In its original form, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer is a colorless thermoplastic obtained by copolymerizing polybutadiene with other monomers. Even in this untreated form, ABS impresses with a whole range of outstanding properties:

• Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer can be easily printed, painted and even chrome-plated.
• Its high impact strength makes ABS an ideal material for car headlights and curved window fronts.
• ABS is rigid, scratch-resistant, highly dimensionally stable and impact-resistant.
• Temperature resistance up to about 100 °C allows a wide range of uses.

In addition, sustainable production is possible because acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer has outstanding recycling properties.

But in its basic form, ABS has not yet fully developed all its advantages. The plastic is made even more versatile by a large number of different processing options.

By adding suitable color pigments, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer can be colored in almost any desired shade during synthesis. This includes all standard colors as well as neon colors and even metallic shades.
For large ABS moldings, it may be more economical to forgo coloring and consider painting the finished part instead. The high polarity of the plastic provides an ideal adhesion substrate for spray and brush-on coatings.
In prototyping, this type of surface treatment is also an option for cost reasons and because of its greater flexibility.
Various processes are available for molding acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer. On the one hand, ABS can be shaped into the desired form during synthesis. The injection molding and extrusion processes are suitable for this purpose. The liquid thermoplastic is poured or extruded into a suitable mold.
extruded. Since ABS is very dimensionally stable, only slight shrinkage must be expected during cooling.
ABS sheets can also be formed by moderate heating. This process using thermal energy is known as thermoforming.
Cured ABS parts can also be processed using the following techniques:

• bonding
• welding
• bolting
• machining

We will be happy to explain these techniques to you in more detail and are open to your special requests. Just get in touch with us. The ABS experts at Sattler SCM will find a solution for this much sought-after and reliable material.

Due to its unique properties, there is hardly an industrial sector in which acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer is not used. Its non-toxicity and dimensional stability allow ABS to move into every child's room, especially in the form of construction toys, clamping bricks or play figures. But anyone who thinks acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer is just a children's toy is mistaken. 40 percent of global ABS production is used for kitchen and household appliances. Another 26 percent is used in the manufacture of electrical and electronic applications. Other industries in which ABS is used include:

• the automotive industry - for the production of headlight lenses
• the construction industry - for lightweight and curved facade components
• medical technology - for the production of food-safe disposables
• leisure - for the production of toys or protective clothing

Our team at Sattler SCM is always on the lookout for new and innovative applications for molded parts made of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer.