No. Unprotected ABS yellows, chalks and loses impact strength outdoors within months to a few years. Paint it, use UV-stabilized or capped sheet, or choose ASA, a weather-resistant relative that processes like ABS.

Yes, easily. Solvent cements based on MEK or acetone fuse ABS to itself, and ABS pipe cement is sold for DWV joints. Epoxy, cyanoacrylate and methacrylate adhesives bond it to other materials. It also ultrasonic welds well, which is how many molded housings are joined.

ABS vs polycarbonate: which is stronger?

Polycarbonate. It yields at about 62 MPa (9 ksi) against 40-45 MPa (6 ksi) for ABS, is several times tougher in notched impact, and holds its shape about 40 °C (70 °F) hotter. ABS is cheaper and easier to mold, paint and plate, and good enough for most housings. PC/ABS blends split the difference.

Can ABS be chrome plated?

Yes. Plating-grade ABS is the most commonly plated plastic. The part is etched to open microscopic pockets in the rubber phase, activated, given an electroless copper or nickel strike, and then electroplated with copper, nickel and chrome. The molded part must be low in stress and made from a plating grade for the coating to hold.

Some ABS grades are formulated to comply with FDA food-contact regulations and are used in appliance parts and food-handling equipment, but many are not, and FDM-printed ABS has crevices that trap bacteria. Specify a compliant grade on the RFQ and ask for the certificate.

Engineering plastics

ABS

Also: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, ABS plastic, Cycolac, Lustran, Terluran, Magnum ABS, plating-grade ABS, ABS sheet, PC/ABS (blend), ABS filament

ABS is the cheap, tough housing plastic: easy to mold, machine, glue, paint, plate and thermoform. Limited to about 80 °C, with poor UV and solvent resistance.

ASTM D4673 (ABS molding and extrusion materials classification)ASTM D2661 (ABS DWV pipe and fittings)UL 94 (HB; V-0 for flame-retardant grades)FDA 21 CFR 177.1020 (ABS copolymers, specific grades)

Sourcing ABS parts or stock?

Attach a drawing (PDF or STEP) or describe the part; a U.S. shop that fits quotes it.

At a glance

ABS typical properties
Density	1.04 g/cm³ (0.038 lb/in³)
Tensile strength	40-45 MPa (5.8-6.5 ksi) at yield
Yield strength	40-45 MPa (5.8-6.5 ksi) tensile yield, general-purpose grade
Hardness	Rockwell R 100-110
Elongation	10-50% at break, grade-dependent
Modulus of elasticity	2.0-2.4 GPa (0.29-0.35 Msi) tensile
Thermal	Tg about 105 °C (220 °F); amorphous, no melting point; continuous service about 60-80 °C (140-176 °F); HDT about 80-100 °C (175-212 °F) at 1.82 MPa depending on grade and annealing
Composition	Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene: polybutadiene rubber particles in a styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) matrix, typically about 15-35% acrylonitrile, 5-30% butadiene and 40-60% styrene

Typical values, General-purpose grade, injection-molded or extruded sheet, unfilled, 23 °C (73 °F). Confirm against the mill certificate and the purchase spec.

MachinabilityGood: Cuts easily and cleanly with sharp tools; it melts and gums if tools rub or feeds are too light. Use air cooling, clear the chips, and expect ±0.1 mm (±0.004") on typical features.
WeldabilityExcellent: Solvent cements (MEK or acetone based) make strong joints, and it ultrasonic, hot-plate, vibration and spin welds well. Epoxy, cyanoacrylate and methacrylate adhesives bond it readily.
FormabilityExcellent: The classic vacuum- and pressure-forming sheet: forms at modest temperatures with good detail and draw, and line-bends with a strip heater. Dry thick sheet before forming.
Corrosion resistanceFair: Resists water, salts, dilute acids and alkalis, and many oils. Dissolved or softened by acetone, MEK, esters, aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons. Yellows and embrittles in sunlight unless painted, capped or UV-stabilized.

ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is an amorphous terpolymer: rubbery polybutadiene particles dispersed in a rigid styrene-acrylonitrile matrix. The acrylonitrile adds chemical and heat resistance, the butadiene adds impact toughness, and the styrene adds stiffness, gloss and easy processing. Producers vary the ratio to make general-purpose, high-impact, high-heat, plating and flame-retardant grades.

It is the default plastic for molded housings and consumer products because it molds with low, predictable shrinkage, takes paint and chrome plating, solvent bonds, ultrasonic welds, and thermoforms into large panels. It is also the classic FDM filament and machines easily into prototypes and fixtures. Plating-grade ABS and PC/ABS are what most chrome-look trim on appliances, plumbing fixtures and cars is actually made of.

