What Is ABS Plastic & CNC Machined ABS Parts
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is a widely utilized thermoplastic polymer in precision CNC machining. Produced via the copolymerization of acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene, ABS’s properties and melting temperature can be tailored by varying the monomer ratios. Additionally, blending ABS with other plastics or additives can extend its functionality to deliver enhanced impact resistance, improved heat resistance, flame retardancy, transparency, reinforcement, and even electroplating compatibility.
In this composite, acrylonitrile enhances heat stability and chemical resistance, butadiene provides superior impact strength and toughness, and styrene contributes excellent formability and rigidity. Typically, ABS appears as a light yellow or milky white granular, non-crystalline resin—a cost-effective engineering plastic ideal for CNC machining. Its excellent machinability makes it well-suited for production-grade parts manufactured via turning, drilling, milling, and lathing processes.
ABS Plastic for CNC Machining: Superior Strength, Thermal Stability, and Precision Finish
Mechanical Strength: ABS offers a commendable balance of toughness, hardness, and rigidity, making it suitable for parts requiring durability and impact resistance.
Thermal Stability: With a glass transition temperature of approximately 105°C, ABS maintains its properties under moderate heat, beneficial during machining processes that generate heat.
Chemical Resistance: The acrylonitrile component enhances ABS’s resistance to various chemicals, contributing to the longevity of machined components.
Machinability: ABS is readily machinable using standard CNC techniques, including turning, drilling, milling, and sawing, facilitating the production of complex geometries with tight tolerances.
Surface Finish: ABS parts can achieve excellent aesthetic qualities, with various gloss levels ranging from matte to high gloss, and are suitable for additional processes like plating or painting.
ABS Plastic for CNC Machining: Superior Strength, Thermal Stability, and Precision Finish
| Performance | Universal | Medium impact type | High impact type | Heat-resistant type | Electroplating type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Density/(g/cm³) | 1.02-1.06 | 1.04-1.05 | 1.02-1.04 | 1.04-1.06 | 1.04-1.06 |
| Tensile strength/MPa | 33-52 | 41-47 | 33-44 | 41-52 | 38-44 |
| Elongation(%) | 10-20 | 15-50 | 15-70 | 5-20 | 10-30 |
| Bending strength/MPa | 68-87 | 68-80 | 55-68 | 68-90 | 69-80 |
| Flexural elastic modulus/GPa | 2.0-2.6 | 2.2-2.5 | 1.8-2.2 | 2.1-2.8 | 2.3-2.7 |
| Izod notched impact strength (23℃)/(J/m) | 105-215 | 215-375 | 375-440 | 120-320 | 265-375 |
| Rockwell hardness (R) | 100-110 | 95-105 | 88-100 | 100-112 | 103-110 |
| Heat distortion temperature (1.82MPa)/℃ | 87-96 | 89-96 | 91-100 | 105-121 | 95-100 |
| Linear expansion coefficient/(10⁻⁵/℃) | 7.0-8.8 | 7.8-8.8 | 9.5-11 | 6.4-9.3 | 6.5-7.0 |