Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
Material Introduction
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is one of the most widely used engineering thermoplastics for industrial-grade 3D printing, known for its balanced combination of toughness, impact resistance, and dimensional stability. ABS offers greater mechanical strength and heat resistance than many commodity plastics, making it a preferred choice for functional prototypes, mechanical housings, fixtures, jigs, and medium-duty structural components. Through Neway AeroTech’s advanced ABS 3D printing, the material delivers consistent performance, reliable extrusion characteristics, and the ability to produce durable parts with smooth surfaces and fine detail. ABS is particularly valued for applications requiring machining compatibility, chemical resistance, and thermal endurance beyond what materials like PLA can achieve, supporting professional engineering workflows and end-use products.
International Names or Representative Grades
Region | Common Name | Representative Grades |
|---|---|---|
USA | ABS | ABS-M30, ABSplus |
Europe | Engineering Thermoplastic | ABS, Terluran |
Japan | Industrial ABS Resin | ABS |
China | 丙烯腈-丁二烯-苯乙烯 (ABS) | Standard ABS, Modified ABS |
Industry Classification | Engineering Polymer | Tough ABS, High-Flow ABS |
Alternative Material Options
When ABS does not fully satisfy operational or environmental requirements, several alternate materials offer enhanced properties. For improved strength and fatigue resistance, Nylon (PA) or PETG are preferred for functional, load-bearing applications. If greater heat tolerance is needed, engineering plastics such as Polycarbonate (PC) offer much higher temperature stability. For flexible or elastomeric parts, TPU delivers excellent elasticity. For extremely high-performance environments that require chemical and thermal durability, high-performance plastics like PEEK offer outstanding engineering capabilities. If ultra-smooth surfaces or high detail are required, photopolymer resins can replace ABS for aesthetic or precision components.
Design Purpose
ABS was developed to offer a mechanically strong yet easily processed engineering polymer capable of providing durability, dimensional stability, and improved toughness. Its terpolymer structure combines acrylonitrile for chemical resistance, butadiene for impact strength, and styrene for rigidity and surface quality. In additive manufacturing, ABS is widely used for functional prototypes, mechanical components, and industrial tools that require heat resistance, machinability, and toughness. Its ability to balance strength and manufacturability makes it an essential material for engineering validation and end-use production.
Chemical Composition (Typical)
Component | Content |
|---|---|
Acrylonitrile | 15–35% |
Butadiene | 5–30% |
Styrene | 40–60% |
Additives | Pigments, stabilizers, flow modifiers |
Physical Properties
Property | Value |
|---|---|
Density | 1.02–1.05 g/cm³ |
Glass Transition Temperature | ~105°C |
Melting Temperature | ~220°C |
Thermal Conductivity | ~0.18 W/m·K |
Water Absorption | Moderate |
Mechanical Properties
Property | Value |
|---|---|
Tensile Strength | 35–50 MPa |
Flexural Strength | 60–90 MPa |
Elongation at Break | 5–25% |
Hardness | Shore D 70–80 |
Impact Resistance | High |
Key Material Characteristics
High toughness and impact resistance are suitable for mechanical assemblies
Good thermal stability for moderate-temperature environments
Easy to machine, drill, tap, and finish post-printing
Smooth surfaces and good cosmetic quality after finishing
Strong resistance to oils, greases, and many chemicals
Capable of producing durable snap-fits and functional hinges
Higher warp potential than PLA, requiring controlled printing conditions
Supports solvent welding and vapor smoothing for an excellent finish
Versatile for functional prototypes and medium-duty structural parts
Good balance between cost, performance, and manufacturability
Manufacturability in Different Processes
Additive manufacturing: Works well in extrusion-based systems using thermoplastic printing.
Multi-material printing: Compatible with flexible polymers, such as TPU.
Functional part fabrication: Ideal for mechanical components that require strength and durability.
CNC finishing: Can be machined effectively for tight tolerances and smooth finishes.
Mold simulation: Used to validate designs before moving to injection-molded ABS production.
Resin alternatives: For higher detail or extremely smooth finishes, standard resin may be a suitable option.
Smoothing: Supports vapor smoothing for both aesthetic and functional improvements.
Suitable Post-Processing Methods
Vapor smoothing with acetone for glossy, sealed surfaces
Sanding and polishing for improved finish
Painting and coating for visual models and durable consumer parts
Machining and drilling for dimensional refinement
Heat treatment (annealing) to improve dimensional stability
Chemical cleaning to remove support structures
Structural inspection through material testing when required
Adhesive bonding for mechanical assemblies
Common Industries and Applications
Consumer electronics housings and device enclosures
Automotive interior components, clips, and fixtures
Robotics sensors, brackets, and functional housings
Industrial equipment covers, guards, and structural accessories
Educational and prototyping products for engineering evaluation
Medical training models and ergonomic product prototypes
Packaging, appliance parts, and conceptual product mockups
When to Choose This Material
When strong, durable, impact-resistant parts are needed
When heat resistance is required beyond PLA’s capabilities
When parts will undergo drilling, tapping, or machining
When producing snap-fit mechanisms or functional hinges
When smooth finishes or solvent-polished surfaces are desired
When prototypes must represent real-world engineering plastics
When producing medium-duty structural parts for robotics or consumer products
When a price-to-performance balance is essential for frequent prototyping
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