🧩 ABS – Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
(Widely used weldable plastic in the automotive industry, known for its balance of rigidity and impact resistance)
🔹 What is ABS
ABS is an amorphous thermoplastic with an excellent balance of stiffness, impact resistance, and processability. It melts easily, welds uniformly, and is one of the most common materials for car bodies, motorcycle fairings, and interiors.
🔧 Composition
- Acrylonitrile – provides chemical resistance.
- Butadiene – adds elasticity and impact strength.
- Styrene – ensures gloss and structural rigidity.
- Density: 1.04–1.10 g/cm³.
- Melting Point: ≈ 200–240 °C.
🚗 Where ABS is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Body / Exterior | Grilles, mirror caps, motorcycle fairings, wheel covers | Glossy look, high rigidity |
| Interior | Dashboard, center console, handles, decorative trims | High weldability, precision fit |
| Auxiliary Equipment | Brackets, sensor housings, seat parts | Shock resistant, lightweight |
| DIY & Tuning | Custom housings, mounts, consoles | Easily welded, bonded, or painted |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Optimal Temperature | Observations |
| Hot Air | 260 – 280 °C | Most common shop repair method |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | 250 – 270 °C | Ensures a clean, structural bond |
| Manual Extrusion | 240 – 260 °C | For long cracks and reinforcements |
| Chemical Welding | — | Soluble in acetone for fine restoration |
🔩 What to weld ABS with (Material compatibility)
The question “what does ABS weld with” is key to a lasting repair. ABS is a polar plastic and will not bond with olefins (PP/PE).
✅ Compatible with:
- ABS ↔ ABS – ideal combination.
- ABS ↔ ASA, AES, SAN – excellent compatibility (same styrenic family).
- ABS ↔ PC/ABS – very high adhesion (common in premium parts).
❌ Incompatible with:
- PP, PE, TPO – will not bond at the molecular level.
- PA (Nylon) – different thermal properties and structure.
🏭 Manufacturers and Trade Names
- BASF / INEOS: Terluran®, Novodur®
- Covestro: Bayblend® (PC/ABS blend)
- SABIC: Cycolac®, Cycoloy®
- LG Chem: LUPOY® ABS
- Chi Mei: Polylac®
🧠 How to Identify ABS
- Standard engraved marking: >ABS<.
- Burns with a yellow-blue flame, producing sooty black smoke and a sweet chemical smell.
- Rigid surface, produces a “sharp” sound when tapped.
- Solvent Test: ABS softens or becomes sticky when touched with a drop of acetone.
🛠️ ABS Welding at ReplastMD:
At our service center in Chisinau (Ciocana sector), ReplastMD performs professional ABS welding for grilles, mirror housings, and motorcycle plastics, ensuring invisible joints and original strength.