CNC Machining ABS: A Detailed Guide

ABS is a type of plastic that is quite useful. It is used in applications that need a strong and stable material. Highly precise ABS components are made through CNC machining.

The article below offers detailed insight into CNC machining ABS plastic. So, let's read it.

What is ABS Plastic?

ABS is the short term for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. It is a type of thermoplastic offering excellent properties. ABS is highly flexible and offers seamless toughness. ABS is manufactured by combining three compounds: acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene; some other additives are also added to this plastic.

ABS components manufactured through CNC machining have tight tolerance and offer suitability to applications where strict quality and dimensional requirements are followed.

Benefits of CNC Machining ABS Plastic

The components manufactured by machining ABS plastic offer a lot of benefits, and some of these are given below:

Cost-Effectiveness

Complex components made of ABS plastic, which require tight tolerance and complex detailing, may find CNC machining a very cost-effective method. There is no need to create molds for components when you opt for CNC machining. Also, due to the automation of the process, it can work quickly without any labor requirement, which saves costs.

High Tensile Strength

ABS plastic is known for its high tensile strength. Hence, when CNC machining, the components obtained are also tough despite going through the CNC process due to their seamless mechanical properties.

Quick and Low-Volume Production

CNC machining allows for faster manufacturing of ABS components than other processes. Also, due to its cost-effectiveness, it is even a process suitable for manufacturing low-volume ABS parts.

Diversity

CNC machining ABS offers suitability to various industries and applications. It helps in creating plastic components that are precise and have complex shapes. Hence, the diversity of CNC machining ABS works well when detailing in designs is required.

Challenges of CNC Machining ABS Material

Machining ABS plastic, despite its multiple benefits, may pose some challenges. Some of these are the following:

Requires Expertise

ABS is used for creating precise components, and they need the expertise of the machinists followed by the right tools.

If the machinist is not experienced, the component may be damaged, and it is usually just realized after the part is already completed. Hence, understanding the complexity of the design and the significance of expertise is very important for CNC machining ABS.

Poor Surface Finish and Distortion

Machining ABS plastic comes with two issues that are very common– poor surface finish and distortion. In case there are any distorted components consisting of lines and scratches, the ABS components look foggy. Moreover, these lines and scratches can lead to leaks when used in fittings.

The surface quality of the ABS plastic components may also be compromised if the cutting parameters and tools are inappropriate. Moreover, if there is a heat build-up, the surface of the ABS components does get damaged.

Low Heat Deflection

When ABS plastic is heated, it may cause a lack of heat deflection– which softens the plastic and makes it deformed. In such a case, an experienced machinist is needed so that the removal of the material is not excessive. In case a lot of material is removed due to the thermal expansion, the component will appear deformed upon cooling and will be of no use.

Common Applications for ABS Plastic

ABS plastic has applications in widespread industries. Some of the applications of ABS machined parts are given below:

Automobile Industry

ABS parts are rigid, lightweight, and cost-effective; hence, they are very commonly used in the automobile industry. Moreover, the components manufactured through CNC machining ABS even have high shock absorbance. Some of the parts manufactured through ABS in the automobile industry are dashboards, bumpers, wheel covers, steering, etc.

Medical Industry

ABS components are used in the medical industry due to their capability to withstand gamma radiation and sterilization techniques. They are commonly observed in lab equipment housing, ultrasound equipment, drug delivery systems, and pharmaceutical packaging.

Consumer Electronics

ABS plastic offers a tough structure and glossy finish, which makes it suitable for consumer electronic housings. It is used in television, remote controls, and laptop housings in the consumer electronic industry.

Defense Industry

The defense industry uses ABS plastics for their high-impact resistance. These ABS CNC-machined components are used in protective gears and pads, which are crucial in the defense industry. These components require the toughness that ABS plastics offer, making them suitable for safety purposes.

Food Processing Industry

ABS components in the food processing industry are opted for due to their chemical resistance and heat resistance properties. The machined ABS components are used in ovens, refrigerator liners, food processor dryers, and juice presses.

5 Tips for CNC Machining ABS Plastic

To ensure that the ABS plastic components are accurate, some of the important tips to follow are as follows:

• ABS plastics have many grades, and each grade has different characteristics. Each is suitable for different processes. Therefore, when machining ABS plastic, make sure to choose the ones that are relevant to CNC milling, drilling, and turning.
• To machine ABS plastic, appropriate tools must be selected. It may not be possible to use similar tools for metals and plastics. Hence, selecting tools that offer sufficient suitability but do not damage the surface of ABS plastic is very important.
• To avoid deformity in the ABS plastic components, make sure that the cuts aren’t too deep and too shallow. Therefore, feed rate and cutting speed should be optimal to avoid heat build-up
• ABS plastic has the tendency to overheat and deform during the machining process in case coolant is not applied. Hence, ensure the right amount of coolant is used, as too much of that may also contaminate the components.
• The ABS plastic, which is not annealed, is composed of internal stress due to the heat applied during machining. Therefore, ensure the annealing of the ABS plastic components by providing them with a heat treatment before machining.

Custom Machined ABS Parts with DEK

ABS plastic components are manufactured through CNC machining and used in many applications due to the seamless benefits they offer.

If you are also looking for high-quality custom ABS parts, you can contact DEK. We design highly precise and affordable ABS components based on your specifications through CNC machining.

FAQs

Is ABS easy to machine?

ABS offers excellent machinability, and it can be machined very quickly.

What is the best way to cut ABS plastic?

A dremel tool is usually opted for cutting ABS plastic as it offers high precision.