For high-quality ABS parts, partner with an experienced manufacturer. Fathom can meet the requirements of your ABS injection molding project whether your job is time-sensitive, requires high precision, or is highly complex or short project run related. Injection molding is just one of many manufacturing technologies offered by Fathom. Get started today.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a popular thermoplastic used for injection molding and 3D manufacturing. ABS can be easily melted and molded for manufacturing. It can be recycled and melted multiple times without losing its physical properties. ABS can be painted, glued or sanded. Parts made using ABS include consumer goods, automotive components, electronics, toys and more.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) has many desirable qualities that make it ideal for injection molding. Parts made using ABS have great heat and scratch resistance and tensile strength. Additionally, ABS has high impact resistance and excellent shock absorbance. While ABS is not recommended for outdoor parts, additives can increase UV light resistance. ABS is a budget-friendly material.
Multiple factors should be considered when planning an ABS injection molding project. Water absorption and mold shrinkage can impact drying and processing. If ABS is not fully dried before processing, bubbles, surface lines, and cloudiness may be present. ABS pellets should not be melted beyond their plasticizing temperature as they can become difficult to mold. Furthermore, if ABS is overheated, it can begin to decompose. Injection pressure and speed are also important when injection molding ABS. If the injection molding speed is too high, the ABS may burn or decompose. If the injection pressure is too high, removing the ABS parts from their mold can be complicated.
Once a part has been injection molded, it is moved to the finishing process. Finishing may alter the appearance of a part or add physical properties. Here are the finishing processes offered by Fathom.
| SURFACE FINISH | GUIDE | TYPICAL APPLICATIONS |
|---|---|---|
| Standard No Machine Mark | Tool Marks Removed | Low Cosmetic |
| SPI-C1 | 600 Stone | Low Polish Parts |
| SPI-B1 | 600 Grit Paper | Medium Polish Parts |
| SPI-A2 | Grade #6 Diamond | High Polish Parts |
| SPI-A1 | Grade #3 | Lens or Mirror |
| IM-1 Light Bead Blast | Need 1 Degree Draft Angle | |
| IM-2 Medium Bead Blast | Need 1.5 Degree Draft Angle | |
| IM-3 Heavy Bead Blast | Need 3 Degree Draft Angle |
Fathom offers injection molding and hybridized services that leverage 3D printing technologies. Does your complex project need injection molding services? Fathom can meet your requirements. In a recent case study, Fathom delivered over 20,000 parts in 27 days, using 55+ tools, including multiple injection molding services:
A customer came to Fathom with a complex project that spanned the technologies and processes of rapid production—and needed it done fast. Fathom delivered.
55+ Tools to Injection
Mold 15,000 Parts
First Article in 2 Weeks
3,000+ 3D
Printed Parts
2,000+ Metal
Fabricated Parts
3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing—PolyJet, SLS, MJF.
DFM Analysis + CAD Mods.
CNC Machining. Laser Cutting.
Stamping. Die Cutting. Post-Opp Drilling.
24-hour Turnaround Urethane Casting.
Injection + Compression Molding.
Model Finishing. Insert Assembly.
Advanced Project Management.
A: Yes, Fathom offers injection molding services.
A: Injection molding is a manufacturing process commonly used for plastic parts. During injection molding, molten plastic is injected into a two-part mold using high pressure. Once the part has cooled inside the mold, it is ejected. The part may or may not require a secondary finish.
A: Fathom’s certifications include ISO 9001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 Design, and ISO 13485:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Yes, Fathom is ITAR certified. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Yes, Fathom is AS9100:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Yes, Fathom’s certifications include NIST 800-171. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Yes, ABS can be injection molded.
A: ABS can be injection molded to make consumer goods, camera housings, packaging, toys, electronic housings, automotive parts and more.
A: Styrene is one product used to make ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene).
A: ABS is an emulsified polymer made of acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. Acrylonitrile adds heat and chemical resistance as well as hardness. Butadiene adds toughness and impact resistance. Styrene provides strength and gloss.
Do you need a quote on ABS injection molding or to calculate costs for an upcoming job? Submit your details to Fathom’s SmartQuote application for a fast quote on any file.
