ABS CNC Machining Service

Why Choose ABS Plastic

Best Balance of Cost and Machinability

ABS is the easiest engineering plastic to machine — low cutting forces, clean chip formation, and good dimensional stability during machining. For prototype housings, functional enclosures, and appearance parts, ABS delivers the lowest per-part cost of any rigid engineering plastic.
Good Impact Resistance

ABS absorbs impact without shattering — it deforms plastically under shock load rather than fracturing. This makes it the standard material for consumer product housings, automotive trim panels, and any enclosure that may be dropped or struck in service.
Excellent Surface for Finishing

ABS accepts paint, adhesives, and solvent bonding better than most plastics. It is also one of the few plastics that can be directly electroplated — chrome and nickel plating on ABS is standard in automotive interior trim and consumer hardware.
Good Dimensional Stability for Prototyping

ABS has relatively low moisture absorption and stable dimensions after machining — making it a reliable prototyping material for fit and function testing before committing to injection molding tooling.
Wide Temperature Range (Moderate)

ABS maintains properties from approximately -20°C to +80°C — suitable for most indoor and ambient-temperature applications. For elevated-temperature environments, ABS+PC blend or PC alone is the upgrade.

Common ABS Grades

Standard ABS

General-purpose grade — balanced impact resistance, rigidity, and machinability. Used for housings, enclosures, brackets, and prototype parts across most industries.

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ABS+GF

Glass fiber reinforcement improves stiffness and reduces thermal expansion — for structural ABS parts requiring better dimensional stability and rigidity than standard grade.

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Our Machining Capability

ABS is one of our most commonly machined plastics — suitable for 3-axis and 5-axis CNC milling and turning. We machine ABS with sharp tooling and appropriate feed/speed parameters to minimize heat buildup, which can cause surface melting or dimensional distortion. Tolerances held to ±0.05 mm standard; ±0.02 mm on stable, non-thin-wall features. Painting, solvent bonding, and electroplating are available as post-machining services. ABS prototypes are also available via 3D printing (FDM) for very fast turnaround when surface finish is not critical.
Limitations & Cost Considerations

ABS has limited heat resistance — continuous use above 80°C causes softening and dimensional change. It also has poor UV resistance in outdoor applications without UV-stabilized grades or protective coating. ABS is susceptible to many solvents and is not suitable for chemical resistance applications. For higher heat resistance, upgrade to PC or PC+ABS; for chemical resistance, use POM or PEEK.

FAQ

Can ABS be electroplated to achieve a chrome finish?

Yes — ABS is one of the few plastics directly compatible with electroplating. The process chemically etches the surface to create adhesion, then applies copper, nickel, and chrome layers. The result is a fully metallic appearance on a plastic substrate. This is the standard process for chrome-look automotive trim and decorative consumer hardware.
What is the difference between ABS and ABS+PC?

Standard ABS is suitable up to approximately 80°C. ABS+PC blend improves heat resistance to ~110°C and adds better low-temperature impact strength. If the part will be in a hot environment (near a heat source, in a vehicle interior in summer sun) or needs to pass a higher thermal rating, ABS+PC is the correct choice. For ambient-temperature prototypes and general enclosures, standard ABS is sufficient.
What tolerances can you hold on machined ABS parts?

±0.05 mm as standard. For stable, non-thin-wall features (bores, flat faces, threaded inserts) ±0.02 mm is achievable. ABS has low moisture absorption so it holds dimension well after machining. Thin walls and long unsupported features are more prone to deflection during cutting and may require wider tolerances.
Is ABS food-safe or medical-grade?

Standard ABS is not food-safe or biocompatible. Medical-grade ABS (ISO 10993 tested) is available for non-implant medical device housings. For food contact, POM (Delrin) or PP is the appropriate choice. Confirm regulatory requirements before specifying material.
ABS or POM — which should I choose for a functional mechanical part?

POM (Delrin) for mechanical parts — it has better dimensional stability, lower friction, higher fatigue resistance, and better chemical resistance than ABS. ABS for enclosures, housings, and appearance parts — it machines more cheaply, bonds and paints easily, and is better for impact-resistant shells. If the part slides, rotates, or carries mechanical load, use POM. If the part is structural or cosmetic, use ABS.