The limits are heat, weather and solvents. ABS softens around 90-100 °C (195-212 °F) and is rarely used above 80 °C (176 °F); it yellows and embrittles in sunlight unless painted, capped or UV-stabilized; and acetone, MEK, esters and chlorinated solvents dissolve it. For more heat or toughness step up to PC/ABS or polycarbonate; for outdoor parts, ASA is the weather-resistant cousin.

Heat treatment

Not heat treated for properties. Molded or machined parts that must resist stress cracking can be annealed a little below the heat deflection temperature, around 70-80 °C (160-175 °F), for a few hours, then cooled slowly. Dry resin and sheet at about 80 °C (175 °F) before molding or thermoforming.

Tempers and conditions

General-purpose
High-impact
High-heat
Plating grade
Flame-retardant (UL 94 V-0)
Smooth and textured (haircell) thermoforming sheet
PC/ABS blends
FDM filament

Stock forms

Sheet (smooth and textured)
Plate
Rod
DWV pipe and fittings
Molding pellets
FDM filament

Relative cost

Tier 1 of 5. A commodity resin, close to HDPE per pound; sheet, flame-retardant and plating grades cost somewhat more. Cheap to machine and mold.

Typical applications

Consumer electronics, appliance and power-tool housings
Automotive interior trim and consoles
Chrome-plated trim, knobs, faucet handles and showerheads
Thermoformed panels, trays, covers and luggage shells
Drain, waste and vent (DWV) pipe and fittings
Toys and building bricks
Prototypes, fixtures and jigs (machined or FDM printed)

Process compatibility

How ABS takes each process, and what to specify. Each process links to its own guide and to the shops that do it.

ABS process compatibility
Process	Rating	Notes
Injection Molding	ExcellentExcellent	One of the easiest resins to mold: low shrink (about 0.4-0.7%), good surface finish, wide process window. Dry the pellets.
FDM 3D Printing	GoodGood	A standard FDM material; it needs a heated bed and an enclosure to limit warping. Acetone vapor smooths the layer lines.
SLA 3D Printing	FairFair	SLA prints "ABS-like" resins that mimic its look and stiffness but not its toughness or heat resistance; fine for form and fit.
CNC Machining	GoodGood	Quick and cheap to machine for prototypes and fixtures; sharp tools and air cooling prevent gumming.
CNC Milling	GoodGood	Mills and routes cleanly from sheet and plate; climb milling gives the best edge.
CNC Turning	FairFair	Turns fine, but rod is less common than acetal or nylon, and most round ABS parts are molded.
Waterjet Cutting	GoodGood	Clean, cold cutting of sheet and plate; CNC routing is usually cheaper for thin sheet.
Laser Cutting	PoorPoor	Melts to a sticky, sooty edge and gives off noxious fumes; many laser shops decline it. Rout or waterjet instead.
Plating	ExcellentExcellent	Plating-grade ABS is the standard plated plastic: the etch opens the butadiene phase, then electroless and electroplated copper, nickel and chrome follow.
Powder Coating	Not recommendedNot recommended	Powder cure temperatures (typically 160-200 °C, 320-390 °F) are far above what ABS survives. Use a liquid paint instead.
Vibratory Finishing	GoodGood	Deburrs machined and molded parts; plastic media keeps surfaces unscratched.
Bead Blasting	FairFair	Gives a uniform matte texture and a key for paint; use low pressure and fine media.

Design and sourcing tips

Keep continuous service below about 80 °C (176 °F); use PC/ABS or polycarbonate where parts see heat under load, such as near lamps or motors.
For outdoor parts, paint, cap or specify UV-stabilized ABS, or use ASA; bare ABS chalks and embrittles.
For plated parts, specify a plating-grade ABS or PC/ABS and tell the molder; ordinary grades etch unevenly and the plate blisters.
Design molded walls uniform and around 1.5-3 mm (0.06-0.12") thick, with generous radii; ABS is forgiving but sinks behind thick bosses.
If FDM prototypes are acceptable, say whether they must be ABS or any rigid filament; printed ABS is weaker across layers than molded ABS.

