ABS
Versatile thermoplastic with good impact resistance, machinability, and surface finish. ABS is widely used for enclosures, housings, and consumer product prototypes.
About ABS
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is the most popular engineering thermoplastic, offering a well-balanced combination of impact resistance, rigidity, and surface finish at an affordable price. It is the go-to material for enclosures, housings, and consumer product prototypes.
FabRapid processes ABS through CNC machining, injection molding, 3D printing (FDM), and urethane casting. CNC machined ABS parts offer tighter tolerances and smoother surfaces than 3D printed alternatives, while injection molded ABS provides the highest volume efficiency.
ABS is readily available in a range of grades: general-purpose, high-impact, flame-retardant (UL94 V-0), and plating-grade. It can be painted, bonded with adhesives, and vapor-smoothed for 3D printed parts.
Material Properties
Compatible Manufacturing Processes
ABS can be processed using these manufacturing methods.
Available Surface Finishes
Surface treatments compatible with ABS.
Common Applications
Design Guidelines for ABS
Minimum wall thickness: 1.0 mm for CNC machining, 1.2 mm for injection molding
ABS can be vapor-smoothed (acetone) for 3D printed parts to achieve near-injection-molded surface quality
Include draft angles (1-2°) on injection molded ABS parts to facilitate mold release
For flame-retardant applications, specify ABS-FR grade (UL94 V-0 rated)
ABS FAQ
Standard ABS has poor UV resistance and will yellow and become brittle with prolonged sun exposure. For outdoor applications, use ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) which has similar mechanical properties but excellent UV resistance, or specify UV-stabilized ABS grades.
Polycarbonate offers 10-15× greater impact resistance than ABS, higher temperature resistance (132°C vs 98°C HDT), and optical transparency. ABS is more cost-effective, easier to machine, and provides better surface finish. ABS is the default choice; polycarbonate when impact or transparency is critical.
Yes. Plating-grade ABS is specifically formulated to accept electroplating (chrome, nickel). The butadiene rubber phase is selectively etched to create microscopic anchoring sites for the plating. This is widely used in automotive trim and bathroom fixtures.
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