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Cnc Machining Abs Plastic: Benefits, Applications, Provider
14 days ago
3 min read

Cnc Machining Abs Plastic: Benefits, Applications, Provider

ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a versatile, durable thermoplastic used across industries. From automotive interiors to electronics enclosures, manufacturers leverage ABS for its strength, chemical resistance, and ease of fabrication. While injection molding is common, CNC machining enables producing ABS parts with precision tolerances.

ABS Plastic CNC Machining
ABS Plastic CNC Machining

This article provides an in-depth look at the benefits of CNC Machined ABS Parts, typical applications, and how to find a qualified ABS machining service for your next project.

Benefits of CNC Machined ABS Parts

Compared to other plastics, ABS offers several advantages that make it suitable for CNC machining:

  • Strength - ABS has high tensile strength and impact resistance.

  • Temperature Resistance - ABS maintains integrity in temperatures up to 200°F.

  • Chemical Resistance - ABS stands up well to acids, oils, and other chemicals.

  • Customizable - ABS properties can be tuned by varying polymer blends.

  • Finishing - ABS readily accepts paints, platings, printing and other finishes.

Precision CNC machining allows fabricating ABS plastic into complex, tight tolerance components not possible with other methods. Parts can be machined to meet specifications unachievable with 3D printing or injection molding.

Typical Applications of CNC Machined ABS Parts

A few industries that benefit from the properties of CNC Machined ABS Parts plastic include:

  • Automotive - Interior trim, ducting, enclosures.

  • Aerospace - Non-structural components, enclosures.

  • Medical - Diagnostic equipment housings, handles.

  • Marine - Hatches, gauges, valves.

  • Electronics - Device covers, cases, panels.

ABS machined parts are also popular for prototypes and concept models across industries. The balance of strength, chemical resistance, and machinability make ABS a versatile choice for low to mid-volume production components.

Challenges of CNC Machining ABS Plastic

While ABS has many benefits, it also poses some challenges during CNC machining:

  • Prone to overheating and melting if parameters not optimized.

  • Low thermal conductivity can lead to heat buildup.

  • Care must be taken to avoid scratches marring surface.

  • Parts can warp if internal stresses not properly relieved.

An experienced machinist mitigates these challenges by selecting proper tooling, speeds/feeds, coolant, and fixturing. Annealing ABS stock also helps relieve internal stresses prior to machining.

5 Tips for Precision CNC Machining of ABS

Follow these tips to overcome difficulties and achieve high quality CNC machined ABS plastic parts:

  1. Use machine-grade ABS designed for machining.

  2. Select tooling designed specifically for plastics.

  3. Optimize speeds, feeds, and depths of cut to prevent overheating.

  4. Apply specialized plastic-grade coolant to avoid buildup.

  5. Annealing ABS stock helps prevent distortion in finished parts.

Proper fixturing to securely hold the ABS workpiece is also critical. With the right parameters and tooling, ABS can be precision machined to tight tolerances with excellent surface finishes.

Choosing a CNC Machining Service for ABS Plastic

To leverage the benefits of CNC machined ABS parts, choosing the right machining partner is key. Look for a service with:

  • Experience machining plastics like ABS.

  • Capability to fully machine parts in-house.

  • Knowledgeable engineers to assist with design.

  • Quality system certification such as ISO 9001.

A qualified ABS machining service will have all necessary capabilities in-house to precision machine your ABS components. This avoids delays and potential errors of outsourcing secondary processes.

Engineering expertise is also critical to review designs for manufacturability and provide feedback to avoid issues. And ISO 9001 or AS9100 certification ensures consistent quality machined ABS parts.

Leading CNC Machining Services for ABS Plastic

Here are a few top ABS machining services to consider for your next project:

AccuPlastics

AccuPlastics provides CNC machining of ABS and other engineered plastics. Capabilities include 4 and 5 axis milling, turning, drilling and tapping. They focus on the medical, aerospace, and semiconductor industries.

Jevny Manufacturing

Jevny offers precision CNC machining for ABS prototypes and production parts. They provide engineering support and secondary operations like painting and silk screening in-house.

True Precision Plastics

True Precision Plastics specializes in CNC machining of ABS for the electronics, industrial, and consumer products industries. They are ISO 9001 and AS9100 certified.

Get Started with CNC Machined ABS Parts

With its strength, chemical resistance, and machinability, ABS plastic is an excellent material for machined components across applications. CNC machining enables fabricating ABS to tight tolerances not achievable otherwise.

Partnering with an experienced CNC machining service ensures high quality ABS parts produced efficiently. To learn more about having your next ABS plastic components precision machined, contact an expert CNC machining provider today.