For an ABS housing, specify impact and heat requirements together with colour, gloss, surface finish, wall thickness and assembly constraints. Select the exact grade against those requirements and approve moulded samples before production. The family name alone does not define the appearance or performance of the finished part.

PANTEX reviews ABS resin enquiries for appliance housings, automotive trim and electrical or consumer-product enclosures. The proposed grade, documentation and availability are confirmed during quotation.

Which ABS properties matter for a housing?

Connect each material requirement to a component requirement:

  • Impact: identify the temperature, test method and specimen configuration relevant to the comparison.
  • Heat: state the exposure profile and the required test basis, including load where applicable.
  • Appearance: provide colour references, gloss expectations, texture and an acceptable sample.
  • Geometry: share wall thickness, key dimensions, fixing points and assembly requirements.
  • Processing: identify the moulding process, current grade and any finishing operations.

ISO 19062-1:2015 provides an ABS designation framework. Retain the producer grade and datasheet revision in the specification; a designation is not a substitute for component qualification.

A grade example: compare like-for-like impact results

The INEOS Styrolution Terluran GP-22 product page describes a housing-oriented injection-moulding grade. It lists typical Charpy notched impact values of 22 kJ/m² at 23 °C and 8 kJ/m² at −30 °C under ISO 179/1eA. This example shows why test temperature belongs beside the result.

The page also reports MVR of 19 cm³/10 min at 220 °C/10 kg. These are typical values for the stated product, not acceptance limits for all ABS grades or proof of PANTEX producer affiliation. Confirm the current sheet for the offered grade and colour.

Surface finish needs sample approval

A general description such as “high gloss” is insufficient for a visible housing. Agree a colour and texture reference, inspection conditions and which areas are cosmetic. State whether painting, plating or another finishing step is planned so its compatibility can be evaluated.

Review trial parts for appearance, fit and assembly using the intended tool and process. A datasheet cannot resolve every surface or moulding issue in a finished component.

Processing and substitution checks

Request the grade-specific drying and moulding recommendations. Compare flow values only with their reported units, temperature, load and method. Include tool shrinkage and dimensional requirements in the technical review when changing grades.

If ABS does not meet the component brief, evaluate alternatives against the same acceptance criteria. The PC/ABS comparison guide explains the checks needed when considering a blend. State outdoor exposure and any electrical or flame requirements explicitly rather than assuming every ABS formulation is suitable.

Does an ABS datasheet approve the finished housing?

No. Material properties support selection, while the finished component still needs the qualification required by the buyer and application. Any claimed rating must be checked for the exact grade and relevant conditions.

ABS RFQ checklist

  • Application, part drawing, current grade and moulding process.
  • Impact and heat criteria with test conditions.
  • Colour, gloss, texture and finishing requirements.
  • Dimensions, wall thickness and assembly constraints.
  • Current datasheet, SDS, required declarations and sample approval plan.
  • Quantity, packaging, destination and target schedule.

Request an ABS quotation with the specification and appearance references.

References reviewed on 20 September 2026.