ABS

WHAT IS ABS?

ABS, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, is a member of the styrene family of polymers. It shares many properties with polystyrene, the main difference being that it is considerably tougher and more resistant to impact, even at temperatures down to -40ºC (for special-grade ABS).

KEY FEATURES OF ABS

• Impact-resistant, even at low temperatures
• Strong, hard and rigid. Rigidity improves as thickness increases
• Reasonably scratch-resistant
• Creep-resistant
• Highly shock-absorbent (because of the butadiene rubber)
• Easy to vacuum form and process
• Can be printed on, inked or electroplated without requiring Corona treatment
• Can be bonded/glued
• Resistant to environmental stress cracking influences, especially if properly fixed/mounted to accommodate for expansion and contraction due to daily temperature variations
• Ideal working temperature range: 18°C to 25°C 
• Continuous working temperature range: -30ºC (-40ºC for special-grade ABS) to 90ºC
• Can be made more UV resistant to reduce likelihood of yellowing
• Can easily be recycled

APPLICATIONS OF ABS

• Advertising (eg signage)
• Architectural fittings (eg piping and conduit fittings)
• Engineering (eg containers for electrical and electronic devices, cellphone casings)
• Household goods (eg tote bins and trays, toys, luggage, garden furniture, refrigerators and small household appliances, chair backs)
• Medical (eg laboratory equipment)
• Safety equipment (eg protective headgear)
• Transport (eg aircraft interiors, instrument panels, radiator grills, headlight housings and interior trim parts)

FIND OUT MORE

Please contact the Ampa Plastics Sales Department on +27 :11 398 8000 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.