ABS is the everyday engineering resin for housings, consoles, appliance parts and toys: tough, good looking and easy to mold. Its properties depend a lot on rubber content, so grades range from stiff and glossy to high impact.
Typical ABS properties
| Property | Typical value | US units | Test method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.03–1.07 g/cm³ | 0.037–0.039 lb/in³ | ASTM D792 / ISO 1183 |
| Tensile strength | 35–50 MPa | 5,100–7,300 psi | ASTM D638 / ISO 527 |
| Flexural modulus | 2.0–2.6 GPa | 290,000–377,000 psi | ASTM D790 / ISO 178 |
| Notched Izod impact | 150–400 J/m | 2.8–7.5 ft·lb/in | ASTM D256 |
| Heat deflection, 1.8 MPa (264 psi) | 80–100°C | 176–212°F | ASTM D648 / ISO 75 |
| Water absorption, 24 h | 0.20–0.40% | ASTM D570 / ISO 62 | |
| Mold shrinkage | 0.4–0.7% | 0.004–0.007 in/in | ASTM D955 / ISO 294-4 |
Typical ranges for standard grades, dry as molded, from published data sheets. Your grade’s own data sheet and the lot COA are what count. Notched Izod uses 3.2 mm (1/8 in) bars.
Processing and drying
| Processing | Typical |
|---|---|
| Melt temperature | 425–525°F / 218–274°C / FR grades never above 475°F / 246°C |
| Mold temperature | 80–180°F / 27–82°C |
| Drying | 176–203°F / 80–95°C, 2–4 h |
| Target moisture | 0.1% general / 0.02–0.05% plating |
| Max barrel residence | Not published |
| General | Typical |
|---|---|
| Clarity | Opaque |
| Chemical resistance | Fair: oils fine; ketones and esters attack it |
Starting points only. See the full processing temperature chart and drying guide for every resin.
What changes these numbers
- Rubber content. More rubber means more impact and less stiffness and heat resistance. Compare grades on both, not just one.
- Heat. Standard ABS deflects at about 80–100°C. Heat-resistant grades go higher.
- Outdoors. ABS yellows and gets brittle in sunlight. Use ASA, a cap layer or paint for outdoor parts.
- Chemicals. Ketones, esters and some cleaners attack ABS and can crack stressed parts.
Common ABS grades
- General-purpose grades
- High-impact grades
- High-heat grades
- High-gloss grades
- Plating grades
- Flame-retardant grades
- Extrusion grades
Common questions
What is the density of ABS?
Typically about 1.03–1.07 g/cm³ (0.037–0.039 lb/in³).
What temperature does ABS melt at?
ABS has no sharp melting point because it is amorphous. It is molded at about 218–274°C (425–525°F) and softens under load at about 80–100°C.
Does ABS need drying?
For good-looking parts, yes. Dry at about 80–95°C (176–203°F) for 2–4 hours, to about 0.1%, or 0.02–0.05% for plating.
Need ABS, or something close?
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