The short answer
General-purpose injection ABS typically runs about 1.03–1.07 g/cm³ density, 150–400 J/m notched Izod and 80–100°C / 176–212°F heat deflection at 1.8 MPa. Melt flow is reported at 220°C / 10 kg or 230°C / 3.8 kg, and the two numbers do not compare. Choose medium or high impact by how the part is used, and order plating grades only for parts that will be electroplated.
This page covers general-purpose injection ABS. For high-heat, FR, extrusion and glass-filled grades, see the ABS page. Full typical values are on ABS properties.
Typical spec window
| Property | Typical range | Test method |
|---|---|---|
| Melt flow | Grade-specific; compare only at the same condition | ASTM D1238 or ISO 1133, 220°C / 10 kg or 230°C / 3.8 kg |
| Density | 1.03–1.07 g/cm³ | ASTM D792 or ISO 1183 |
| Tensile strength | 35–50 MPa / 5,100–7,300 psi | ASTM D638 or ISO 527 |
| Flexural modulus | 2.0–2.6 GPa | ASTM D790 or ISO 178 |
| Notched Izod | 150–400 J/m / 2.8–7.5 ft·lb/in | ASTM D256 (ISO 180 on ISO sheets) |
| Heat deflection, 1.8 MPa | 80–100°C / 176–212°F | ASTM D648 or ISO 75 |
| Flammability | HB for standard grades | UL 94 |
| Mold shrinkage | 0.4–0.7% | ASTM D955 or ISO 294-4 |
Typical ranges from published data sheets for grades in this window. Your grade’s own data sheet and the lot COA are what count.
What it’s used for
- Appliance and power-tool housings
- Consumer electronics enclosures
- Automotive interior trim and consoles
- Toys and recreational products
- Covers, bezels and indoor housings that are painted or glued
How to tell grades apart
- Impact class. Set mainly by rubber content. Medium-impact grades sit toward the low end of the 150–400 J/m band with more stiffness and gloss. High-impact grades sit toward the top, with lower stiffness and gloss. Check cold impact if parts are dropped cold.
- Flow. High-flow grades fill thin walls and long flow paths but usually give up some impact.
- Gloss. High-gloss and low-gloss grades exist at similar impact levels. Approve gloss on real parts.
- Plating vs. general purpose. Plating grades are made to etch evenly so the metal layer bonds. They need tighter drying (0.02–0.05% moisture), low molded-in stress and little or no regrind. A general-purpose grade can plate unevenly or lose adhesion.
- Not GP. Flame-retardant, high-heat and extrusion grades are separate families with their own process windows.
What to put on your RFQ or PO
- Melt flow with the condition. 220°C / 428°F and 10 kg, or 230°C / 446°F and 3.8 kg, nominal value and range.
- Impact and heat. The notched Izod and heat deflection values your part depends on.
- Grade family. General purpose (medium or high impact), high flow or plating.
- Additives. UV for limited sun exposure, antistat or mold release, if needed.
- Color. By code or match, with gloss level, and whether you add masterbatch.
- Food contact. If any, the producer’s FDA letter for the exact grade.
- COA values to check. Melt flow and impact on each lot, and color values for pre-colored resin.
- Packaging. Gaylords or 25 kg (55 lb) bags. ABS picks up moisture, so ask for lined gaylords or sealed bags.
- Quantity and release size. Total quantity, how much per release and how often.
A polymer chemist reviews every request and checks the grade against your process before we quote. Every prime lot from our suppliers ships with a COA, and orders start at one gaylord.
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By signing up you agree to receive emails from ResinBridge. Unsubscribe anytime by replying or using the link in any email. PrivacyEquivalents and substitutes
- Same family, melt flow condition and impact from another producer. The closest swap. Check color, gloss and shrinkage on first articles.
- HIPS. Lower cost, with less heat, gloss and chemical resistance. See ABS vs. HIPS.
- ASA. For parts that live outdoors unpainted. See ABS vs. ASA.
- PC/ABS. More heat and toughness. See PC/ABS.
- Polypropylene. Chemical resistance, living hinges and lower weight, with less gloss and stiffness. See PP vs. ABS.
Common processing problems
- Silver streaks from moisture: splay
- Visible or weak knit lines: weld lines
- Dimples over ribs: sink marks
- Cracks near cleaners or solvents: stress cracking
- Shade shifts between lots: color inconsistency
Common questions
What melt flow ABS do I need for injection molding?
Start from the melt flow of the grade that runs your mold now, at the same test condition. High-flow grades fill thin walls and long flow paths but usually give up some impact. Compare 220°C / 10 kg values only with 220°C / 10 kg values, and 230°C / 3.8 kg with 230°C / 3.8 kg.
What is the difference between general-purpose and plating-grade ABS?
Plating grades are made to etch evenly so electroplated metal bonds well. They need drier resin, low molded-in stress and little or no regrind. Use a GP grade for painted, glued or bare parts.
What is the difference between medium-impact and high-impact ABS?
Rubber content. High-impact grades take drops better, especially in the cold, but are less stiff and less glossy. Medium-impact grades are stiffer and glossier. Compare notched Izod and flexural modulus together.
Does ABS need to be dried?
For good-looking parts, yes. Dry at about 80–95°C / 176–203°F for 2–4 hours, to about 0.1% moisture, or 0.02–0.05% for plating grades.
Tell us the ABS grade you run now
A polymer chemist reviews every request, then matches your grade or finds a qualified equivalent and prices it.
What to send for an accurate quote
- The grade name, from any supplier, or a data sheet
- Color (natural, black or a custom match)
- Fill type and percentage, if any
- Melt flow, if you know it
- Quantity for this order and what you use in a year
- Ship-to city and state or province