🧩 PMMA+ABS – Polymethyl Methacrylate + ABS Blend
(Decorative and structural technical blend, combining the optical gloss and UV resistance of PMMA with the elasticity and toughness of ABS. Ideal material for automotive exterior and interior parts with a durable glossy finish.)
🔹 What is PMMA+ABS
PMMA+ABS is a bicomponent copolymer resulting from the fusion of PMMA (acrylic) and ABS. PMMA provides gloss, hardness, and UV resistance, while ABS contributes elasticity, impact resistance, and dimensional stability.
This material is widely used in the automotive industry for housings, frames, and decorative panels, offering a glossy appearance similar to paint and excellent weather resistance.
🔧 Composition
- PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate): 40–60 %
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): 40–60 %
- UV / Thermal Stabilizer Additives: 1–3 %
- Density: 1.08–1.12 g/cm³
- Softening Point: ≈ 220–240 °C
- UV Resistance: Excellent (superior to standard ABS).
- Finish: Glossy, stable, scratch-resistant.
🚗 Where PMMA+ABS is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Exterior Decorative | Mirror caps, taillight frames | High gloss, very good UV resistance |
| Premium Interior | Frames, inserts, “Piano Black” trim | Glossy surfaces, pleasant to the touch |
| Technical / Housings | Sensor covers, protectors | Durability and impact resistance |
| Visible Design | Painted or glossy ornaments | Premium look, optical uniformity |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Optimal Temperature | Observations |
| Hot Air | 250 – 270 °C | Uniform melting without matting |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | 240 – 260 °C | Clean joint without deformation |
| Manual Extrusion | 240 – 260 °C | Suitable for long cracks |
🔩 What to Weld PMMA+ABS With (Material Compatibility)
Being a blend of acrylic and ABS, PMMA+ABS has extensive compatibility with styrenic and acrylic materials.
✅ Compatible with:
- PMMA+ABS ↔ ABS / PMMA / ABS+PMMA / ASA+PMMA / PC+PMMA – ideal.
- PMMA+ABS ↔ ABS+ASA / SAN+ABS / ABS+PC – good compatibility.
❌ Incompatible with:
- PP, PE, PA, PVC, PS, TPO – different melting points.
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation:
Use PMMA+ABS rods or glossy ABS rods at 255–270 °C. Heat uniformly and keep the air moving to avoid opacifying the PMMA. After welding, gloss can be restored with a quick pass of hot air or acrylic polish.
🏭 Manufacturers and Trade Names
- Chi Mei: Polylac® AM
- LG Chem: LUPOY® PMMA+ABS
- INEOS Styrolution: Terblend® N AM / Novodur® PMMA
- SABIC: Cycolac® AM
- Trinseo: Magnum™ AM
🧠 How to Identify PMMA+ABS
- Engraved marking: >PMMA+ABS<, >ABS/PMMA<.
- Glossy, dense, rigid surface.
- Faint styrenic odor during melting + sweet acrylic scent.
- Softens at ≈ 250 °C without visible bubbles.
- ReplastMD practical test: if the part is glossy, dense, slightly flexible, and marked >PMMA+ABS<, it is a confirmed combined acrylic material.
🛠️ PMMA+ABS Welding at ReplastMD:
At our ReplastMD service center (Chisinau, Ciocana sector), we perform professional PMMA+ABS welding for mirror caps, decorative exterior panels, and premium glossy elements, ensuring a clean, “like-new” finish.