ABS: Properties, Applications and Advantages of the Material with Plasnor

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In sectors such as automotive, industrial packaging or furniture, choosing the right plastic material is key to achieving performance, aesthetics and sustainability.
 Among the most balanced options, ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) stands out for its impact resistance, rigidity and excellent surface finish.
 At Plasnor, specialists in extrusion and thermoforming of technical plastics, we develop customised ABS sheets and rolls adapted to each customer’s requirements.

What is ABS?

ABS is an engineering thermoplastic composed of three components:

  • Acrylonitrile, which provides rigidity and chemical stability.
  • Butadiene, which offers impact resistance.
  • Styrene, which improves gloss and processability.

Thanks to this combination, ABS offers an optimal balance between mechanical performance, ease of processing and aesthetic quality, making it ideal for both functional and decorative parts.

Main Properties of ABS

Property Typical Value Technical Advantage
Tensile strength 40–45 MPa High structural stiffness
IZOD impact ~33 kJ/m² Good impact resistance
Shrinkage 0.4–0.9% Dimensional accuracy
Processability Excellent Ideal for extrusion and thermoforming

ABS can also be modified with other polymers:

  • ABS/PMMA → improved UV resistance and aesthetics
  • ABS/PC → higher impact strength and temperature resistance
  • ASA → superior outdoor performance

Industrial Applications

  • Automotive and transport: housings, trims and thermoformed interior trays combining rigidity with lightness.
  • Industrial packaging: reusable trays and containers with high impact resistance.
  • Furniture and decoration: high-gloss panels and fronts offering outstanding aesthetic quality.
  • Appliances: housings and technical components with a professional finish.
  • Prototyping and R&D: pilot parts or small thermoformed series with excellent processability.

ABS vs. Other Materials

Material Impact UV Temperature Cost Application
ABS ★★★★☆ ★★☆☆☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★☆ General technical / interior
ASA ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆ Outdoor / automotive
ABS/PC ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★ ★★☆☆☆ High technical requirements
PS (HIPS) ★★☆☆☆ ★☆☆☆☆ ★★☆☆☆ ★★★★★ Economic solutions

👉 ABS offers the best balance between performance and cost, making it ideal for industrial indoor projects or parts with aesthetic requirements.

Sustainability and Technical Support

Plasnor is committed to innovation and the circular economy, offering recycled ABS and recycled ABS/PMMA versions that reduce environmental impact without compromising quality.
 In addition, our R&D department ensures quality control, technical support and industrial scalability.

Why Choose ABS from Plasnor

  • Over 50 years of experience in extrusion and thermoforming
  • Custom manufacturing: thicknesses, colours, textures and formats tailored to each project
  • Certifications and global presence, exporting to all five continents
  • Comprehensive technical support, from design to mass production

Conclusion

ABS combines strength, lightness and aesthetics, positioning itself as one of the most versatile options for the design and manufacture of plastic components.
 At Plasnor, we help engineers, manufacturers and packaging managers optimise their products with ABS extrusion and thermoforming solutions tailored to their needs.

📩 Do you need a reliable and customisable technical material?
 Contact our technical team and discover the possibilities of ABS with Plasnor.