What You Need to Know About ABS Plastic Molding

Apr 28, 2021

Your Comprehensive Guide on ABS Plastic Molding

ABS is a thermoplastic polymer that is used in the applications of injection molding. This plastic is extremely popular because of its low production cost and flexibility. Moreover, the material can be very easily machined by plastic manufacturers. Due to these reasons, ABS plastic molding is the top choice of plastic manufacturers when it comes to molding.

ABS plastic molding

Want to know more about ABS plastic molding? We will tell you everything you need to know about ABS plastic and its molding process in this article. Keep reading!

What is ABS Plastic?

Also known as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, ABS is a thermoplastic polymer. For those of you who do not know, thermoplastic is completely different from thermoset which refers to the heating process of the materials and how they respond.

For the purpose of ABS plastic molding, the ABS plastic needs to be melted first. The plastic melts at a temperature of 221 degrees Fahrenheit. The best part about ABS plastic is that you can cool it down and reheat the plastic again to its melting point. For this reason, ABS plastic is the most popular plastic used for injection molding.

How is ABS Manufactured?

ABS is manufactured using the process of Emulsion. The emulsion is the process in which the multiple products that do not combine in a single product are mixed. The most common example of an emulsified product is milk. ABS is also manufactured similarly. Another method used for the production of ABS is Continuous Mass Polymerization. But, it is not s common as an emulsion. That’s why manufacturers all over the world prefer the process of emulsion while developing ABS plastic.

What Makes ABS Plastic Turn Yellow?

Sometimes, you may notice that the ABS plastic is turning a bit yellow. You may wonder the reason behind that. Is that because the plastic is toxic or is there some other reason behind the plastic turning yellow? Well, the plastic turns yellow due to the oxidation process.

When ABS plastic reacts with oxygen, natural conditions such as heat and UV lights speed up the process. As a result, the plastic turns into a shade of yellow. So, if you want to turn the color of the plastic back to its original form, you should use hydrogen peroxide on it. But, you must not do it yourself at home. Otherwise, it will damage the material more.

Introduction

ABS plastic molding is a process of engineering plastic molds. It has resilient qualities that allow heat to be absorbed quickly. The process of produces high volumes of plastic of the most excellent quality. Not only this, but it is also used to produce identical batches as well. This is why ABS plastic molding is gaining so much popularity these days. The thermoplastic used in ABS is made up of three kinds of polymers. You can not only find it in electronic, automobile, toy, and steel industries, but you can also spot them incorporated in consumer products.

Why Is ABS Plastic Molding Used So Often?

It is common among manufacturers because ABS is resistant to corrosive chemicals and their physical impact. Moreover, it is extremely easy to machine the plastic and it has a very low melting point as well. The low melting point of the ABS plastic makes it a popular choice in injection molding and 3D printing.

Not only this, but ABS is also inexpensive than other types of plastics used in molding. But, make sure that you do not use ABS plastic in high heat situations. That’s because it has a quite low melting point. All these reasons make it the top choice of the manufacturers.

Is ABS Plastic Molding Toxic?

Some manufacturers believe that ABS plastic molding is toxic. For this reason, they avoid using ABS plastic in the molding process. But, this is not the case. ABS is a completely harmless plastic. Not only this, but it also does not have any carcinogens. Moreover, there are also no known adverse health effects that may arise due to the use of ABS. But, plastic is not suitable for medical implants. So, make sure that you do not use it there. Other than that, it is completely safe to use ABS plastic in other applications.

What Are the Advantages of ABS Plastic Molding?

Want to know what makes ABS plastic molding stand out among other moldings? That’s because of the many advantages the ABS plastic offers to its users. Let’s check out some advantages:

  • Strong impact resistance
  • Strong heat resistance
  • Low cost
  • Scratch resistance
  • Shock absorbance
  • High tensile strength
  • Maintains characteristics in extreme temperature
  • Recyclable
  • Easy to color
  • Easy to glue

Application 

The process is used in many industrial and commercial industries. What makes it a popular choice is its properties such as resistance to heat and chemicals. Below are some common examples 

1.     Automotive Parts

ABS plastic is widely used in the automotive industry to manufacture various automotive parts that are searching for weight reduction. ABS plastic is a great substitute for metals because it is not only light in weight but also cost-effective as well. So, the manufacturers that are searching for a lighter material prefer using ABS plastic.

2.     Home Appliances

A lot o home appliances and consumer goods also prefer using ABS plastic over other plastics. That’s because the products made from ABS plastic are not only budget-friendly but last longer than other home appliances and consumer goods as well.

3.     Electronic and Construction Appliances

ABS plastic is also a popular choice for electronic and construction appliances. You might have noticed ABS plastic being used in computer keyboards and electronic enclosures. On the other hand, construction applications such as pipes and fitting prefer the use of ABS plastic in their manufacturing.

ABS plastic molding

Final Thoughts

ABS plastic is the top choice of the manufacturers when it comes to molding. That’s because of the many benefits plastic has to offer. It is not only flexible but highly cost-effective as well. As a result, it can be adjusted into any kind of manufacturing industry. Looking for more information? Contact us today!