Critical care must be given to moulding conditions to avoid surface blemishes, internal strain or sink marks. Failure to observe and adhere to the optimum conditions results in poor plating appearance and adhesion difficulties. Mould release agents may affect plating performance. ABS can be thermally welded by hot-plate, gas, induction, resistance and ultrasonic methods. Painting, vacuum metallising, electroplating, printing, hot-foil stamping and flocking are all successfully used for decorative purposes.
Good adhesion is obtained without special surface preparation.
Low elongation compared to elastomers. High impact strength. Glass reinforced grades available for increased stiffness. Grades with highest impact strength have low tensile strength and modulus. Low maximum continuous service temperature.