Applications Best Suited for ABS Plastic Sheets

In the manufacturing industry, there’s a large variety of different plastics that lend themselves to specific applications due to their inherent characteristics. Strength, durability, texture, melting point and other factors must be taken into account when choosing the right plastic material for a project.

One of the most common plastics is ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), or engineering plastic. Manufacturers often replace other types of plastic with ABS sheets—it’s a low-cost alternative that provides enhanced durability compared to other options.

Here are some of the applications that are best suited for this form of plastic material.

3D-printed components

The 3D printing industry has exploded in recent years as technology continues to develop, and ABS plastics are being widely used in the 3D printing process. ABS filaments are fed through a machine that heats up the material as it’s fed through the machine. As the plastic cools, it creates a finished product that accurately reflects the design that’s programmed into the machine.

Why is ABS so popular for 3D printing? It’s more difficult to print than PLA (polylactic acid) plastic, but it’s also resistant to impact and high temperatures. ABS also creates smooth, shiny surfaces that can be welded by chemical processes. In short, using ABS for 3D-printing products makes more durable, better-looking products.

Automotive components

ABS sheets are widely used in the automotive industry for some of the most common components in a vehicle. Dashboards, steering wheel covers and body parts are commonly made of ABS due to its strength and low-temperature resistance. It’s also lightweight, and choosing ABS over similar products can decrease the weight of a vehicle by as much as 10 percent.

Pipes and fittings

ABS is a great alternative to metal when it comes to the manufacture of pipes and fittings. It’s resistant to rot, mold and corrosion, withstanding even the most difficult conditions like wastewater movement. It’s also a better choice than standard PVC, since pipes made with ABS are more impact-resistant and won’t break in low-temperature environments.

Prototyping

ABS plastic lends itself to the prototyping industry due to its flexibility. It can be molded much more easily compared to other plastics. Prototyping, particularly in the machinery industry, is moving to the use of ABS plastic, since the end result can feature a smooth surface that’s ideal for painting. It’s also low-cost, which is another important consideration due to the trial-and-error nature of prototyping.

Vacuum components

Many vacuum cleaners and vacuum parts are made using ABS plastic sheeting. It results in rigid parts that are incredibly durable, and manufacturers have flexibility in terms of color. Components can be highly scratch-resistant, since ABS can be formed with a textured finish that hides scratches. For vacuum cleaners and other items that see heavy use, there’s no better choice of material.

ABS sheets are well suited for a variety of manufacturing applications. Whether you’re in the prototyping industry or you’re looking to create products yourself using a 3D printer, ABS is an economical choice that offers enhanced durability compared to other materials. Contact D&D Plastics to learn more about the various types of plastics and to discover which option is best for your applications.

Categorised in: ABS Sheets

This post was written by Writer