Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene - ABS Plating

May 4 2001

Polymer Type

Thermoplastic

Advantages

Can be electroplated to give parts with the more decorative finish of metals such as Chrome Gold, Silver and Brass. The plating can increase the rigidity of a moulding as well as scratch resistance. The metal layer screens radio waves and conducts electricity.

Disadvantages

Temperature profile and mould surface temperatures need to be kept higher than for standard ABS grades. This is in order to ensure good surface finish for subsequent electroplating & also to minimise moulded in stresses. Mould release agents should not be used as they affect plating behaviour. Regrind should not be used for items to be electroplated because of possible flaws in surface finish.

Typical Properties

Property

Value

Density (g/cm3)

1.06

Surface Hardness

RR107

Tensile Strength (MPa)

42

Flexural Modulus (GPa)

2.4

Notched Izod (kJ/m)

0.4

Linear Expansion  (/°C x 10-5)

8

Elongation at Break (%)

8

Strain at Yield (%)

2.5

Max. Operating Temp. (°C)

70

Water Absorption (%)

0.3

Oxygen Index (%)

19

Flammability UL94

HB

Volume Resistivity (log ohm.cm)

16

Dielectric Strength (MV/m)

20

Dissipation Factor 1kHz

0.008

Dielectric Constant  1kHz

2.7

HDT @ 0.45 MPa (°C)

98

HDT @ 1.80 MPa (°C)

89

Material. Drying  hrs @ (°C)

4 @ 90

Melting Temp. Range (°C)

250 - 285

Mould Shrinkage (%)

0.6

Mould Temp. Range (°C)

40 -  80

Applications

Sanitary ware, Automotive or Radiator Grilles. Wheel covers, headlight bezels, interior & exterior trim and knobs, marine hardware, radio & TV parts, shavers, light fixtures and appliance housings.

 

Source : Abstracted from Plascams

For more information on Plascams please visit RAPRA Technology Ltd.

 

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