How to bond ABS? Achieve success bonding ABS

What is ABS? = Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene This is a common thermoplastic which is rather easy to bond.  Which ABS adhesive is best?  While bonding ABS can be done with a variety of types of plastic adhesives (plastic glues), a few of the most common include cyanoacrylate, 2 component epoxy, structural acrylic, and UV curable adhesives.

ABS Adhesive Types

All grades of cyanoacrylates, two part epoxies, polyurethanes, and structural acrylics bond ABS. For a flexible solution, MS polymers can be considered.  In addition to all of the above, UV curable adhesives form strong bonds and can be considered providing light can reach the bond joint.
To determine the best specific ABS adhesive for your application, please provide some detail to our technical team and we will get back to you with a recommendation.
Or, the following charts might help choose the best type of ABS adhesive.  Does your application require solvent or temperature resistance?

How to glue ABS?  Once we’ve narrowed down the type of chemistry and select a product there are directions for use on each technical data sheet.

Note: Products can withstand higher temperatures for brief periods providing the joint is not unduly stressed.

Tips for ABS surface preparation:

1. Providing the surface is clean and dry and free from contamination, bonding ABS can be done “As Received”.
2. If you do wish to do a solvent wipe before bonding or for clean up afterward, use isopropanol or Permabond Cleaner A.  While acetone is an excellent cleaner it can be too aggressive and consequently will attack the plastic.

ABS Properties:
Surface energy: 42 mJ/m²
Maximum service temperature: 89°C
Softening temperature: 100°C
Normally opaque but clear grades are available
Becuase clear grades are often UV stabilized (hence they don’t transmit UV light), it is best to check for transmission of UV light.  If UV light isn’t transmitted a UV-Visible light cured product can be used.

ABS Uses:
A few of the items ABS is commonly used in are musical instruments, toys, electronic enclosures & assemblies, computer keyboard keys, and luggage.  Becuase ABS is rugged, it is also used as buffer edging on furniture.

Trade names: LUSTRAN® ,CycolacTM, Terluran, Magnum CLR95
Cycolac is a trademark of SABIC or its subsidiaries or affiliates.
Lustran® is a registered trademark of INEOS ABS (USA) Corporation.
TERLURAN is a registered trademark of BASF Corporation or BASF SE.