Material selection is one of the most critical aspects of any manufacturing process and thermoforming operations are no exception to that claim. Selecting the right material can be the difference between a successful manufacturing run and product application, or a failed operation that can see costs rise rapidly.
In specific applications, the debate between HDPE vs ABS plastic is one that can keep design and engineering teams stuck on a decision and a path to move forward with a project.
Allied Plastics, experts in custom thermoforming solutions, rolls out a practical guide in settling the debate in order to get projects on track backed by confident material selection practices.
Material Fit
The HDPE vs ABS plastic debate is a storied one for all kinds of plastic manufacturing operations because of their similar properties. But it’s the differences that highlight the right path for design and engineering teams to make a decision.
HDPE (high-density polyethylene) is most noted for its high impact resistance and creates impressive durability in field service. It also contains strong chemical resistance along with low moisture absorption. Its less desirable qualities, however, are what make it differ from ABS. HDPE isn’t an ideal selection in applications that require easy bonding, printing, painting, or tight dimensional stability.
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), much like HDPE, is well-regarded for its impact resistance as well as its overall toughness as a material. One of the biggest differentiators between the two is that ABS does allow for tight dimensional stability in parts, making it sought after selection for thermoforming applications, typically in automotive usages.
Practical Guide on HDPE vs ABS Plastic
From a practical perspective, deciding between HDPE and ABS boils down to those differences.
If your product requires structural rigidity with stable, tight dimensions and the ability to feature a more finished appearance, ABS should be the choice. If your product needs chemical resistance, moisture resistance, high-abrasion capabilities with cost-effectiveness in mind, HDPE should be the material selection.
Thermoforming Considerations
When it comes to material selection, it’s pivotal to weigh the entirety of the intended service field rather than focusing on one singular property of the material. Heavy-gauge thermoforming operations, of which Allied Plastics performs, commonly use both ABS and HDPE for the aforementioned material properties of each.
A unique characteristic of thermoforming is that materials can be blended to form a totally customized product that features the best of both material properties while canceling out weak points.
Struggling with the HDPE vs ABS Plastic Debate? Contact Allied Plastics Today
Allied Plastics, located in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, is an industry-leading customer thermoforming manufacturing company, working closely with OEMs throughout multiple industries.
Our thermoforming operations include custom parts in sizes up to 9 ft x 14 ft x 60” depth of draw. And our starting sheet thicknesses can range from .060” – .550”. We work with several materials including TPO, HDPE, and ABS, and during the consultation phase, our team of engineers can work with you to find the material that works best for your thermoforming program.
Quality is paramount in everything we do. Through rigorous testing and part validation services, our quality management systems have been ISO 9001 certified for years, along with our ISO 14001 certification, which demonstrates our ability to handle environmental quality as well.
Still struggling with the HDPE vs ABS debate? Find a path toward a solution by contacting the Allied Plastics team today.