There are many different types of plastics out there that can be used in the manufacturing industry. One of the most popular plastic options is Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). What is ABS plastic and what makes it such a popular option for companies looking to make plastic items?
What is ABS?
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is a very tough, very durable plastic used in a wide variety of manufacturing. The material is popular for several reasons and has become a standard for many industries and companies. Mueller creates plastic parts out of ABS material for many clients.
Benefits of using ABS in manufactured products
There are tons of positives to using Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene when you develop your products. Here are just a few perks of this material:
- Durability – ABS is very tough and impact-resistant. It can withstand major hits and not take on any damage at all. As with most manufactured parts, ABS can be made into a thin or thick form. The thicker the material, the more impact resistance and safety for the parts underneath it.
- Corrosive-resistant – ABS is a plastic, so it does not run the risk of corrosion like a metal. The material is very tough and can avoid breakdown from a wide array of common chemicals. This can be invaluable if the parts being developed are used for protecting other parts of a device.
- Cost-effectiveness – ABS is a very common material. It’s easy to create in a lab and the manufacturing process is simple. This makes it inexpensive to create parts using ABS plastic. A lower cost of production means lower cost to the consumer and potentially more sales.
- Manufacturing simplicity – ABS can be melted and molded very easily during the manufacturing process. The plastic melts quickly at a specific temperature and can be poured into a mold before cooling into a solid. It can also be used in 3D printing to quickly create parts in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Uses for ABS plastic
When it comes to ABS plastic parts, the uses are endless. Nearly every industry out there can benefit from this plastic. Just a few common uses include:
- Pipes
- Fittings
- Keyboard keys
- 3D building material
- Vacuum parts
- Refrigeration parts
ABS plastic and safety
Every company that needs manufactured parts wants to use materials that are safe for the end consumer. Fortunately, ABS plastic is non-toxic and safe to use in a variety of ways. The material doesn’t break down over time or release harmful chemicals. ABS plastic is made to last and made to protect the parts that it covers without causing any health risks for the consumer.
ABS plastic is also fully recyclable. At the end of a product’s lifecycle, the plastic can be melted down and molded once again to form a new part. This saves on production costs and it helps to protect the environment.
Mueller can create any device part you need out of ABS plastic. We can work with you to design and develop the parts that best fit your products and your needs. Give us a call today to discuss your project.
About Mueller Corporation
Founded in 1955, Mueller Corporation offers customers a diversity of vacuum metalized and industrial coatings to satisfy any decorative or functional finishing needs. Mueller Corporation maintains the highest customer satisfaction and quality assurance by continuously investing in its products and its people. With an emphasis on developing innovative coatings through research and development and continual improvement of our process through emerging technologies and applications, Mueller Corporation remains the leader in functional and decorative coatings for brands across the globe.