification is provided on every order.
Machinability
ABS machines cleanly with sharp tooling and moderate speeds. Like all plastics it expands more than metal with temperature, so tolerances are looser than metal and heat build-up should be avoided to prevent melting or smearing.
Typical applications
Related engineering guides
Frequently asked questions
Is ABS suitable for outdoor use?
ABS has limited UV resistance and can yellow or become brittle outdoors. For outdoor parts, choose a UV-stabilized grade or apply a protective coating.
Can machined ABS be smoothed?
Yes — vapor polishing produces a glossy, sealed surface, and ABS also paints and bonds well.