ABS Plastic Properties, Density & Applications: Complete Engineering Reference
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is one of the most widely used engineering thermoplastics — from automotive dashboards to LEGO bricks. This reference covers ABS density, mechanical properties, hardness, thermal limits, grade-by-grade data, and application selection guidance, with values sourced to ASTM test standards.
Design use disclaimer
Property values below are representative ranges for standard commercial grades at 23°C. Actual values vary by manufacturer, specific grade, and processing conditions. Always verify against your material supplier's technical data sheet (TDS) for engineering design decisions.
What Is ABS Plastic?
ABS is a terpolymer — a blend of three monomers that each contribute distinct properties to the final material:
| Monomer | Typical Content | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylonitrile (A) | 15–35% | Chemical resistance, thermal stability, surface hardness |
| Butadiene (B) | 5–30% | Impact toughness, low-temperature ductility, flexibility |
| Styrene (S) | 40–60% | Rigidity, processability, gloss, ease of painting and bonding |
Adjusting the ratio of these three monomers is how manufacturers produce the different ABS grades — increasing butadiene content raises impact resistance while reducing stiffness and heat resistance; increasing acrylonitrile content improves chemical resistance and thermal stability.
ABS Plastic Density (g/cm³ and kg/m³)
Measured per ASTM D792 / ISO 1183 at 23°C.
| ABS Grade | Density (g/cm³) | Density (kg/m³) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard / Natural ABS | 1.04–1.06 | 1040–1060 | Nominal: 1.05 g/cm³ |
| High-Impact ABS | 1.04–1.08 | 1040–1080 | Higher rubber content; some grades slightly denser |
| Flame Retardant ABS (V-0) | 1.18–1.22 | 1180–1220 | Halogenated additives significantly increase density |
| 20% Glass-Filled ABS | 1.19–1.22 | 1190–1220 | Glass fiber (~2.5 g/cm³) raises density ~15% |
ABS Mechanical Properties
Values for standard unfilled ABS at 23°C unless noted. All test standards are ASTM.
| Property | Standard ABS | High-Impact ABS | 20% GF ABS | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 40–50 MPa | 35–45 MPa | 65–80 MPa | ASTM D638 |
| Yield Strength | 35–50 MPa | 30–45 MPa | 55–70 MPa | ASTM D638 |
| Elongation at Break | 5–25% | 20–50% | 2–5% | ASTM D638 |
| Flexural Strength | 55–80 MPa | 50–70 MPa | 90–120 MPa | ASTM D790 |
| Flexural Modulus | 2.0–2.8 GPa | 1.8–2.5 GPa | 5.5–7.5 GPa | ASTM D790 |
| Notched Izod Impact | 100–200 J/m | 200–400 J/m | 80–120 J/m | ASTM D256 |
| Hardness (Rockwell R) | 100–115 | 95–110 | 108–120 | ASTM D785 |
| Hardness (Shore D approx.) | ~70–80 | ~65–78 | ~80–85 | ASTM D2240 |
ABS Thermal Properties & Temperature Ratings
ABS is classified as a semi-rigid thermoplastic with moderate heat resistance. It is not suitable for prolonged exposure above 80°C for structural applications.
| Property | Standard ABS | 20% GF ABS | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDT at 1.82 MPa | 80–100°C | 95–110°C | ASTM D648 |
| HDT at 0.45 MPa | 95–110°C | 108–120°C | ASTM D648 |
| Glass Transition Temp (Tg) | 100–115°C | 100–115°C | DSC / ASTM E1356 |
| Continuous Service Temp | −40°C to +80°C | −40°C to +90°C | UL 746B |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 70–110 × 10⁻⁶/°C | 30–50 × 10⁻⁶/°C | ASTM E831 |
| Mold Shrinkage | 0.4–0.8% | 0.1–0.4% | ASTM D955 |
| Flammability (UL 94) | HB | HB | UL 94 |
ABS Chemical Resistance
ABS has moderate chemical resistance. Its acrylonitrile content provides resistance to dilute acids and alkalis, but the styrene phase makes it vulnerable to aromatic and chlorinated solvents.
Good Resistance
- Dilute acids (HCl, H₂SO₄)
- Dilute alkalis (NaOH)
- Water and salt solutions
- Mineral oils and greases
- Aliphatic hydrocarbons
Limited / Variable
- Concentrated acids
- Alcohols (methanol, ethanol)
- Vegetable oils
- Hydraulic fluids
- Weak oxidising agents
Poor Resistance — Avoid
- Acetone and ketones
- Esters (ethyl acetate)
- Aromatic solvents (toluene)
- Chlorinated solvents
- Concentrated oxidising acids
Note: Acetone dissolves ABS — this is intentionally used for smoothing 3D-printed ABS surfaces and for solvent welding ABS parts. Keep this in mind when selecting cleaning agents or assembly processes.
ABS Plastic Applications by Industry
Automotive Interior
ABS is the dominant material for automotive interior trim — dashboards, door panels, centre consoles, instrument bezels, and glove compartment housings. The reasons: ABS accepts paint and textured surfaces reliably, has sufficient impact resistance for daily use, and can be moulded into complex shapes with good dimensional repeatability. High-gloss ABS is used for interior trim requiring a Class A surface finish without painting.
Key grade: Standard or medium-impact ABS. Note: UV-stabilised grades are required for any surface with sun exposure.
Consumer Electronics & Appliances
Computer keyboards, monitor housings, TV bezels, power tool housings, and small appliance bodies are commonly ABS. The UL 94 HB flame rating of standard ABS is acceptable for many Class II devices; where UL 94 V-0 is required (computers, UPS units, server housings), flame-retardant ABS is specified. ABS also accepts EMI shielding via electroless plating or conductive coating more readily than most thermoplastics.
