Absylux is a specialized form of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), a type of thermoplastic material known for its strength, impact resistance, and ease of machining. Absylux is widely used in various industries, offering an ideal balance between durability and cost-efficiency. It stands out as a versatile engineering plastic, making it suitable for both prototype development and end-use applications across numerous sectors such as automotive, electronics, food processing, and more.
Composition and Characteristics
Absylux is composed of three main components:
- Acrylonitrile, which enhances chemical resistance.
- Butadiene, responsible for its excellent impact resistance.
- Styrene, which contributes to its rigidity and ease of fabrication.
This combination of materials allows Absylux to exhibit properties such as high stiffness, dimensional stability, and moderate heat resistance, making it well-suited for structural applications where mechanical strength is essential. Its resilience against chemicals such as inorganic salt solutions, alkalis, and some oils also extends its usability in various challenging environments
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Key Features of Absylux
- Impact Resistance: Absylux’s outstanding resistance to physical impacts makes it highly durable, even in environments where materials are exposed to mechanical stress or shock.
- Strength and Stiffness: It maintains high structural integrity, which is crucial for applications that require robust components, such as support blocks or housing in mechanical devices.
- Machinability: One of Absylux’s standout qualities is its ease of machining and fabrication. It can be easily painted, glued, or electroplated, making it flexible for various manufacturing needs
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Applications
Due to its combination of physical properties, Absylux finds use in a broad array of industries. Some of the common applications include:
- Prototyping: Because of its excellent dimensional stability, Absylux is frequently used for pre-production prototypes. Its low cost and ease of machining make it an attractive choice for developing prototypes in a variety of sectors, including aerospace, medical technology, and automotive manufacturing.
- Structural Components: Absylux is ideal for structural applications requiring durability and strength. It is commonly employed to fabricate support blocks, covers, and housings for machinery or other mechanical devices
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- Food Processing: Absylux is FDA compliant, making it suitable for food processing environments. Its resistance to chemicals and durability in processing equipment is an added advantage in this sector
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- Signage and Display: Its excellent aesthetic properties make it suitable for use in graphics, displays, and other forms of signage where visual appeal and longevity are key
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Different Grades of Absylux
Absylux is available in several grades, tailored to meet specific industry standards and application needs:
- FDA Compliant Grade: Available in natural (beige) and black colors, this grade is suitable for use in food-related applications.
- Flame Retardant Grade (FR): Designed for environments where fire safety is a concern, this version of Absylux offers flame resistance while retaining the strength and durability of the base material.
- Conductive Grade: For applications where static dissipation or conductivity is required, a conductive version of Absylux (Absylux CN-P) is available
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Why Choose Absylux?
Absylux is highly valued for its balance of cost-efficiency, mechanical performance, and manufacturing flexibility. Its key advantages include:
- Cost-Effectiveness: As a low-cost engineering plastic, it allows companies to prototype and produce parts without excessive material expenses.
- Ease of Fabrication: The material’s ability to be easily machined, thermoformed, and finished (painted, glued, or electroplated) makes it a versatile choice for manufacturing.
- Environmental Resistance: Absylux provides good resistance to various chemicals, including acids and oils, making it ideal for use in harsh industrial environments
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Industries that Use Absylux
- Automotive: Absylux is used in the automotive industry for components that require high impact resistance and strength, such as dashboard parts and interior trim.
- Electronics: Its ability to be precisely machined and its static-dissipative properties make it suitable for electronic components and housings.
- Medical Devices: The material’s strength, impact resistance, and FDA compliance make it a popular choice for medical equipment components
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Dimensional Availability
Absylux is available in various forms, including sheets, rods, and films, with customizable thickness and diameters to meet specific application requirements. The range includes:
- Rod Sizes: 1/4” to 8” diameter
- Sheet Thicknesses: 1/16” to 6” thick
- Film Thicknesses: 0.001” to 0.029”
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Conclusion
Absylux is a reliable and versatile engineering plastic that offers an excellent balance of mechanical properties and cost-effectiveness. Whether for prototyping or end-use production, it meets the needs of various industries, from automotive and electronics to food processing and medical devices. Its machinability, impact resistance, and structural integrity make it a valuable material for applications that require durable and high-performing plastic components. With its range of available grades and FDA compliance, Absylux is a prime material for manufacturers seeking both performance and affordability.
