ABS Injection Molding Service

Custom ABS molded prototypes and production parts, delivered in as fast as 5 days. Expert support, budget-friendly options, and various materials and finishes to match your needs.

abs injection molding plastics
what is abs injection molding plastics

ABS in Injection Molding

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a versatile thermoplastic polymer widely used in injection molding due to its excellent balance of mechanical properties, impact resistance, and processability. It combines acrylonitrile’s toughness and chemical resistance, butadiene’s resilience, and styrene’s rigidity, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Price:$$
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.
Lead Time:< 5 days
Wall Thickness:1 mm
Tolerances:ISO2768-C
Max Part Size:300 mm x 300 mm x 300 mm

Plastic ABS Properties

PropertiesValue
Tensile Strength (Yield) 13.0 - 65.0 MPa (1890 - 9430 psi)
Flexural Modulus0.200 - 5.50 GPa (29.0 - 798 ksi)
Impact Resistance (Izod Impact, Notched)0.380 - 10.3 J/cm (0.712 - 19.3 ft-lb/in)
Maximum Service Temperature80.0 - 100 °C (176 - 212 °F)
Chemical Formula(C8H8·C4H6·C3H3N) n
Chemical ResistanceResistant to aqueous acids, alkalis, concentrated hydrochloric and phosphoric acids, and animal, vegetable, and mineral oils, but weak to carbon tetrachloride, aromatic hydrocarbons, and concentrated sulfuric and nitric acids
Glass Transition Temperature108 - 109 °C (226 - 228 °F)
Heat Deflection Temperature88-89°C
Melting Temperature170 - 320 °C (338 - 608 °F)
Injection Molding Speed240 mm/sec (9.45 in/sec)

Pros and Cons of ABS Injection Molding

ABS plastic offers many benefits that make it suitable for injection molding. However, there are some of its downsides to consider before choosing it for any project. 

Pros

  1. Excellent impact resistance and toughness.
  2. Good chemical resistance to acids, alkalis, and oils.
  3. Versatile material suitable for a wide range of applications.
  4. High aesthetic appeal with options for surface finishing.

Cons

  1. Limited resistance to some solvents and concentrated acids.
  2. Moderate heat resistance compared to some engineering plastics.
  3. May require careful consideration of shrinkage and warpage during molding.

Applications of Injection Molded ABS Parts

Injection molded ABS parts are widely used across various industries, including: 

  1. Electronic enclosures and housings.
  2. Automotive interior and exterior components.
  3. Consumer electronics and appliance parts.
  4. Medical device housings and covers.
  5. Industrial prototypes and tools.
applications of abs injection molding plastics

FAQs

ABS is highly suitable for injection molding due to its balanced mechanical properties, impact resistance, and ease of processing, making it ideal for a wide range of industrial applications. It is commonly used in producing casings for electronics and automotive parts.

The recommended melt temperature for ABS typically ranges from 200°C to 280°C (392°F to 536°F), depending on the specific grade and part design requirements, ensuring optimal flow and mold filling. This temperature range helps maintain the material’s properties and quality during processing.

Injection pressures for ABS generally range from 7000 psi to 15000 psi (48 MPa to 103 MPa), depending on part geometry and mold complexity, ensuring complete cavity filling and uniform part quality. Adjustments in pressure help achieve consistent results and prevent defects like voids or incomplete fills.

Injection Molding Resources

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