ABS Plastic

ABS Plastic Overview

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is a common thermoplastic made by polymerizing acrylonitrile and styrene in the presence of polybutadiene. Proportions of the component polymers vary from 15-35% acrylonitrile, 5-30% butadiene, and 40-60% Styrene. This mixture results in a material with the strength and rigidity of the acrylonitrile and styrene polymers, and the toughness of the polybutadiene polymer. ABS is available in a wide selection of colors and is most desirable for its impact resistance and toughness. It can be injection molded with ease, making it a common material choice for numerous applications. Some trade names for ABS are CYCOLAC™ and SANTAC™. Laser cutting and engraving can be done using a CO2 laser. Laser marking of white ABS is possible with a fiber laser. Special additives in the ABS plastic react to the 1.06 micron wavelength of the fiber laser to create a black surface mark.

Applicable Laser Processes for ABS Plastic

Laser Cutting
Laser Marking
Laser Engraving