🧩 ABS+SAN – Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene + Styrene Acrylonitrile
(Technical material with high rigidity and glossy finish, used in caps, frames, interior panels, and decorative automotive components requiring thermal stability and superior aesthetic appearance.)
🔹 What is ABS+SAN
ABS+SAN (ABS + Styrene Acrylonitrile) is a styrenic blend that combines the impact resistance and flexibility of ABS with the increased gloss, rigidity, and chemical resistance provided by SAN.
The result is a stable, hard, and easy-to-process material used for aesthetic, rigid parts resistant to moderate temperatures (80–100 °C). Compared to standard ABS, ABS+SAN features a more pronounced gloss, reduced shrinkage, and better resistance to chemicals and oils.
🔧 Composition
- Acrylonitrile – 15–25 %
- Butadiene – 10–15 %
- Styrene – 40–50 %
- Styrene-Acrylonitrile (SAN) – 20–40 %
- Density: 1.07–1.10 g/cm³
- Melting Point: ≈ 230–250 °C
- Chemical Resistance: Superior to ABS.
🚗 Where ABS+SAN is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Car Interior | Caps, frames, panels, inserts | High gloss, rigid, easy to process |
| Console / Dashboard | Handles, covers, air vents | Fine texture, good thermal stability |
| Light Exterior | Sensor caps, ornamental parts | Moderate UV resistance |
| Technical Equip. | Housings, brackets, sensor covers | Good insulation and hardness |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Optimal Temperature | Observations |
| Hot Air | 250 – 270 °C | Clean, uniform weld |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | 240 – 260 °C | Smooth, glossy joint |
| Manual Extrusion | 230 – 250 °C | Suitable for long cracks |
🔩 What to Weld ABS+SAN With (Material Compatibility)
Since both materials are styrenic, ABS+SAN is compatible with ABS, SAN, ASA, and PS-HI.
✅ Compatible with:
- ABS+SAN ↔ ABS+SAN / ABS / SAN / ASA – ideal combination.
- ABS+SAN ↔ PS-HI / ABS+PMMA / PC/ABS – good compatibility.
- ABS+SAN ↔ ABS-HI / ABS-FR – partially compatible.
❌ Incompatible with:
- PP, PE, PA, PVC – completely different melting points.
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation:
Use ABS+SAN or standard ABS rods at a temperature of 260–270 °C. Heat uniformly and apply light pressure to avoid excessive gloss distortion. After welding, you can smooth the texture with a final pass of hot air.
🏭 Manufacturers and Trade Names
- BASF / INEOS: Terluran® Blend, Luran®
- SABIC: Cycolac® SAN Blend
- LG Chem: LUPOY® SAN
- Chi Mei: Polylac® SAN
🧠 How to Identify ABS+SAN
- Engraved marking: >ABS+SAN<, >SAN/ABS<, >TERBLEND<, >LURAN<.
- Glossy, rigid surface with fine texture.
- Yellow-blue flame, sweet chemical (styrenic) scent.
- Softens at ≈ 250 °C without bubbling.
- Slightly brittle in cold but tough at moderate impact.
🛠️ ABS+SAN Welding at ReplastMD:
At our service center in Chisinau (Ciocana sector), ReplastMD performs professional ABS+SAN welding for glossy caps, frames, and interior elements, ensuring a clean, rigid, and aesthetic finish.