🧩 SAN – Styrene Acrylonitrile
(Rigid material, transparent or colored, with high gloss and good chemical resistance. Frequently used in automotive interior caps, frames, panels, grilles, and decorative parts, replacing polystyrene due to superior properties.)
🔹 What is SAN
SAN (Styrene Acrylonitrile) is a styrenic copolymer resulting from the combination of styrene ($C_8H_8$) and acrylonitrile ($C_3H_3N$).
This material is rigid, transparent, easy to color, and has better chemical resistance than ABS or PS. SAN is easily processed and is very dimensionally stable, being used in the automotive industry as well as in household appliances and technical components.
🔧 Composition
- Styrene ($C_8H_8$) – 70–80 %
- Acrylonitrile ($C_3H_3N$) – 20–30 %
- Density: 1.07–1.09 g/cm³
- Softening Point: ≈ 220–240 °C
- Chemical Resistance: Excellent (oils, fuels, mild solvents).
- UV Resistance: Good (can be improved with ASA blends).
🚗 Where SAN is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Car Interior | Caps, frames, panels, buttons | Glossy finish, rigid, clean look |
| Light Exterior | Sensor caps, plates, frames | Good chemical resistance |
| Technical Equip. | Covers, housings, air vents | Thermal and chemical insulation |
| Decorative | Visible / transparent elements | High gloss, acrylic appearance |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Optimal Temperature | Observations |
| Hot Air | 240 – 260 °C | Easy, uniform weld |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | 230 – 250 °C | Clean joint, no deformation |
| Manual Extrusion | 230 – 250 °C | For long cracks and thick parts |
🔩 What to Weld SAN With (Material Compatibility)
SAN is a styrenic material, therefore compatible with all materials in the ABS, ASA, and PS families.
✅ Compatible with:
- SAN ↔ SAN / ABS / ASA / ABS+PMMA – ideal combination.
- SAN ↔ ABS+SAN / ABS+ASA / PS-HI / HIPS – good compatibility.
- SAN ↔ ABS+PC / PC/ABS – partially compatible.
❌ Incompatible with:
- PP, PE, PA, PVC, TPO – completely different melting points.
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation:
Use SAN or standard ABS rods at a temperature of 250–260 °C. Heat uniformly and avoid overheating, as SAN can become matte/cloudy on the surface. After welding, you can restore the gloss with a quick pass of hot air or acrylic polish.
🏭 Manufacturers and Trade Names
- INEOS Styrolution: Luran®, Luran® Clear
- BASF: Terlux® SAN
- LG Chem: LUPOY® SAN
- Chi Mei: Tyril® SAN
- SABIC: Cycolac® SAN
🧠 How to Identify SAN
- Engraved marking: >SAN<, >AS<, >LURAN<, >TYRIL<.
- Glossy, rigid, smooth surface.
- Yellow-blue flame, styrenic scent.
- Softens at ≈ 240 °C without bubbling.
- Density lower than ABS, but higher than PS.
🛠️ SAN Welding at ReplastMD:
At our service center in Chisinau (Ciocana sector), ReplastMD performs professional SAN welding for glossy caps, frames, and interior panels, ensuring an invisible and durable finish.