Find out What Market Segments are Driving the Demand for ABS Plastic Injection Molding & Why
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is a thermoplastic, engineered resin with a multitude of benefits. It’s used in the plastic injection molding process to create components for a wide variety of industries & applications.
Some of the most popular benefits of ABS resin are:
- Heat Resistance
- Chemical Resistance
- Corrosion Resistance
- Impact Resistance
- Lightweight
- Colorfast
- Strength & Durability
- Design Flexibility
- Processing Versatility
In plastic injection molding, ABS resin is often included in polymer blends to achieve optimal property benefits.
Markets Driving the Demand for ABS Plastic Injection Molding
ABS resin plastic injection molding is most popular in the following markets:
In 2016, the use of ABS in electrical/electronic & appliance markets resulted in over 2/3 of the world’s total consumption of this engineered resin.
The next largest use of ABS resin is in the transportation industry.
These markets (Electrical/Electronic, Appliance & Transportation) are each expected to grow by approximately 3-4% every year for the next 3 years, which will continue to propel the market demand for ABS resin in plastic injection molding.
Electrical/Electronics
Manufacturers in the electrical/electronics industry are incorporating ABS resin into their part manufacturing primarily because of its insulating properties, as well as its heat, corrosion & impact resistance.
As this high-tech industry surges in demand, so too does the demand for ABS plastic injection molding.
Appliances
The ability for ABS resin to retain its structural properties both at high and low temperatures has made it a popular resin-of-choice in component manufacturing for cleaning & cooking appliances, such as microwave ovens, dryers & washing machines.
Growing urbanization, paired with increased consumer spending in this market has created significant demand for ABS resin plastic injection molding.
Transportation/Automotive
One of the primary reasons for ABS growth in the transportation/automotive market is propelled by the industry’s growing demand for vehicles that are lighter weight.
Manufacturers have moved toward ABS resin because of its lightweight, high performance properties, which helps lower vehicle weight & increase fuel efficiency, thus driving the industry’s profitability.
ABS plastic injection molding is used for passenger, commercial & heavy-duty vehicle components. It’s commonly used in the manufacturing of vehicle body panels, instrument panels, grills, bumpers & various interior parts.
Construction
There are several reasons why ABS plastic injection molding is growing among the construction industry, but the biggest factors are growing urbanization, an increase in construction spend and a reduction in steel usage.
The construction industry is primarily using ABS plastic injection molding for their pipe and fitting needs.
They are choosing ABS for its enhanced visual appearance, lightweight properties & to accommodate color requirements from a variety of end-users.
Demand for ABS Plastic Injection Molding Predicted to Continue Seeing Significant Growth
As plastic injection molding demand increases in the electrical/electronics, appliance, automotive & construction markets, so too has the demand for ABS resin.
ABS’ lightweight & performance driven properties, paired with its low cost and ease of fabrication has made it an extremely popular resin in plastic injection molding for a wide range of industries & applications.
For the foreseeable future, demand for ABS resin is predicted to continue seeing significant growth in plastic injection molding operations.
For more information, see our Engineered Resins Material Guide.
Why Choose PMC?
Plastic Molded Concepts is a U.S based company that uniquely specializes in molding with engineered resins. We have been thriving in the plastic molding business for 45 years. We have the experience and certified in-house Master Molders, allowing us to take on projects of any complexity.
We provide a comprehensive range of plastic molding services including mold design assistance, modeling, prototyping, manufacturing, and testing.
Find out if ABS is the best resin for your application by contacting our experts today.
*Statistical Information provided in part by: Global Market Insights, Cision PR Newswire Transparency Market Research, Grand View Research & IHS Markit.