ABS CNC Machining Services
- One-off prototypes to hundreds of parts,
- Tolerances to ±0.01 mm when called out on your drawing
- Free DFM review with every quote. Your files stay confidential
ABS Machining Capabilities
Key specifications
| Processes | 3-axis, 4-axis and 5-axis CNC milling; CNC turning; drilling and tapping |
|---|---|
| Standard tolerance | ISO 2768-m for plastic parts |
| Tightest tolerance | ±0.01 mm, when specified on the drawing |
| Surface roughness | Ra 3.2 μm as machined |
| Recommended min. wall | 1.5 mm (1.0 mm on small, supported features) |
| Finishing | Bead blasting, polishing, painting, electroplating, in-house |
Quote request tip: mark critical dimensions on a 2D drawing. Without one, we machine to ISO 2768-m.
General tolerances by size
| Feature size (mm) | Tolerance (mm) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 – 6 | ±0.05 |
| 6 – 30 | ±0.10 |
| 30 – 120 | ±0.15 |
| 120 – 400 | ±0.20 |
| 400 – 1000 | ±0.30 |
ABS tip ABS expands with temperature and takes up a little moisture, so we usually advise ±0.05 mm or looser on critical ABS features. For tighter, more stable parts, see our ISO 2768 tolerance guide or ask about POM.
ABS Properties
Typical values for general-purpose ABS. Exact figures vary with the grade and supplier, so ask us for the datasheet of the stock we will cut your parts from.
| Property | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.03 – 1.06 g/cm³ |
| Tensile strength | 30 – 50 MPa |
| Elongation at break | 10 – 50 % |
| Flexural modulus | 1.8 – 2.6 GPa |
| Notched Izod impact | 200 – 400 J/m |
| Hardness | Rockwell R 100 – 115 |
| Heat deflection temp. (1.8 MPa) | 80 – 100 °C |
| Max. continuous service temp. | about 70 – 80 °C |
| Thermal expansion | 70 – 100 μm/m·°C |
| Water absorption (24 h) | 0.2 – 0.4 % |
How ABS compares
Comparison figures are approximate typical values for unfilled grades, for orientation only. See all plastic materials we machine.
Finishing options for ABS parts
Choose the finish by what the part has to do: hide tool marks, look like a production part, or resist wear. Pick a finish below. All CNC surface finishes.
As-machined
The default finish: a clean matte surface with fine, visible tool marks. It is the cheapest and fastest option and is fine for internal parts, fixtures and early prototypes.
Bead blasting
Fine glass beads give a uniform, non-reflective matte finish that hides machining marks and fingerprints. Very small features and sharp edges soften slightly, so tell us if a dimension is critical.
Sanding & polishing
Progressive sanding removes tool lines, and polishing brings up a smooth, glossy surface. It is also the preparation step before painting. Flat and gently curved faces polish best.
Painting
Spray painting gives a specific color, gloss or soft-touch feel for appearance models and brand matching. We sand first for the best result. Give us the Pantone or RAL code you need.
Electroplating
ABS is one of the few plastics that plates well. A metal layer adds a chrome or nickel look, extra hardness and a more durable surface. Plating shows every flaw, so the part is sanded or polished first.
Anodizing and powder coating are for metals, and the heat of powder curing would deform ABS. For these, consider aluminum CNC machining.
Benefits and limitations of machined ABS
Benefits
- Excellent machinabilityShort chips, low cutting forces and clean edges, so complex geometry is quick and cost-effective.
- Impact resistance and toughnessSurvives handling, assembly and drop tests better than acrylic or unfilled POM.
- LightweightAround 1.05 g/cm³, lighter than nylon, POM or PC.
- Low material costMuch cheaper than PEEK, PC or filled engineering plastics for the same part.
- Easy to finish and bondPaints, plates and can be solvent-bonded or glued for assemblies.
Limitations
- Limited heat resistanceSoftens around 80 – 100 °C. Not for engine bays or hot environments. Consider PC or PEEK.
- Thermal and moisture movementExpands with temperature, so very tight tolerances over large sizes are hard to keep.
- Poor UV and solvent resistanceYellows and weakens outdoors and cracks with ketones, esters and some adhesives. Use ASA or paint for outdoor use.
- Heat marks and warping if machined badlyDull tools and heat build-up melt or smear the surface. We use sharp tooling and low-heat cutting to avoid it.
- Not a bearing materialWears faster than POM or nylon in sliding contact.
Where machined ABS parts are used
Automotive
Interior parts and fit-check models.
- Instrument panel and console trim
- Armrests, vents and ducting
- Clips, brackets and gears
Electronics & appliances
Housings that look and feel like production.
- Enclosures, bezels and buttons
- Remote, router and controller shells
- Appliance housings and knobs
Consumer products
Durable, colorful, easy to finish.
- Toys, models and educational kits
- Handheld and wearable product mock-ups
- Signage, displays and lighting parts
Medical devices
Non-implant prototypes and device housings.
- Device and instrument housings
- Ergonomic handle models
- Test and assembly fixtures
Aerospace
Lightweight non-structural parts and tooling.
- Cabin and interior prototypes
- Ducting and covers
- Jigs and fixtures
Jigs, fixtures & pre-tooling
Low-cost parts for the factory floor.
- Assembly jigs and checking gauges
- Pre-production samples
- Bridge production before molds
Design tips for CNC machined ABS
Small changes to the model can cut cost and lead time. Our engineers review every file for free, so send it even if you are not sure.
| Feature | Recommendation | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Wall thickness | 1.5 mm or more (1.0 mm minimum on small features) | Thin walls flex and chatter while cutting |
| Internal corners | Radius of at least ⅓ of the pocket depth | Allows a larger, stiffer tool and a cleaner finish |
| Pocket depth | Keep depth under about 4× the width | Deep, narrow pockets need long tools that deflect |
| Threads | M3 or larger. Use heat-set or press-in inserts for repeated assembly | Plastic threads strip with repeated screwing |
| Holes | Standard drill sizes, depth up to 4× the diameter | Standard tools are faster and more accurate |
| Tolerances | Call out only the critical dimensions. Leave the rest at ISO 2768-m | Every tight tolerance adds inspection time and cost |
| Text and logos | Raised or engraved at least 0.5 mm wide and 0.3 mm deep | Finer detail breaks up or fills with paint |
More on cost drivers: key factors that affect CNC machining costs.
From CAD file to finished ABS parts
One factory handles quoting, machining, finishing, inspection and shipping, so you deal with one team.
Upload
Send your 3D model and drawing on the quote page, with quantity, finish and critical dimensions.
DFM and quote
Our engineers review the design for free and send a price with any suggestions to save cost.
Machine and inspect
We machine, finish in-house and inspect against your drawing, under an ISO 9001:2015 system.
Ship worldwide
Parts are packed carefully and shipped to you by air or express courier.