Frequently asked questions

Is ABS UV resistant?: No. Unprotected ABS yellows, chalks and loses impact strength outdoors within months to a few years. Paint it, use UV-stabilized or capped sheet, or choose ASA, a weather-resistant relative that processes like ABS.
Can ABS be glued?: Yes, easily. Solvent cements based on MEK or acetone fuse ABS to itself, and ABS pipe cement is sold for DWV joints. Epoxy, cyanoacrylate and methacrylate adhesives bond it to other materials. It also ultrasonic welds well, which is how many molded housings are joined.
ABS vs polycarbonate: which is stronger?: Polycarbonate. It yields at about 62 MPa (9 ksi) against 40-45 MPa (6 ksi) for ABS, is several times tougher in notched impact, and holds its shape about 40 °C (70 °F) hotter. ABS is cheaper and easier to mold, paint and plate, and good enough for most housings. PC/ABS blends split the difference.
Can ABS be chrome plated?: Yes. Plating-grade ABS is the most commonly plated plastic. The part is etched to open microscopic pockets in the rubber phase, activated, given an electroless copper or nickel strike, and then electroplated with copper, nickel and chrome. The molded part must be low in stress and made from a plating grade for the coating to hold.
Is ABS food safe?: Some ABS grades are formulated to comply with FDA food-contact regulations and are used in appliance parts and food-handling equipment, but many are not, and FDM-printed ABS has crevices that trap bacteria. Specify a compliant grade on the RFQ and ask for the certificate.

Processes that commonly use it

Injection Molding Overmolding 3D Printing SLA 3D Printing FDM 3D Printing

Related materials

Polycarbonate (PC)Acrylic (PMMA)HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)PVC (Rigid, Type 1)Nylon 6/6

Where to verify these values

Trinseo Magnum, INEOS Styrolution Terluran and Lustran, and SABIC Cycolac ABS resin data sheets
ASTM D4673 and D2661
ASTM D638, D256 and D648 test methods

Engineering plastics

ABS

Also: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, ABS plastic, Cycolac, Lustran, Terluran, Magnum ABS, plating-grade ABS, ABS sheet, PC/ABS (blend), ABS filament

ABS is the cheap, tough housing plastic: easy to mold, machine, glue, paint, plate and thermoform. Limited to about 80 °C, with poor UV and solvent resistance.

ASTM D4673 (ABS molding and extrusion materials classification)ASTM D2661 (ABS DWV pipe and fittings)UL 94 (HB; V-0 for flame-retardant grades)FDA 21 CFR 177.1020 (ABS copolymers, specific grades)

Sourcing ABS parts or stock?

Attach a drawing (PDF or STEP) or describe the part; a U.S. shop that fits quotes it.

At a glance

ABS typical properties
Density	1.04 g/cm³ (0.038 lb/in³)
Tensile strength	40-45 MPa (5.8-6.5 ksi) at yield
Yield strength	40-45 MPa (5.8-6.5 ksi) tensile yield, general-purpose grade
Hardness	Rockwell R 100-110
Elongation	10-50% at break, grade-dependent
Modulus of elasticity	2.0-2.4 GPa (0.29-0.35 Msi) tensile
Thermal	Tg about 105 °C (220 °F); amorphous, no melting point; continuous service about 60-80 °C (140-176 °F); HDT about 80-100 °C (175-212 °F) at 1.82 MPa depending on grade and annealing
Composition	Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene: polybutadiene rubber particles in a styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) matrix, typically about 15-35% acrylonitrile, 5-30% butadiene and 40-60% styrene

Typical values, General-purpose grade, injection-molded or extruded sheet, unfilled, 23 °C (73 °F). Confirm against the mill certificate and the purchase spec.

MachinabilityGood: Cuts easily and cleanly with sharp tools; it melts and gums if tools rub or feeds are too light. Use air cooling, clear the chips, and expect ±0.1 mm (±0.004") on typical features.
WeldabilityExcellent: Solvent cements (MEK or acetone based) make strong joints, and it ultrasonic, hot-plate, vibration and spin welds well. Epoxy, cyanoacrylate and methacrylate adhesives bond it readily.
FormabilityExcellent: The classic vacuum- and pressure-forming sheet: forms at modest temperatures with good detail and draw, and line-bends with a strip heater. Dry thick sheet before forming.
Corrosion resistanceFair: Resists water, salts, dilute acids and alkalis, and many oils. Dissolved or softened by acetone, MEK, esters, aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons. Yellows and embrittles in sunlight unless painted, capped or UV-stabilized.

Heat treatment

Tempers and conditions

General-purpose
High-impact
High-heat
Plating grade
Flame-retardant (UL 94 V-0)
Smooth and textured (haircell) thermoforming sheet
PC/ABS blends
FDM filament

Stock forms

Sheet (smooth and textured)
Plate
Rod
DWV pipe and fittings
Molding pellets
FDM filament

Relative cost

Tier 1 of 5. A commodity resin, close to HDPE per pound; sheet, flame-retardant and plating grades cost somewhat more. Cheap to machine and mold.

