9 Uses of ABS Plastic

ABS stands for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. ABS plastic is made when acrylonitrile and polystyrene monomers are polymerized with butadiene rubber to create acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). This blending is typically accomplished using an emulsification process. Materials that would otherwise not mix are formulated into a single cohesive product (think milk, where fats, oil, and water do not separate out of solution but exist as a homogenous mixture). There are also patented formulation processes such as continuous mass polymerization, but emulsification is typically the standard approach utilized in creating ABS plastic.

The acrylonitrile in ABS adds to chemical resistance, fatigue resistance, hardness, and rigidity, increasing the heat deflection temperature. The styrene makes ABS shiny, hard, rigid, and easy to process. The polybutadiene in ABS is a rubbery substance that makes it tough and ductile at low temperatures.

This article explains nine uses of ABS plastic and if ABS plastic is good quality. It also addresses whether ABS can be recycled and if ABS plastic is harmful.

1. Gardening Tools

Because ABS is inexpensive and durable, it is often used to manufacture gardening tools. Miniature shovels, rakes, hoes, claws, and other hand tools are often fabricated from ABS to provide for a low-cost, lightweight set of tools managing the garden.

 It is also a first-choice material for plastic toys as it is rugged and colorful.

2. Musical Instruments

ABS plastic is often used to manufacture musical instruments such as recorders and plastic clarinets, as well as tambourines, harmonicas, flutes, bugles, and percussion instruments, to name a few.

3. Medical Applications

ABS is not used for medical implants but has many other medical applications. ABS resins are used because they have exceptional purity, low residual monomers, lot-to-lot consistency, and superior whiteness. ABS plastic medical applications include manufacturing nebulizers, drug delivery systems, compressors, and medical equipment housings.

4. Automotive Industry

ABS is often used as a replacement for metal in the automotive industry. Various automotive parts that look for weight reduction factors use ABS thermoplastic. ABS is commonly used for parts that include dashboard components, seat backs, seat belt components, handles, door loners, pillar trim, and instrument panels.

5. Pipes and Fittings

ABS is used for piping and fittings installed in commercial and residential settings because it is cost-effective. It won’t flake, peel, rot, fade, dissolve, or leak unless punctured. ABS is an ideal choice for use in exterior applications, underground, in the extreme cold, and where it isn’t in contact with direct sunlight. ABS piping is often used in drain, waste, and vent (DWV) piping systems.

6. Vacuum Construction

ABS is also used for vacuums. Most upright and canister cases on vacuums are now made primarily of ABS plastics with steel, polycarbonates, and other high-impact plastics used where additional strength is needed. ABS plastic works well for the large vacuum case designs and housings where an economical, lightweight, and rugged material is required.

7. 3D Building Material

ABS is one of the most popular choices used for 3D building materials. It is more heat resistant than PLA (another popular 3D printing material) but retains the color variety, strength, and manufacturing qualities needed in additive manufacturing processes.

8. Machine Prototype Construction

ABS plastic is commonly used for prototyping. It is used in different rapid prototyping processes, such as 3D printing and injection molding. This plastic is popular due to its reasonable manufacturing cost and ease of use.

9. Electrical and Electronic Applications

ABS plastic is used for electronic applications, including computer keyboards, printer parts, and electronic enclosures, because it is an electrical insulator.