At Plastic Design International (PDI), we specialize in custom plastic injection molding services. We accommodate a wide range of engineering and commodity thermoplastics, including ABS. Equipped with over forty years of manufacturing experience and multiple injection molding systems with 35 to 385 clamp tonnage capabilities, we have the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to accommodate small to medium parts in low to high production quantities.
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is a thermoplastic often used in injection molding operations. It exhibits many properties (e.g., high tensile strength, dimensional stability, durability, and heat resistance) that make it well-suited for the process. Manufacturers utilize it to manufacture a variety of plastic molded parts and products.
Our ABS Injection Molding Capabilities
Our experts offer a range of injection molding capabilities for ABS, including:
- High-Tonnage Injection Molding. High-tonnage injection molding refers to injection molding operations that utilize high-tonnage systems. The amount of tonnage required to produce an injection molded part depends on many factors, including the mold cavity’s surface area, the material’s tonnage factor, viscosity, and flow rating, and the part’s dimensions. Both underestimating and overestimating the amount of tonnage required for a molding operation can cause issues with the mold, the molding machinery, and/or the molded part.
- Insert Molding. Insert molding is an injection molding technique that involves the injection of plastic into a mold that contains a pre-fabricated and pre-placed insert. The result is a molded product with a partially or fully encapsulated component. The end results of insert molding operations range from simple (e.g., knives) to complex (e.g., motors). The advantages of this molding technique include higher strength and reliability in the finished piece and lower production costs due to the elimination of the need for secondary assembly operations.
- Overmolding. Overmolding is an injection molding technique that involves combining two or more plastic materials to create a single part. The process begins by molding the base layer and molding the additional plastic layers over and around it. One or more plastic materials can be used, depending on material compatibility, to achieve the desired functional or aesthetic properties.
We also provide tool design capabilities to support our injection molding operations.
Advantages of Using ABS in Plastic Injection Molding Operations
As indicated previously, ABS has many properties that make it appropriate for use in injection molding operations and injection molded parts, such as:
- Excellent tensile strength and stiffness
- Durability (e.g., resistance to impact, heat, oils, and acids/alkalis) and dimensional stability under load (e.g., resistance to creep)
- Very good ductility
- Good dielectric properties
- Compatibility with many other polymers
- Recyclability
Industrial Applications of Injection Molded ABS Components
ABS is used in the manufacture of injection molded parts and products for a variety of industries, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Construction
- Communications/Telecommunications
- Consumer Goods
- Defense
- Electrical/Electronic
- Fire Safety
- Firearms
- Maritime
- Medical
- Military
- Printing
- Optical
Contact the Injection Molding Experts at PDI Today
Injection molding is an effective and efficient manufacturing solution for molded ABS components. If you’re looking for a partner for your next ABS injection molding project, turn to the experts at PDI. We offer custom plastic injection molding capabilities for ABS parts and products in prototype, small run, large run, long run, low volume, and high volume production quantities. To learn more about our services and how we can help fulfill your injection molding needs, contact us or request a quote today.