CNC precision engineering processing of ABS engineering plastics
- CNC precision engineering processing of ABS engineering plastics
ABS material is a new creation of materials. Its usability is also very wide; performance is also very good, is of high strength, good toughness, and easy process molding thermoplastic polymer materials. Abs refers to acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, can be in – 25 degrees Celsius to 60 degrees Celsius environment performance is normal, belongs to the high strength, good toughness, easy processing made of thermoplastic polymer. The surface is non-transparent and ivory-colored granules; its products can be made colorful and have a high gloss. Today, it is used in alloys and plastics. This article discusses the properties of ABS materials, application areas, advantages and disadvantages of CNC ABS materials, and matters that should be noted when CNC precision machining ABS materials.
Engineering plastics ABS properties
1、General properties
ABS engineering plastic is opaque and ivory-colored granules; its products can be colorful and have a high gloss. The relative density of ABS is about 1.05, and the water absorption rate is low. ABS has good bonding with other materials and is easy for surface printing, coating, and plating. The oxygen index of ABS is 18-20, a flammable polymer with a yellow flame, black smoke, and a special cinnamon smell.
2、Mechanical properties
ABS has excellent mechanical properties, its impact strength is excellent, and it can be used at very low temperatures: ABS has excellent wear resistance, good dimensional stability, and oil resistance and can be used for bearings under medium load and speed. The mechanical properties of ABS are affected by temperature.
3、Thermal properties
The heat deflection temperature of ABS is 93~118℃, and the product can be increased by about 10℃ after annealing.
4、Electrical properties
ABS has good electrical insulation and is almost unaffected by temperature, humidity, and frequency, and it can be used in most environments.
5、Environmental performance
Water, inorganic salts, alkalis, and acids do not affect ABS. Still, it is soluble in ketones, aldehydes, and chlorinated hydrocarbons and will be subject to stress cracking by ice acetic acid, vegetable oil, etc. ABS has poor weather resistance and is susceptible to degradation under ultraviolet light; its impact strength decreases by half after six months outdoors.
The main applications of ABS engineering plastics for CNC materials
The largest application areas for ABS resins are automobiles, electronics, and building materials. In the automotive field, it is used in instrument panels, exterior body panels, interior trim panels, steering wheels, sound insulation panels, door locks, bumpers, ventilation ducts, and many other parts. In electrical appliances, ABS is widely used in refrigerators, televisions, washing machines, air conditioners, computers, copiers, and other electronic appliances. For building materials, ABS pipes, ABS sanitary ware, and ABS decorative panels are widely used in the building materials industry. In addition, ABS is widely used in packaging, furniture, sports, recreational goods, machinery, and instrumentation industries.
Advantages and disadvantages of ABS engineering plastics for CNC materials
ABS is light ivory, opaque, non-toxic, odorless, and amorphous plastic. Its viscosity is moderate, and its melt fluidity is related to temperature and pressure, where the influence of pressure is greater.
ABS resin is a slow-burning material, with a yellow flame, black smoke, and a special smell when burning, and does not melt and drip when it continues to burn.
ABS’s main advantages
1. better overall performance: high mechanical strength; strong impact resistance, and does not drop rapidly at low temperatures; better notch sensitivity; good creep resistance, and does not drop rapidly when the temperature rises; a certain surface hardness, scratch resistance; good wear resistance, and low friction coefficient.
2. good electrical properties, little affected by temperature, humidity, and frequency changes.
3. low-temperature resistance up to -40℃.
4. resistant to acid, alkali, salt, oil, and water
5. surface decoration of products by painting, printing, plating, etc.
6. Smaller shrinkage rate 0.4~0.8%, wider range of molding process.
ABS’s main disadvantages
1. Not resistant to organic solvents, it will be swollen and dissolved by polar solvents;
2. poor weather resistance, especially poor UV resistance.
3. Heat resistance is not good enough. The heat deflection temperature of common ABS is only 95℃~98℃.
Problems to be noted in the CNC precision machining of ABS materials
Regarding CNC precision machining of ABS materials, several important factors must be considered to ensure high-quality and accurate results. Here are some things to keep in mind.
1. Material selection: ABS is a thermoplastic material used in various industries due to its excellent mechanical and thermal properties. However, it is susceptible to warping or cracking during processing, especially when exposed to excessive heat. Therefore, selecting a high-quality ABS material with the proper grade and composition for your specific application is important.
2. Cutting tools. Cutting tools used in the CNC machining of ABS materials should be carefully selected to ensure effective material removal and minimize heat buildup. High-speed steel (HSS) or carbide tools are recommended for durability and heat resistance.
3. Machining parameters. Cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut should be optimized for the specific ABS material being machined to achieve the desired surface finish and dimensional accuracy. Proper coolant or lubrication is also important to minimize heat buildup and reduce the risk of warpage or cracking.
4. Workpiece clamping. Proper workpiece clamping is critical to ensure accurate and consistent processing of ABS material. Workpieces should be securely clamped or held to prevent movement or vibration during machining.
5. Post-processing handling. After machining, ABS materials may require post-processing treatments such as sanding, polishing, or painting to achieve the desired surface finish and appearance.
By paying attention to these factors, you can achieve high-quality and accurate results when CNC precision machining ABS materials.
In Summary
ABS material has many uses, like handles, shells, luggage, refrigerator liners, home appliance products, etc. These products require using ABS applications for industrial production life, and various engineering fields have brought great convenience and use needs. The above characteristics of ABS materials, application areas, CNC ABS material advantages and disadvantages, and CNC precision machining of ABS materials should pay attention to matters related to the introduction; you can refer to the next Oh. If you need to machine ABS engineering plastic parts, you can contact ANPLLO to cooperate.
