What Is Face Milling? Process and Best Practices
Face milling is a cutting process in CNC machining used to remove material from the surface of a workpiece to...
Custom ABS
CNC Machining Service
Get custom CNC ABS machined parts with fast turnaround times and competitive pricing. Benefit from a variety of ABS materials and surface finishes, ensuring high-quality prototypes and production parts tailored to your needs.
ABS in CNC Machining
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a versatile thermoplastic polymer known for its excellent balance of properties. It offers high impact resistance, toughness, and good machinability, making it a preferred choice for various CNC machining applications. ABS can withstand physical impacts without cracking, providing durability for both functional and aesthetic parts. Its ease of processing allows for intricate designs and detailed features, making it suitable for industries such as automotive, electronics, medical devices, and consumer goods.
| Price: | $$ |
| Lead Time: | About 6 days |
| Wall Thickness: | Minimum of 0.8 mm |
| Tolerances: | ±0.005″ (±0.125mm) |
| Max Part Size: | 1200 x 500 x 150 mm |
| Applications: | Prototypes, enclosures, housings, and functional parts |
| Available ABS at RapidDirect: | ABS Beige (Natural) ABS Black ABS Black Antistatic ABS Milky White ABS+PC Black Flame Retardant ABS Beige Flame Retardant ABS Black Other custom colors on request |
Machined ABS Properties
ABS is a popular choice in CNC machining for its impressive durability, impact resistance, and ease of fabrication. Let’s explore why ABS is a preferred material for many CNC machining projects.
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Rockwell R) | Heat Deflection Temperature (°C) | Density (g/cm³) | McMaster Part Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 10 | 109 | 95 | 1.04 | Available upon request |
Surface Finishing Options for ABS
RapidDirect offers a range of surface finishing options as part of our professional ABS CNC machining service. Our experts help you enhance the appearance and functionality of your CNC machined ABS parts. These finishing options can improve aesthetics, provide additional protection, and meet specific application requirements.
Uses the natural surface of ABS after machining. Ideal for functional parts where surface finish is not a priority.
Provides a smooth, matte finish by blasting the ABS surface with abrasive particles, enhancing texture and hiding minor imperfections.
Achieves a polished and deburred finish, reducing rough edges and creating a more uniform surface on ABS parts.
Adds a non-stick, low-friction surface to ABS parts. Improves wear resistance and is suitable for applications requiring smooth surfaces.
Offers a variety of colors and finishes for ABS parts. Enhances appearance and provides protection against environmental factors.
Applies a durable finish to ABS surfaces for enhanced appearance and protection, involving spraying powdered paint and curing it.
Electrophoresis
Provides a uniform coating through an electrochemical process, commonly used to improve appearance and surface protection for ABS parts.
Bead Blasting
Pros and Cons of
ABS CNC Machining
ABS CNC machining offers several advantages and a few limitations that need to be considered:
Pros
- Excellent Machinability: ABS can be easily machined with precise cuts and details.
- High Impact Resistance: It withstands significant mechanical stress without breaking.
- Cost-Effective: ABS is relatively inexpensive, making it suitable for both prototyping and production.
- Good Dimensional Stability: It maintains its shape and dimensions under different environmental conditions.
- Versatile Applications: Suitable for a wide range of industries and purposes, from consumer products to industrial components.
Cons
- Limited Heat Resistance: ABS may deform under high temperatures, making it less suitable for high-heat environments.
- Poor UV Resistance: Prolonged exposure to UV light can cause discoloration and degradation.
- Moderate Chemical Resistance: It can be affected by certain chemicals, limiting its use in harsh chemical environments.
CNC Machining Resources
Types of Holes in Engineering: A Detailed Guide
Holes are critical features in engineering drawing & manufacturing. They facilitate assembly fastening, channel, or passage for fluid flow, positioning,...
Best CNC Software for CNC Machines from Beginner to Expert Level
The right CNC software will be of use regardless of whether you are a hobbyist or in charge of an...
FAQs
ABS plastic can be effectively machined using CNC technology. Its machinability makes it a popular choice for creating detailed and precise CNC ABS parts. The material’s inherent properties allow it to be easily shaped and finished without compromising its structural integrity.
CNC milling is one of the best methods for cutting ABS plastic due to its precision and ability to create complex geometries. Other ABS manufacturing methods like laser cutting and traditional machining can also be used, but CNC machining provides the highest level of detail and accuracy. This ensure that the ABS machining parts meet exact specifications.
Common applications include prototypes, enclosures, housings, mechanical parts, and various consumer goods. ABS is also used in automotive components, electronic device cases, and medical equipment due to its durability, impact resistance, and ease of machining.
ABS is relatively easy to machine. It cuts cleanly, holds tolerances well, and produces parts with good surface finishes. Its low melting point and thermal stability make it suitable for high-speed machining without the risk of melting or deforming.
ABS CNC machining is ideal for low to medium volume production and prototyping due to its lower upfront cost and faster turnaround times compared to injection molding, which requires expensive mold tooling. CNC machining is also more flexible for design changes and can produce ABS plastic parts with complex geometries. This might be difficult to achieve with injection molding.
Critical considerations include selecting appropriate cutting tools, controlling heat generation to prevent warping, and ensuring proper clamping to avoid part movement during machining. Additionally, optimizing machining parameters such as speed and feed rates is essential to achieve the best surface finish and dimensional accuracy. Proper cooling and lubrication when machining ABS plastic can also help in maintaining the integrity of the ABS part.
Try RapidDirect
now, for free
now, for free