ABS is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is a type of thermoplastic polymer that is injection molded to make different parts. This polymer is inexpensive and assures great durability. It is easy to machine, which makes it an easy choice to make parts for the automotive and electrical industry, commercial applications, and building and construction industry. Having said that, it is quite obvious to think why choose ABS plastic for injection molding? Read the below post to learn more about ABS plastic for injection molding
What is ABS Plastic?
ABS plastic is a combination of three organic compounds – acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. In this, the acrylonitrile provides hardness, as well as chemical and heat resistance. However, butadiene lends impact resistance and toughness. The styrene compound lends strength, gloss, and processibility. ABS lacks strength to resist weather and sunlight by its own. Various types of filler materials like acrylic, nylon, glass, and stainless steel fibers are used to improve strength of the material to make it outdoor friendly.
Material Properties of ABS for Injection Molding
Water absorption and mold shrinkage are two typical material properties that needs to be taken into consideration for an injection molding polymer. These properties show their relationship to processing and drying.
- Mold shrinkage: This is the material shrinkage rate of the plastic and allows plastic molders to calculate the size of the final finished product. Material shrinkage rate of ABS is 0.0040 to 0.0070 inches
- Water Absorption Rate: The plastic absorbs water and swells in weight when it is immersed in distilled water for 24 hours at 23 degree Celsius. This increase in weight is known as water absorption rate. Water absorption rate of ABS plastic is 0.16 to 0.25%.
- Drying Temperatures: This is the temperature at which the molded part dries completely. Drying temperature of ABS plastic is 176 °F to 180°F.
- Drying Time: The plastic takes 2 to 9 hour drying
- Melt Temperature: The melt temperature of ABS plastic is 410° to 500° F
Amazing Advantages of ABS Plastics for Injection Molding
The plastic is opaque and makes an ideal choice for applications that need strong and durable plastic that can withstand impact.
- ABS plastics is cheaper as compared to other plastic resins
- The plastic has high tensile strength
- Due to its chemical resistance property, it is considered as the best plastic for injection molding.
- ABS plastic is a versatile material as it is available in various colors, surface texture and can be given desired shade
- It is a light weight plastic which is easy to mold and get desired shape
- ABS plastics is recyclable
- It resists oils, acids, and alkalis
- It assures excellent ductility, creep resistance, and stability under the load
- It contains excellent tensile strength and stiffness
ABS Plastic Injection Molding Applications
Some common applications of ABS plastic injection molding involve:
- Electronic Appliances
- Automotive
- Food and Beverages
- Sports Equipment
- Fittings
If you are a plastic injection molder looking for high quality ABS plastic in high volumes ensure to source from trusted plastic suppliers like Mid Continent Plastics. The company offers different resins including ABS Plastic in different grades, forms, and colors. The experts at the company can assist you with the selection. The company can sell you raw materials in any volume size. You can get in touch with experts at the company for any queries on ABS plastic.
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