ABS Melting Point, Properties, & More

ABS Melting Point, Properties, Applications, Advantages & Disadvantages 

Material
ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene)
Structure Amorphous
Tensile Strength 6030 PSI Yield
Opacity
Clear to opaque
Specific Gravity 1.04-1.07
Melting Point 200°C (392°F)
Shrinkage 0.4 to 0.8%
Service temperature 175.5°C (348°F)
Deflection Temperature
161 to 198°C (323 to 390°F)
Applications
ABS plastic has numerous applications In automotive, electrical and electronics, and appliances:
  • Automotive – Steering wheel covers, door liners handle, instrument panels, seat belt, pillar trims, dashboard components
  • Electronics & Electrical – Electrical enclosures, computer keyboards
  • Appliances  Food processors, shavers, appliance control panels, toasters, vacuum cleaners, refrigerator lines

Advantages
Some of the most salient advantages of ABS are as follows:-
  • Excellent resistance to dilute acid and alkalis,
  • Low melting point makes it easy to process in Injection molding and 3D Printing,
  • Biocompatible and recyclable material,
  • High tensile strength, Outstanding corrosion, and smack resistance,
  • Non-toxic and harmless to humans
Disadvantages
Although the pros outweigh the cons, we should still look at it. Here are as follows:-
  • Poor weathering resistance,
  • Poor resistance for solvents like ketones, esters, and aromatic,
  • Stress cracks are evident in the presence of some greases,
  • Weak solvent and fatigue resistance,
  • Ordinary grades are burnt easily and won’t extinguish on their own.

Related Information About ABS Material 

ABS is an impact-resistant thermoplastic with an amorphous structure and is naturally opaque, meaning it does not exhibit any solid crystalline characteristics. ABS comprises three monomers: Acrylonitrile, Butadiene, and Styrene.

Acrylonitrile: It is created from propylene and ammonia. The monomer gets the credit for the polymer’s high heat stability and chemical resistance.

Butadiene: It is released from the production of ethylene and steam crackers. The monomer gets the credit for ABS’s toughness and impact strength.

Styrene: It is released when a modification is made in ethylbenzene. The monomer is responsible for ABS density and processability.

ABS became a mainstream thermoplastic material in the 1950s when a small modification was made by adding butadiene, the third monomer. The addition of butadiene resulted in high toughness and smooth processability.

How is ABS Made?

The most popular methods to produce ABS are Emulsion and Continuous mass techniques.

ABS is naturally available in opaque ivory color, and you can willingly color with different pigments depending on the application.

One of the prime weaknesses of ABS material is that it is easily affected by polar solvents; however, its smooth processability makes things easier for a manufacturer; ABS can be easily machined in standard machinery.

As far as the ABS production process is concerned, The emulsion technique is the most common and continuous mass technique on rare occasions.

Interesting Read – PVC Melt Point, Properties, Applications, Advantages & Disadvantages

ABS Processing Methods 

Injection Molding

In injection molding, determining whether to dry is needed or not is tricky. In case a vented cylinder is used, drying becomes a must.

In scenarios where drying is needed, 4 hours at 80°C is generally sufficient.

Signs of moisture are evident with stripes, streaks, or bubbles. If any of those factors are seen, pre-drying the mold is advisable.

  • Mold temperature – 40-70°C
  • Melt Temperature – 210-270°C
  • Injection Speed – Moderate to high
  • Material Injection Pressure: 50 – 100 MPa

Extrusion:

  • Pre-Drying: 3 hours at 70-80°C
  • Extrusion temperature: 200 to 240°C
  • Screw Design: An L/D ratio of 25-30 is advisable

Suggested Read 

Final Thoughts 

That was my take on ABS Melt point, Properties, Applications, Advantages & Disadvantages. ABS is one of the most mainstream thermoplastics in the world. Knowing its attributes very well before doing anything is what I advise everyone.

Kindly share all your thoughts and views about the article in the comment box.

Have an amazing day.

4 thoughts on “ABS Melting Point, Properties, & More”

  1. I found this data on the web:
    Typical Deflection Temperatures and Melting Points of Polymers
    Polymer Type Deflection Temperature at 0.46 MPa (°C) – at 1.8 MPa (°C)
    ABS 98 88

    So, is it 161C or 98C ?

    Reply

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