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Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene

Machining ABS natural

Impact-resistant, economical standard thermoplastic with excellent surface quality. We machine housings, prototypes and functional parts to drawing, from batch size 1.

Overview

What is ABS natural?

ABS natural is an amorphous standard engineering thermoplastic based on acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer. The combination of a stiff styrene-acrylonitrile matrix and an embedded butadiene rubber phase results in a material with high impact strength, good stiffness and excellent surface quality – at economical cost.

Trade names: ABS natural, SUSTAABS®
Density1.04 g/cm³Yield stress38 MPaService temp.-40 to 80 °C
Data sheet

Technical data

Typical average values for ABS natural, secured by continuous statistical testing. No legally binding warranty of specific properties. Actual values may deviate depending on semi-finished stock and grade.
PropertyValueTest method
General Properties
Density1.04 g/cm³DIN EN ISO 1183-1
Water absorption0.30 %DIN EN ISO 62
Flammability (thickness 3 mm / 6 mm)HB/HBUL 94
Mechanical Properties
Yield stress38 MPaDIN EN ISO 527
Elongation at break50 %DIN EN ISO 527
Tensile modulus2,000 MPaDIN EN ISO 527
Notched impact strength25.0 kJ/m²DIN EN ISO 179
Ball indentation hardness90 MPaDIN EN ISO 2039-1
Shore hardness74 scale DDIN EN ISO 868
Thermal Properties
Thermal conductivity0.17 W/(m·K)DIN 52612-1
Thermal capacity1.20 kJ/(kg·K)DIN 52612
Coefficient of linear thermal expansion90 ·10⁻⁶/KDIN 53752
Service temperature, long-term-40 to 80 °CAverage
Service temperature, short-term (max.)100 °CAverage
Electrical Properties
Dielectric constant3.1IEC 60250
Dissipation factor0.015IEC 60250
Volume resistivity10¹⁵ Ω·cmDIN EN 62631-3-1
Surface resistivity10¹⁴ ΩDIN EN 62631-3-2
Frequently asked questions

ABS natural in detail

1What is ABS natural?+

ABS natural is an amorphous standard engineering thermoplastic based on acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer. The combination of a stiff styrene-acrylonitrile matrix and an embedded butadiene rubber phase results in a material with high impact strength, good stiffness and excellent surface quality – at economical cost. It combines a yield stress of 38 MPa and a tensile modulus of 2,000 MPa with a notched impact strength of 25 kJ/m², largely retained even at low temperatures down to −40 °C.

2How does Liedtke machine ABS natural?+

ABS natural can be machined well using all conventional cutting methods; sharp tools and good cooling via chip removal avoid heat build-up and stress cracking. Cooling lubricants must be compatible with ABS – ketones, esters and aromatic solvents must be avoided – if in doubt, machine dry or with compressed air. For tight tolerances and thick-walled parts, we recommend intermediate annealing to relieve machining stresses.

3When should I choose ABS natural?+

ABS natural is used wherever impact-resistant, dimensionally stable and visually appealing parts are to be produced economically at moderate temperatures:

  • Housings, covers and panels
  • Prototypes, models and fixture parts
  • Brackets, handles and control elements
4What determines the price of an ABS natural part?+

ABS natural is calculated individually based on drawing or sample. The part price is mainly determined by the stock form and dimension, material utilisation (waste), machining effort and batch size. We are happy to quote binding prices on request.

5When is ABS natural not the right choice?+

Just as important are the limits of the material:

  • Continuous service temperature only 80 °C
  • Not resistant to ketones, esters and aromatic solvents
  • Limited UV and weathering resistance, normally flammable (UL 94 HB)
  • Not generally declared for food contact
6Advantages and disadvantages of ABS natural+

An honest assessment:

  • Advantage: High impact strength, even at low temperatures
  • Advantage: Very good machinability, easy to bond, print and paint
  • Advantage: Good stiffness and dimensional stability, good surface quality
  • Advantage: Economical standard plastic
  • Disadvantage: Continuous service temperature only 80 °C
  • Disadvantage: Not resistant to ketones, esters and aromatic solvents
  • Disadvantage: Limited UV and weathering resistance, normally flammable
  • Disadvantage: Not generally declared for food contact (see FDA declaration)

Typical properties

  • High impact strength
  • Good machinability
  • Easy to print and bond
  • Economical standard plastic

Typical industries

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Consumer Goods Industry
  • Electrical Industry
Data sheets · Compliance

Downloads for ABS natural

→ All data sheets in the download area

Related materials

Request a quotation for your ABS part

A drawing or a sample is enough. We calculate concretely and advise openly whether ABS natural is optimal for your application or an alternative makes more sense.

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