ABS plastics are easy to treat, they have high impact resistance, they are alternative to metal and wood and they are commonly used in various industries. They form a co-polymer class of thermoplastic and the three monomers that form this co-polymer are acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene. Acrylonitrile increases the resistance against outdoor weather conditions and it increases heat resistance. Styrene brings hardness and rigidity whereas butadiene brings impact resistance at low temperatures.
Area of uses of ABS plastics: ABS polymer has a wide area of use in our daily lives and it has been increasing as the time passes. Music instruments (plastic clarinets and ivories), car body covering, automobile mirrors and lights, telephone bodies, medical equipment, lego toys, bags, suitcases and white appliances are examples of use. ABS is also used in 3D printers that are based upon extrusion.
2.1.3.1.3 Advantages and Disadvantages of ABS Polymer.
Advantages;
• Being hard and rigid as well as being resistive against impacts
• Having good properties in regard with electricity
• High chemical resistance
• Being easy to shape
• Easy production and ability to paint
• Being a light material
Disadvantages;
• Low solvent resistance
• Low elasticity
• Low continuous service temperature (Lokensgard, 2004)
