ABS Injection Molding Basics
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a versatile type of thermoplastic and ABS injection molding is popular because of its versatility. The Acrylonitrile brings hardness and resistance to chemicals and heat, Butadiene brings resistance, and Styrene brings strength and a glossy surface. Common products made from ABS and in the ABS injection molding process are computer cover cases, food processors, Legos, medical compressors, and much more.
ABS Injection Molding Process
ABS plastic starts as a pellet that is melted and injected into a cavity to mold it into an ABS plastic part. The ABS part is ejected and the process starts again. Adding filler materials with ABS plastic alters the process, more specifically the temperatures and times, during injection molding.
5 Reasons to Use ABS Injection Molding
There are various benefits to using ABS injection molding for your plastic products. There is a wider range of applications than many realize for this tough plastic. Here are some reasons to use ABS injection molding:
Recyclability
ABS plastic is completely recyclable so it can be remelted without burning it or chemically degrading the plastic. Recyclability is also desirable as it is a more affordable option than getting new ABS pellets. Although ABS plastic is recyclable, it is not biodegradable. Another aspect to note, when ABS is burned it emanates an abundant amount of smoke, which could be a pollution concern.
The recycling process starts by gathering the ABS by itself, then grinding the pieces into a granular form. Lastly, the granular pieces are melted and reformed into sheets, filaments, or they are directly fed back into the injection molding machine.
Resistance
ABS plastic is very resistant to chemical corrosion and physical deterioration. ABS plastic products have a shock absorbance property that makes them ideal for a wide range of applications. Scratch resistant properties are a reason why ABS plastic products are popular in the automotive industry.
Strength
ABS plastic has good impact strength because of the elasticity of ABS plastic. ABS plastic will not be used for hard safety plastic applications but it is strong enough for domestic purposes. To impart additional strength, different materials can also be added like glass, stainless steel fibers, and acrylic.
Low Cost
The melting temperature is low, so less energy is needed to melt the ABS pellets. A downside of having low melting temperatures is that ABS is not the right choice in high temperature applications. The ABS pellets are low cost and very easy for injection molding. ABS cools and hardens very quickly because that output will be maximized from the little down time, leaving a more friendly cost.
Alterations
ABS is transparent naturally so it is very easy to add colors to it. The chemical structure of ABS plastic makes it very compatible to use glue or paint the ABS plastic products. Also, ABS properties make mechanical post processing fairly easy.
Is ABS Injection Molding Right For You?
If you are looking for a sturdy plastic piece for domestic use, ABS plastic injection molding is a good choice for you. ABS is harmless since it has had no result in damaging health to those exposed to it. The ability to alter the color and versatility of the piece make this a desirable option for a wide range of applications, within so many fields ABS plastic products can be used.
The flexibility of ABS to alter it, mold it, and how many different products you can use on it are what makes ABS a common choice for manufacturers. When you are making your decision on what type of plastic you want to use, you should make ABS plastic products.