The 21st century pleases us not only with new technologies, but also with new materials for the production of certain parts. Recently, ABS plastic has become widespread. We’ll talk about him.
What is ABS plastic?
What is this newfangled material?
This is plastic, which is distinguished by its strength and resistance to shock. He got his name from the first letters of the names of the components included in it:
- Acrylonitrile. Its content in the material can vary from 15% to 35%.
- Butadiene (from 5% to 30%).
- Styrene (from 40% to 60%).
ABS plastic is opaque, most often with a yellowish tint, but it can be painted in different colors. In addition, the sheets can have a different surface: both smooth and embossed. Its heat resistance varies between +110 ... +113 degrees Celsius. It is allowed to use the material at temperatures from -40 to +90 degrees.
Advantages and disadvantages of the material
Like any product, plastic of this type has positive and negative properties.
The benefits include:
- Non-toxicity and safety at work.
- Durability.
- The possibility of re-processing, which makes the production of material cost-effective.
- ABS plastic sheet can be made in various colors.
- Sufficient flexibility. When bent, it does not break and restores its original shape.
- The product can be manufactured with maximum accuracy, which facilitates the process of its installation (for example, on a car).
- It holds paint well.
- With a little heat, it does not deform.
- ABS plastic, the price of which starts at 400 rubles, is an affordable material. This is especially noticeable when compared with various polyurethanes.
As for the shortcomings (mainly in the automotive industry), they are as follows:
- Some types of material are subject to destruction by sunlight. That is why in the USA the production of expensive cars was stopped, the manufacture of which this plastic was used.
- It can lose strength and become brittle at temperatures below -10 degrees.
- If the temperature is above +40 degrees, its surface may become corrugated.
Scopes of ABS plastic
Today, this material is used quite widely in many industries. For instance:
- When creating smart cards (special cards for travel on the subway).
- For the manufacture of large-sized automotive parts, such as bumpers, dashboards, radiator grills.
- In the production of vacuum cleaners, coffee makers, telephones.
- For the manufacture of industrial batteries.
- In sports equipment, there is also ABS plastic.
- To create plumbing equipment and furniture.
- This material found its application in the children's industry. Many toys and designers are made of it.
- It is also used in new-generation 3D printers.
- Often it is used as an additive that increases heat resistance.
As you can see, ABS plastic rightfully takes a leading position among other materials. Its functionality and weather resistance make its use efficient and convenient.