ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): A Durable, Versatile Thermoplastic for Today's Applications

Despite trends and preferences changing rapidly in the plastics industry, one thing that hasn't changed is the use of and our support of ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic—a fixture and staple plastic consistently used in the industry. We see ABS in automotive dashboards, electronic housings, display housings, as well as a variety of applications as a 3D printed prototype or sub-assembly part. ABS plastic has a unique engineering combination of strength, machinability, and cost! Welch Plastics specializes in bringing you high-performance ABS plastic sheet, ABS plastic rod, and custom-fabricated parts and components for consumer goods, digital goods, or industrial automation products.

As a plastic manufacturer out of Las Vegas, we specialize in ABS and have seen the use of ABS evolve considerably in performance and desire through the years. If you're looking for signs that use ABS sheets, custom fabrication for enclosures, or injection molding material, we can help.

In this guide, we introduce you to what ABS is as a plastic, the reasons we still count on and love it in 2025 for our applications, as well as explore some common applications we see, our capabilities to fabricate and produce ABS, and how you can purchase from us at Welch Plastics.

What is ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)?

ABS is a terpolymer plastic made from three different monomers:

• Acrylonitrile for thermal stability and chemical resistance
• Butadiene for impact strength and toughness
• Styrene provides gloss and rigidity

The chemistry of ABS gives them properties that are suitable for many applications in many types of products. The lightweight, strong, rigid, impact-resistant, and fully machinable properties are valued. ABS sheets, rods, and filaments are all available as raw materials that can be worked on with CNC machining, thermoforming, custom fabrication, injection molding, and through 3D printing.

What are the Key Properties of ABS Plastic?

ABS has suitable performance properties for nearly every industry, with elasticity and absorbency characteristics:

1. Impact resistance

ABS absorbs impact without cracking and is effective for all rugged-type use to replace metallic parts. ABS works perfectly for automotive displays or panel use and protects electronics as durable housing. 

2. Machinability & Fabrication Ease 

This is, without question, an easy material to drill, route, weld, cut, and engrave, and it's great for custom plastic fabrication, rapid prototyping, and ultimately for making complex parts in production.

3. Thermal & Chemical Resistance 

ABS can withstand a wide range of temperatures and many acids, alkalis, and oils.

4. Surface Finish & Aesthetic Appearance 

ABS comes in a matte or glossy surface, and it easily bonds to paint, silkscreening, or vinyl adhesives (especially red vinyl), which makes it an ideal choice for point-of-purchase displays or branded products.

5. Rigidity & Dimensional Stability 

ABS is load-bearing and retains its integrity under normal mechanical loads, which means good dimensional stability over time.

Electrical Insulation ABS has good electrical insulating characteristics, so it is often used for electronic enclosures and covers, switchgear, panels, and housings.

Comparing ABS vs. Other Engineering Plastics

Property	ABS	Polycarbonate (PC)	Acrylic (PMMA)	Polypropylene (PP)
Impact Resistance	High	Very High	Low	Moderate
Rigidity	High	High	Moderate	Low
Machinability	Excellent	Good	Good	Moderate
Surface Finish	Matte or Glossy	Glossy	Glossy	Matte
Cost	Low to Moderate	Higher	Moderate	Low
Electrical Insulation	Good	Excellent	Good	Good

ABS offers an excellent combination of cost versus performance when performance is not available to be compromised for cost.

ABS Applications ABS is used in everything from custom plastic fabrication to mass production with injection molding. Here are some uses for various industries:

🔹 Automotive

• Interior trim and dashboards
• HVAC duct and venting
• Mirror housings and grille components

🔹 Electronics

• Computer cases and printer casings
• Electrical panels and switchgear
• Cable management systems

🔹 Consumer Goods

• Luggage and hard cases
• Kitchen appliances
• Toys (like LEGO)
• Power tool casings

🔹 Industrial Equipment

• Equipment guards and machine housings
• ABS pipe fittings
• Custom-fabricated panel work

🔹 Prototyping and 3D Printing

• ABS filament is a common FDM Filament.
• Functional prototypes and end-use parts

🔹 Displays and Signage

• Retail displays
• Engraved or printed sign panels
• Trade show kiosks and displays

Welch Plastics ABS Sheet Specifications

We have a wide variety of options for your industry needs for ABS sheet.

• Colors: Standard colors are black, white, natural, and we can add custom colors too.
• Finishes: Smooth, matte, gloss, and hair-cell are all options.
• Thickness: We stock everything from 1/16" to well over 1" (1.5mm–25mm+).
• Size: Standard size is 48" x 96", but we can also cut to size.

Custom Grades of ABS

• Machine-grade: CNC-machined parts with high tolerances
• Flame Retardant: UL 94 V-0 for electrical or HVAC system safety
• FDA Compliant ABS: Food-safe materials
• Conductive or Anti-Static Grades: for ESD Safe applications

Unsure what grade is best for you? Our technical consultants at Welch Plastics will be happy to help you determine the best fit for your performance, safety, and regulatory requirements! 

Welch Plastics ABS Fabrication Capabilities

As a premier, professional-grade plastic manufacturer in Las Vegas, Welch Plastics offers a full line of ABS fabrication services: CNC routing and precision machining, thermoforming and vacuum forming, drilling, tapping, countersinking, solvent bonding and welding, laser cutting and engraving, mechanical assembly of multi-part parts, and more. From start to finish, we handle everything internally, making us a one-stop shop for custom plastic fabrication in the U.S.

What's So Great About Using ABS for Your Next Project?

ABS is a great option for those applications that require:

• High impact strength
• Machinability and fabricability
• Good appearance
• Very reasonably priced compared to polycarbonate or metal
• Good for indoor use and light outdoor use.
• Custom finishes and electrical insulation

Whatever you're making, from prototyping a consumer product to improving industrial equipment, to just making display signage, ABS will get the job done!

ABS Plastic Frequently Asked Questions.

• Q: Is ABS Safe?

A: Yes, ABS is BPA-free. It's commonly used to manufacture consumer products, toys, and items involving food. FDA-compliant grades are available.

• Q: Can ABS be utilized outdoors?

A: Standard ABS will degrade when exposed to UV light; however, UV-stabilized grades of ABS are available that are moderate service for outdoor use.

• Q: Is ABS recyclable?

A: ABS is a recyclable thermoplastic and is typically designated as plastic #7.

• Q: How does ABS compare to polycarbonate?

A: ABS is usually lower cost and easier to machine, but is not as impact resistant. It is best described as a general-purpose material.

• Q: Can ABS be glued or painted?

A: Yes, ABS can be bonded with an adhesive and readily accepts paint or printed graphics.

Order ABS Plastic from Welch Plastics

Welch Plastics is your trusted supply source for ABS sheet or custom-fabricated parts in ABS. We offer:

✅ Fast lead times

✅ Material selection expertise

✅ Fabrication & finishing expertise

✅ Custom cut and size

✅ Low-volume prototypes to high-volume production

As a locally trusted plastic manufacturer in Las Vegas, we serve clients throughout Nevada and across the country with our high-quality, cost-effective solutions for plastic.

Contact Us Today

Ready to take the plunge on your awesome ABS project? Contact Welch Plastics to get a free quote or consultation today! We support your plastic manufacturing needs, whether you want raw ABS materials or custom fabrication at scale, and we do it all with our commitment to quality, speed, and precision.