Key grades: Standard ABS for general housings; FR-ABS for UL 94 V-0 rated enclosures.
3D Printing (FDM / FFF)
ABS is one of the two original FDM materials alongside PLA. It offers better temperature resistance than PLA (HDT ~80–95°C vs ~50–60°C for PLA) and superior toughness for functional parts. ABS can be smoothed with acetone vapour for improved surface finish. Key challenges: warping during printing (requires enclosed printer and heated bed at 90–110°C) and fume emission (requires ventilation). Print at 220–250°C nozzle temperature.
Practical note: ABS shrinks approximately 0.6–0.8% on cooling — design with this in mind for dimensionally critical FDM parts.
Pipe & Fittings (DWV Systems)
ABS pipe (ASTM D1527) and fittings (ASTM D2661) are widely used in drain, waste, and vent (DWV) plumbing in North America. ABS pipe is lighter than cast iron, easier to cut and join (solvent cement), and resistant to common drain chemicals. Note that ABS DWV pipe is not approved for pressurised water supply; CPVC or PEX are specified for that application.
Key standard: ASTM D1527 (ABS plastic pipe), ASTM D2661 (ABS DWV fittings).
Electroplated & Decorative Parts
ABS is uniquely well-suited to electroplating among common thermoplastics. The butadiene rubber phase is selectively etched by chromic acid during pre-treatment, creating a mechanical interlocking surface that allows copper, nickel, and chrome layers to adhere. Electroplated ABS is used for automotive trim (chrome grilles, door handles), bathroom hardware, and decorative consumer goods. Not all ABS grades are plating-grade — confirm with your supplier.
ABS vs Other Plastics — Selection Guide
| Property | ABS | Polycarbonate (PC) | Nylon 6/6 | Polypropylene (PP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Density (g/cm³) | 1.05 | 1.20 | 1.14 | 0.91 |
| Max service temp | ~80°C | ~125°C | ~100°C | ~90°C |
| Impact resistance | Good | Excellent | Good | Fair–Good |
| Surface finish / paintability | Excellent | Good | Fair | Poor |
| Chemical resistance | Moderate | Moderate | Good | Excellent |
| Electroplatability | Excellent | Poor | Poor | Poor |
| Relative cost | Low–Moderate | High | Moderate | Low |
| FDA food contact | No (standard grades) | Some grades | Some grades | Yes (21 CFR) |
Processing Parameters
Injection Moulding
- Melt temp: 220–270°C
- Mould temp: 40–80°C
- Injection pressure: 80–140 MPa
- Drying: 80°C for 2–4 hrs
- Shrinkage: 0.4–0.8%
Extrusion / Sheet
- Barrel temp: 180–240°C
- Die temp: 200–220°C
- Output: Sheet, rod, profile, tube
- Thermoforming: 150–180°C
FDM 3D Printing
- Nozzle temp: 220–250°C
- Bed temp: 90–110°C
- Enclosure: Required
- Cooling fan: Off or minimal
- Acetone smoothing: Compatible
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the density of ABS plastic in g/cm³?
Standard ABS density is 1.04–1.06 g/cm³ (ASTM D792), with 1.05 g/cm³ used as the nominal value. Flame retardant ABS is 1.18–1.22 g/cm³ and 20% glass-filled ABS is 1.19–1.22 g/cm³. In kg/m³, standard ABS is 1040–1060 kg/m³.
What is the tensile strength of ABS plastic?
Standard ABS tensile strength (ASTM D638) is 40–50 MPa. High-impact grades are lower (35–45 MPa) due to rubber modification trading some tensile strength for toughness. 20% glass-filled ABS reaches 65–80 MPa. Yield strength for standard ABS is approximately 35–50 MPa — close to the ultimate tensile strength since ABS doesn't have a sharp yield point.
What is the hardness of ABS plastic?
ABS hardness is Rockwell R 100–115 (ASTM D785) for standard grades, equivalent to approximately Shore D 70–80. High-impact grades are slightly softer (Rockwell R 95–110) due to higher rubber content. Glass-filled grades are harder (Rockwell R 108–120). ABS is harder than polyolefins (HDPE, PP) but softer than POM/Delrin and Nylon.
What is the heat deflection temperature of ABS?
ABS heat deflection temperature at 1.82 MPa (ASTM D648) is 80–100°C for standard grades. Glass-filled ABS reaches 95–110°C. The glass transition temperature (Tg) is 100–115°C — above this ABS softens rapidly. For continuous load-bearing use, limit service temperature to 10–20°C below the HDT figure — typically 70–80°C for standard grades.
Is ABS plastic FDA approved for food contact?
Standard ABS grades are not FDA approved for direct food contact. ABS is not listed in 21 CFR 177 for food contact use. For machined food-contact components, HDPE, PP, or appropriately-graded Nylon are the standard alternatives. Some specialty ABS formulations with FDA-compliant additive packages exist but must be explicitly confirmed with the material supplier.
What are the main applications of ABS plastic?
ABS is primarily used in automotive interior trim (dashboards, panels, bezels), consumer electronics housings (keyboards, monitors, appliances), FDM 3D printing, DWV plumbing pipe and fittings, electroplated decorative components, and toys (LEGO bricks use ABS). It is chosen for its combination of good impact resistance, excellent surface quality for painting and plating, and ease of injection moulding.
Calculate ABS Part Weight
Use our ABS weight calculator to get instant weight for any grade, shape, and dimension — metric or imperial, with all four ABS grades covered.