🧩 ABS-GF – Glass Fiber Reinforced Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
(Technical rigid and resistant material, with increased hardness and superior dimensional stability. Used in structural automotive components, caps, brackets, and interior elements where high mechanical resistance is required.)
🔹 What is ABS-GF
ABS-GF (Glass Fiber Reinforced ABS) is a thermoplastic composite based on classic ABS, with the addition of short glass fibers (GF) in a proportion of 10–30%.
This reinforcement provides much higher mechanical and thermal strength while maintaining the rigidity and processability of standard ABS. It is used for car parts that must withstand vibrations, loads, and moderate temperatures without deforming or breaking.
🔧 Composition
- Acrylonitrile – 15–25 %
- Butadiene – 10–20 %
- Styrene – 40–55 %
- Glass Fiber (GF) – 10–30 %
- Density: ≈ 1.15–1.25 g/cm³
- Melting Point: ≈ 230–250 °C
- Tensile Strength: ≈ 80–100 MPa (double compared to standard ABS)
🚗 Where ABS-GF is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Supports & Brackets | Sensor mounts, frames, fasteners | Very rigid, vibration resistant |
| Car Interior | Caps, handles, technical inserts | Dimensionally stable, matte gloss |
| Engine Bay | Protective covers, supports | Heat and shock resistance |
| Aftermarket | Technical housings, tuning parts | Solid texture, matte finish |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Optimal Temperature | Observations |
| Hot Air | 260 – 280 °C | Requires slow heating (fibers dissipate heat) |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | 250 – 270 °C | Recommended for flat joints |
| Manual Extrusion | 240 – 260 °C | Efficient for long cracks |
🔩 What to Weld ABS-GF With (Material Compatibility)
ABS-GF is compatible with ABS, ASA, SAN, and PC/ABS, but for strong welds, an ABS-GF or ABS-HI rod is recommended.
✅ Compatible with:
- ABS-GF ↔ ABS-GF / ABS / ABS-HI / ASA / SAN – ideal combination.
- ABS-GF ↔ PC/ABS / PMMA-ABS – good compatibility.
- ABS-GF ↔ PS-HI / HIPS – partially compatible.
❌ Incompatible with:
- PP, PE, PA, PVC – different structures and melting points.
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation:
Use ABS-GF or ABS-HI rods at a temperature of 270–280 °C. Heat uniformly and avoid excessive pressure to prevent displacing the fibers. After cooling, you can finish with fine sanding and matte polish for an original look.
🏭 Manufacturers and Trade Names
- BASF: Terluran® GF, Novodur® GF
- SABIC: Cycolac® GF, Cycoloy® GF
- LG Chem: LUPOY® GF
- Chi Mei: Polylac® GF
🧠 How to Identify ABS-GF
- Engraved marking: >ABS-GF<, >ABS+GF20<, >ABS+GF30<.
- Dark grey, matte black, or textured white-grey color.
- Yellow-blue flame, sweet chemical (styrenic) scent.
- Softens at ≈ 270 °C, dissipates heat slowly.
- When cut, fine white fibers (glass) are visible.
🛠️ ABS-GF Welding at ReplastMD:
At our service center in Chisinau (Ciocana sector), ReplastMD performs professional ABS-GF welding for brackets, caps, technical housings, and consoles, ensuring resistant, rigid, and clean structural restoration.