ABS Plastic Manufacturing Experts at Jaco

Jaco understands the advantages of ABS plastic machining and can help you design a product that surpasses your initial expectations. You come to us at the pre-design phase, and we ensure you get the custom product you need.

ABS is an inexpensive plastic used in engineering, commonly used in prototypes created with pre-injection molding. Machining ABS plastic is a great option for mass-produced parts since they have an elite ability to maintain their mechanical properties in a variety of features.

If you need plastic parts machined, Jaco is one of the most capable and affordable sources. We’ll get the job done right.

ABS Plastic Machining Services | ABS Plastic Molding and Fabrication

Jaco Products is one of the leading suppliers of custom ABS plastic machining and molding services. ABS stands for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, a material that offers incredible mechanical properties as well as superior durability and impact resistance.

grey part from abs plastic machining company | Machining ABS plastic

About ABS Plastic

ABS plastic is a versatile thermoplastic material with exceptional dimensional stability as well as scratch resistance. It is also much less costly than other, more exotic resins. It is ideal for projects utilizing injection molding.

Jaco Products is also capable of coloring ABS plastic to match Pantones. This gives the designer a myriad of colors to select from. Metal coatings effectively adhere to ABS, offering more design and finish options due to simpler painting and plating. Popular colors of ABS plastic include black, bright white, flame red, fern green, soft gray, marigold, coconut, and graphite.

ABS is also recyclable at specific recycling facilities.

Applications of ABS Plastics

ABS plastic is applicable for a wide variety of consumer and industrial products. Some consumer examples include golf club heads and computer carrying cases, while industrial ABS applications include multiple industries such as marine, medical, automotive interiors and appliance manufacturing. ABS plastic offers a variety of benefits, including:

  • Heat and cold resistance. This plastic performs well at any temperature.
  • Resistance to aqueous acids, alkalis, concentrated hydrochloric and phosphoric acids.
  • Alcohol resistance.
  • Resistance to animal, vegetable, and mineral oils.
  • It works as an ideal electrical insulator with added moisture resistance.
  • Easy to machine.

ABS plastic machining is also ideal for a variety of applications, including:

  • Musical instruments
  • Wheel covers
  • Auto body parts
  • Enclosures
  • Toys
  • Protective headgear

ABS Plastic Molding

The Jaco team consists of experts in the injection molding of complicated materials such as standards and glass-filled ABS plastic. We also have the capabilities to mold ABS plastic with glass fibers and other additives to increase the overall strength of the component. Additionally, this increases the maximum operating temperatures to 176°F.

ABS Plastic Machining

Machining ABS plastic allows for the creation of complex, high-tolerance parts that need 5-axis machining. Jaco Products is capable of efficiency producing components that typically require multi-slide injection molds with threads, holes, ports and other complex shapes in smaller prototyping runs as well as large volume runs.

We also offer a wide range of ABS plastic machining services including milling, drilling, sawing, turning, shearing, threading, stamping and die-cutting.

ABS Plastic Molding & Machining

If you need complex, high-tolerance ABS components, the Jaco technical staff with use both the ABS molding and 5-axis CNC machining processes. First, we injection mold an approximate shape of the ABS part. We then machine the part to meet the tolerance requirements while milling ports, threads and undercuts. Many customers have brought us ABS components that other injection molding companies refused to quote. At Jaco products, however, we can fabricate the part successfully with multiple manufacturing processes. We can create prototypes in shorter runs for testing and analysis before you make a full investment in ABS part molds.

Fabrication and Finishing Services

In addition to molding and machining, Jaco offers a full range of ABS manufacturing and finishing services such as welding, stamping, engraving, assembly, kitting, and pad printing. We can also implement outside services including metal plating.

Jaco’s manufacturing processes follow ISO 9001:2008 quality standards.

ABS Plastic Product Engineering

Our technical staff includes experienced designers, so you can design the ideal ABS component for your application. We offer unparalleled knowledge in materials and manufacturing techniques. Jaco can develop multifaceted solutions to your component design challenges. Contact us today to discuss component design with our technical staff.

Plastic Machining: The Affordable, Reliable Alternative

The price of metals continues to fluctuate, forcing product designers to find other alternatives for machining their products. Plastic is not only a reliable alternative, but can also be better than the original metal design.

