Circularity potential
Low
Strength
Medium
Production energy
High
Stiffness
Low
Embodied CO2
Medium
Density
Medium

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is used in so many everyday applications that it has become very familiar. Its combination of impact strength with high quality surface means it finds application in things like protective helmets, toys (Lego), tableware, lighting, containers and consumer electronic devices (mobile phones, headphones, wearable electronics). Meanwhile, its balance of price and mechanical properties make it favourable in applications spanning automotive and furniture. It is a terpolymner that combines the rigidity and performance of acrylonitrile (A) and styrene (S) copolymer with the exceptional toughness of polybutadiene or a butadiene copolymer (B). The versatility of this combination means this plastic can be tailored to a range of requirements. In terms of cost and performance, ABS bridges the gap between high-performance engineering plastics, such as polycarbonate (PC), and commodity polypropylene (PP).

3D print filament
ABS-CF10
Fused deposition modelling (FDM) with 10% carbon fibre

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Sustainability concerns
Non-renewable ingredients
Raw material generates polluting by-products
Microplastics


Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is well suited to 3D printing, due to its relatively low melting point and amorphous structure – it has a wide softening temperature, unlike semi-crystalline materials which go from solid to molten much more quickly. It provides a cost effective solution for parts that have a good balance of strength and durability, and is also able to produce fine details and a good surface finish. It is combined with fillers – such as mineral, glass and carbon fibre – to enhance specific mechanical and electrical properties. And biocompatible grades are available that are suitable for gamma or ETO(ethylene oxide gas) sterilising.

Converting pellets into filament ready for printing adds around 6 MJ/kg and 0.5 kgCO2e/kg.


Design properties
Cost usd/kg
15-30
Embodied energy MJ/kg
102-127
Carbon footprint kgCO2e/kg
4.5-6.6
Density kg/m3
1080
Tensile modulus GPa
3.34
Tensile strength MPa
37.7
Flexural modulus GPa
3.76
Hardness Mohs
2
Melt temperature ºC
220-245
Heat deflection temperature ºC
99
Temperature min-max °C
-40 to 100
Thermal
insulator
Electrical
static dissipative