Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, often known as ABS, is a type of thermoplastic polymer commonly used in manufacturing. It has a high melting point and is resistant to physical impacts and corrosive chemicals, making it ideal for use in a variety of products.
ABS is created from three different materials: acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. The acrylonitrile gives it chemical and heat resistance, the butadiene provides impact resistance and toughness, and the styrene offers hardness and rigidity.
Because of its strength and durability, ABS is often used in a wide range of products such as automotive parts, pipes, musical instruments, golf club heads, and toys – most notably, LEGO bricks. ABS has also been widely adopted in 3D printing, specifically in filament form, because it can be easily extruded and is durable, lightweight, and flexible.
However, due to its non-biodegradable nature, disposal and recycling of ABS products can pose environmental challenges.
