🧩 ABS+ASA – Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene + Acrylate Styrene Acrylate
(Durable and UV-resistant technical material, combining the mechanical strength of ABS with the weather stability and deep gloss of ASA. Used in bumpers, exterior housings, frames, and sun-exposed automotive components.)
🔹 What is ABS+ASA
ABS+ASA (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene + Acrylate Styrene Acrylate) is a two-component thermoplastic blend developed to combine the impact resistance of ABS with the UV and aging resistance of ASA.
It is the perfect material for exterior car parts as it does not fade, does not become brittle in the cold, and maintains its glossy appearance over time. Compared to simple ABS, ABS+ASA offers superior dimensional stability, durability at high temperatures, and excellent protection against solar radiation.
🔧 Composition
- Acrylonitrile – 10–20 %
- Butadiene – 10–15 %
- Styrene – 30–40 %
- Acrylate (ASA) – 30–45 %
- Density: 1.08–1.12 g/cm³
- Melting Point: ≈ 240–260 °C
- UV Resistance: Excellent (much superior to ABS)
🚗 Where ABS+ASA is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Body Exterior | Bumpers, mirror caps, frames, headlight housings | Stable gloss, does not fade in the sun |
| Mixed Int/Ext | Panels, grilles, guards | Elastic and vibration resistant |
| Bodywork / Tuning | Covers, air diffusers, glossy accents | Premium look, high UV resistance |
| Technical Equip. | Sensor brackets, protective covers | Good insulation and heat resistance |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Optimal Temperature | Observations |
| Hot Air | 260 – 280 °C | Clean weld, gloss preserved |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | 250 – 270 °C | Precise, uniform joint |
| Manual Extrusion | 240 – 260 °C | Ideal for long cracks |
🔩 What to Weld ABS+ASA With (Material Compatibility)
Since it has a styrenic-acrylic base, ABS+ASA is compatible with ABS, ASA, SAN, and PC/ABS.
✅ Compatible with:
- ABS+ASA ↔ ABS+ASA / ABS / ASA / SAN – ideal combination.
- ABS+ASA ↔ PC/ABS / ABS-HI / ABS+PMMA – good compatibility.
- ABS+ASA ↔ PS-HI / HIPS – partially compatible.
❌ Incompatible with:
- PP, PE, PA, PVC – different melting points, no adhesion.
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation:
Use ABS+ASA or standard ABS rods at a temperature of 270–280 °C. Heat gradually, avoiding prolonged direct contact (ASA surface can turn matte/opaque). For a glossy finish, you can buff the welded area with hot air and a soft cloth.
🏭 Manufacturers and Trade Names
- INEOS Styrolution: Luran® S, Terblend® N
- BASF: Terluran® ASA Blend
- SABIC: Cycolac® ASA
- LG Chem: LUPOY® ASA / ABS+ASA
- Trinseo: Magnum™ ASA-ABS
🧠 How to Identify ABS+ASA
- Engraved marking: >ABS+ASA<, >ASA/ABS<, >LURAN-S<.
- Glossy or semi-matte surface, scratch-resistant.
- Yellow-blue flame, sweet (styrenic) scent.
- Softens at ≈ 260 °C without bubbling.
- Does not discolor under hot air.
🛠️ ABS+ASA Welding at ReplastMD:
At our service center in Chisinau (Ciocana sector), ReplastMD performs professional ABS+ASA welding for bumpers, caps, frames, and UV-exposed exterior elements, providing a clean, glossy, and time-stable finish.