Typical applications

Consumer electronics, appliance and power-tool housings
Automotive interior trim and consoles
Chrome-plated trim, knobs, faucet handles and showerheads
Thermoformed panels, trays, covers and luggage shells
Drain, waste and vent (DWV) pipe and fittings
Toys and building bricks
Prototypes, fixtures and jigs (machined or FDM printed)

Process compatibility

How ABS takes each process, and what to specify. Each process links to its own guide and to the shops that do it.

ABS process compatibility
Process	Rating	Notes
Injection Molding	ExcellentExcellent	One of the easiest resins to mold: low shrink (about 0.4-0.7%), good surface finish, wide process window. Dry the pellets.
FDM 3D Printing	GoodGood	A standard FDM material; it needs a heated bed and an enclosure to limit warping. Acetone vapor smooths the layer lines.
SLA 3D Printing	FairFair	SLA prints "ABS-like" resins that mimic its look and stiffness but not its toughness or heat resistance; fine for form and fit.
CNC Machining	GoodGood	Quick and cheap to machine for prototypes and fixtures; sharp tools and air cooling prevent gumming.
CNC Milling	GoodGood	Mills and routes cleanly from sheet and plate; climb milling gives the best edge.
CNC Turning	FairFair	Turns fine, but rod is less common than acetal or nylon, and most round ABS parts are molded.
Waterjet Cutting	GoodGood	Clean, cold cutting of sheet and plate; CNC routing is usually cheaper for thin sheet.
Laser Cutting	PoorPoor	Melts to a sticky, sooty edge and gives off noxious fumes; many laser shops decline it. Rout or waterjet instead.
Plating	ExcellentExcellent	Plating-grade ABS is the standard plated plastic: the etch opens the butadiene phase, then electroless and electroplated copper, nickel and chrome follow.
Powder Coating	Not recommendedNot recommended	Powder cure temperatures (typically 160-200 °C, 320-390 °F) are far above what ABS survives. Use a liquid paint instead.
Vibratory Finishing	GoodGood	Deburrs machined and molded parts; plastic media keeps surfaces unscratched.
Bead Blasting	FairFair	Gives a uniform matte texture and a key for paint; use low pressure and fine media.

Design and sourcing tips

Keep continuous service below about 80 °C (176 °F); use PC/ABS or polycarbonate where parts see heat under load, such as near lamps or motors.
For outdoor parts, paint, cap or specify UV-stabilized ABS, or use ASA; bare ABS chalks and embrittles.
For plated parts, specify a plating-grade ABS or PC/ABS and tell the molder; ordinary grades etch unevenly and the plate blisters.
Design molded walls uniform and around 1.5-3 mm (0.06-0.12") thick, with generous radii; ABS is forgiving but sinks behind thick bosses.
If FDM prototypes are acceptable, say whether they must be ABS or any rigid filament; printed ABS is weaker across layers than molded ABS.

Frequently asked questions

Is ABS UV resistant?: No. Unprotected ABS yellows, chalks and loses impact strength outdoors within months to a few years. Paint it, use UV-stabilized or capped sheet, or choose ASA, a weather-resistant relative that processes like ABS.
Can ABS be glued?: Yes, easily. Solvent cements based on MEK or acetone fuse ABS to itself, and ABS pipe cement is sold for DWV joints. Epoxy, cyanoacrylate and methacrylate adhesives bond it to other materials. It also ultrasonic welds well, which is how many molded housings are joined.
ABS vs polycarbonate: which is stronger?: Polycarbonate. It yields at about 62 MPa (9 ksi) against 40-45 MPa (6 ksi) for ABS, is several times tougher in notched impact, and holds its shape about 40 °C (70 °F) hotter. ABS is cheaper and easier to mold, paint and plate, and good enough for most housings. PC/ABS blends split the difference.
Can ABS be chrome plated?: Yes. Plating-grade ABS is the most commonly plated plastic. The part is etched to open microscopic pockets in the rubber phase, activated, given an electroless copper or nickel strike, and then electroplated with copper, nickel and chrome. The molded part must be low in stress and made from a plating grade for the coating to hold.
Is ABS food safe?: Some ABS grades are formulated to comply with FDA food-contact regulations and are used in appliance parts and food-handling equipment, but many are not, and FDM-printed ABS has crevices that trap bacteria. Specify a compliant grade on the RFQ and ask for the certificate.

Processes that commonly use it

Injection Molding Overmolding 3D Printing SLA 3D Printing FDM 3D Printing

Related materials

Polycarbonate (PC)Acrylic (PMMA)HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)PVC (Rigid, Type 1)Nylon 6/6

Where to verify these values

Trinseo Magnum, INEOS Styrolution Terluran and Lustran, and SABIC Cycolac ABS resin data sheets
ASTM D4673 and D2661
ASTM D638, D256 and D648 test methods