ABS
A common, tough and cheap amorphous plastic
Typical values for the temper in the title
ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) combines three components: acrylonitrile gives chemical resistance, butadiene (rubber) gives impact resistance, and styrene gives stiffness and easy processing. The result is a tough, cheap, dimensionally stable plastic, easy to mold, machine, bond and paint.
It is used for device and electronics housings, automotive interior parts, toys (like LEGO bricks), drain piping and FDM printing. Limits: low UV and heat resistance.
Mechanical and physical properties
| Property | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength Rm | 45 MPa | |
| Elongation A | 30% | |
| Modulus of elasticity E | 2.1 GPa | |
| Density ρ | 1.05 g/cm³ | |
| Max continuous service temperature | 85°C | |
| Heat deflection temperature (HDT) | 95°C | |
| Machinability | 85% | relative rating in the site database |
Structure and family
| Feature | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Type | amorphous thermoplastic (terpolymer) | toughness and easy processing |
| Tg glass transition | about 105 °C | |
| Components | acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene | chemical, impact, stiffness |
Typical values per producer data sheets.
Grades and versions
In engineering polymers, the choice is between an unfilled grade, filled grades (glass or carbon fiber) and special grades (bearing, medical, food). Filler strongly changes strength, stiffness and expansion.
| Version | Properties | When to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| General grade | tough and cheap | housings and parts |
| Flame retardant | for electronics | electrical housings |
| PC/ABS blend | more impact and heat resistant | premium housings |
Applications
- Device and electronics housings
- Automotive interior parts
- Toys
- Drain piping
- FDM printing
Fabrication
Machining
Use very sharp tools, a feed that does not overheat the material, and good support (the material is flexible and deforms under clamping). For precision parts, stress-relief annealing before final machining is sometimes performed.
UV
Not sun resistant: yellows and embrittles. For outdoor use, paint it, or choose ASA.
Joining
Bonds easily with solvents and adhesives, and welds ultrasonically.
Compared with similar materials
| Material | Rm / Rp0.2 | Welding | When it is the better choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC (Polycarbonate) | 65 MPa | Ultrasonic | PC: more impact and heat resistant, transparent · material page |
| PP (Polypropylene) | 30–40 MPa | Hot Gas / Ultrasonic | PP: cheap, chemically resistant, hard to bond · material page |
| PMMA (Acrylic) | 72 MPa | Solvent / Ultrasonic | PMMA: transparent, brittle · material page |
Common mistakes
Using ABS in sunlight without protection
It yellows and embrittles.
Using it at high temperature
Above about 85 °C it softens.
Exposing it to strong solvents
It dissolves in some of them.
Equivalents, standards and supply
| ASTM | D4673 |
|---|---|
| Standards | ASTM D4673 |
| Forms | plate · pellets |
| Producers | SABIC · LG Chem · Trinseo |
Learn more
Values are typical for an unfilled grade (unless stated otherwise) and for comparison only. In polymers, properties depend on grade, filler, temperature, moisture and load duration. For design, rely on the producer data sheet for the specific grade. Sources: ASTM classification standards (D8033, D5205, D5204, D6394, D4067 and others), producer data sheets, and the METAL HUB materials database.
Updated: October 31, 2026