Senoplast Senosan high impact acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) co-extruded with thermoplastic elastomer (TPE-TPS) and thermoformed into an automotive interior component. While the ABS provides impact strength and rigidity, the TPE contributes a tactile and durable surface.

Cross section through an automotive instrument panel (dashboard) featuring BASF Elastoflex polyurethane resin (PUR) foam. This is a safety critical part of the design, as well as important visual and tactile aspect, sitting in front of the driver. In must be able to tolerate some demanding conditions - temperature extremes, direct sunlight and heat through the windshield - while maintaining its appearance for the life of the vehicle. They are made with various material technologies, such as with unpainted polypropylene (PP), or as is the case with higher spec vehicles like this example, using PUR foam between an injection moulded structural carrier and tactile surface foil. The foam bonds the carrier, which is typically PP or polycarbonate blended with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS), to the surface foil to create a smooth profile with soft touch feel. Surface foils include thermoplastic olefin (TPO), and slush moulded thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Image BASF.

Samples of phone back covers using injection moulded PC/ABS with various material integrated by in-mould labelling (IML) and in-mould decoration (IMD). With IML, a film such as PC or PET is printed with colour and graphics, thermoformed and integrated into the injection moulding process by thermoforming and back-injection, locking the print layer between the film and plastic part - the film and moulded plastic form a permanent bond. With IMD, the decorative layer is supplied on a carrier film, which provides support during the moulding process and is removed afterwards, leaving behind the print, hardcoat, or other decoration. With these techniques, fabric, leather, suede, veneer, mirror film, print, haptics and other effects are integrated into the part during moulding, avoiding secondary processes (like printing and painting).

Thermoformed acrylic capped acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS-PMMA), over-moulded on the backside with reaction injection moulded (RIM) polyurethane resin (PUR) for added stiffness. The ABS-PMMA provides a smooth, colourful, durable and UV-resistant outer layer

Arianti Fan by Marco Zanuso for Vortice, 1973, features an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) injection moulded housing.

Tatu light, by André Ricard for Santa & Cole, 1972, made with injection moulded acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)

Twin sheet thermoformed (vacuum formed) acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) ducting for automotive application.