Many of the machines and tools used for CNC machine plastic are similar to those used for metal. However, it still takes skill and know-how to work with plastics. Cutting plastic is not the same as cutting metal even within plastics there are variations. Therefore, only an experienced plastic machining expert is going to understand these nuances and give you the results you need.

Jaco has been providing machined ABS for decades. We offer reliable products and customer service for an affordable price. We use ABS plastic machining to ensure you get the durable product you expect.

If you would like to know more about machining plastics or you want to speak to someone about the benefits of plastic machining, speak with an expert at Jaco. Call us today on 440-632-5800.

ABS Machining FAQs

Yes, ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic can be machined. ABS is a versatile thermoplastic that is commonly used in various applications due to its strength, impact resistance, and machinability. Machining processes such as milling, turning, drilling, and routing can be applied to shape and finish ABS plastic parts.

When machining ABS, it’s important to consider some factors:

  • Cutting Tools: Carbide or high-speed steel cutting tools are commonly used for machining ABS. The choice of tools depends on the specific machining operation and the desired surface finish.
  • Cutting Speeds and Feeds: Optimal cutting speeds and feeds should be determined based on the type of machining operation and the specific characteristics of the ABS material being used.
  • Cooling and Lubrication: Coolants or lubricants may be used during machining to dissipate heat and improve the machining process. However, ABS generally generates less heat during machining compared to some other plastics.
  • Chip Control: Proper chip control is important to prevent chip buildup and ensure a smooth machining process.
  • Tool Path and Machining Strategy: The tool path and machining strategy should be chosen based on the geometry of the part and the desired results. Climb milling is often preferred for better surface finish.

Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for machining ABS, and conduct test runs to optimize the machining parameters for your specific application. Additionally, ensure proper safety measures, such as using personal protective equipment and working in a well-ventilated area, when machining ABS or any other materials.

The tolerance for machining ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic parts depends on various factors, including the specific machining process, the complexity of the part, and the equipment used. Tolerances are typically specified in terms of linear dimensions (such as ±0.005 inches) or as a percentage of the part’s dimensions.

In general, ABS is a material that allows for relatively tight tolerances in machining processes. CNC machining, which includes milling, turning, and other precision machining techniques, can achieve high levels of accuracy and repeatability. However, the achievable tolerance may vary based on the following factors:

1. Tooling and Machine Capability: The precision and condition of the machining tools and equipment play a significant role in determining achievable tolerances. High-quality CNC machines with advanced features can typically achieve tighter tolerances.

2. Part Design Complexity: The complexity of the part design, including features like undercuts, small details, or intricate geometries, can affect the achievable tolerance.

3. Material Characteristics: ABS is a thermoplastic material with good machinability, but variations in the material properties may affect the machining process.

4. Machining Parameters: Factors such as cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut, as well as the specific machining operation being performed, influence the final tolerance.

5. Operator Skill and Experience: The skill and experience of the machine operator can impact the overall machining precision.

It’s essential to work closely with the machining service provider or follow the recommendations provided by the CNC machine manufacturer. Additionally, conducting test runs and evaluating sample parts can help determine the appropriate machining parameters and achievable tolerances for a specific ABS machining application.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic is generally considered machinable, and cutting it is not a particularly challenging process. To ensure an effective machining operation, certain factors should be taken into account. The choice of cutting tools, including high-speed steel (HSS) or carbide tools, is crucial, and selection depends on the specific machining operation and desired finish. Optimal cutting speeds and feed rates should be determined based on the characteristics of the ABS material and the machining operation. Although ABS generates less heat during machining compared to some other plastics, the use of coolants or lubricants is still beneficial for dissipating heat and improving the machining process. Proper chip control is essential to prevent chip buildup, ensuring a smoother cutting process. The tool path and overall machining strategy should be selected based on the part geometry and desired results, with climb milling often preferred for a better surface finish. Finally, a rigid and stable machining setup is crucial to prevent vibration or deflection, contributing to accurate and clean cuts. By adhering to these guidelines and adjusting parameters based on the specific ABS material, machinists can achieve precise and efficient cutting operations. Always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations and conduct test runs to optimize cutting parameters for the given application.
Published On: July 18th, 2024Categories: Injection Molding8 min read1596 words