ABS Injection Molding Guide

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Applications, Benefits & Molding Tips

ABS is a widely used thermoplastic known for its balance of strength, toughness, and ease of processing. Developed in the 1940s, this polymer blend remains one of the top choices for industrial and consumer applications alike.

What Is ABS?

ABS is a copolymer made from three components:

Acrylonitrile: Adds heat resistance and chemical stability
Butadiene: Contributes to impact resistance and toughness
Styrene: Improves surface finish, rigidity, and processability

The proportions of these monomers can be adjusted to tailor performance characteristics, making ABS extremely versatile.

ABS is opaque, slightly yellow in color, and generally comes in pellets or beads. It’s non-toxic, has low water absorption, and offers a balanced mix of mechanical and aesthetic properties.

ABS Applications

ABS is a top 3 plastic used in the automotive industry and is also widely applied in household and electronic products:

Automotive

Grilles, bumpers, mirror housings
Interior trims: dashboards, glove compartments, knobs
Under-hood components like piping and casings

Appliances

Refrigerator linings, vacuum cleaner housings
Kitchenware, air conditioner panels, humidifiers

Electronics

Device enclosures, printer parts, keyboard frames
Consumer goods: audio/video devices, remote controls

Other Uses

Toys, furniture, plumbing fixtures, power tools

Advantages of ABS Plastic

High impact resistance
Good dimensional stability
Easy to mold and post-process (can be plated, painted, welded)
Resistant to many chemicals
Cost-effective for medium- and high-volume production

ABS Injection Molding Guidelines

Injection molding is the most common manufacturing process for ABS. For high-quality results, careful attention must be paid to the following parameters:

1. Drying Requirements

ABS absorbs moisture during storage. If not properly dried, moisture can cause surface defects like bubbles or streaks.

Target moisture: below 0.05%, ideally under 0.02%
Drying temp/time: 80–90 °C for 3–4 hours

2. Injection Temperature

ABS has a relatively narrow thermal processing window.

Recommended range: 220–250 °C
Avoid overheating, as it leads to degradation and loss of mechanical properties

3. Injection Pressure

ABS requires moderately high pressure due to its viscosity.

Typical range: 700–1300 bar
Higher pressure may improve fill but can cause sticking or burning if excessive

4. Injection Speed

Moderate speeds yield the best surface finish and part integrity.

Tip: For thin-walled parts, higher speed may be necessary to ensure complete fill

5. Mold Temperature

ABS performs better with elevated mold temperatures to ensure good flow and reduce stress.

Recommended: 70–85 °C
Consider pre-heating large, thin-walled molds to avoid short shots or warping

6. Shot Volume

Recommended: Use 50–75% of the injection unit’s max volume for stability and quality

Final Thoughts

ABS is a go-to material in industries demanding strong, lightweight, and well-finished parts. With proper handling—especially during drying and molding—it delivers consistent, attractive, and durable results across a broad range of applications.

Need support choosing the right grade of ABS for your next project? Our team can help you select the optimal formulation and processing setup for performance, aesthetics, and cost-efficiency.