Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (abbreviated ABS), is a terpolymer (copolymer that is derived from more than one species of monomer) made by polymerizing styrene and acrylonitrile in the presence of polybutadiene. The acrylonitrile in ABS provides chemical and thermal stability, while the butadiene adds toughness and strength. Styrene gives the finished polymer a nice, glossy finish. ABS has a relatively low melting point, which makes it very useful for the injection moulding process and 3D printing.
ABS's light weight and ability to be injection moulded and extruded make it useful in manufacturing products such as drain-waste- vent pipe systems, LEGO bricks, musical instruments (recorders, plastic clarinets, and piano movements), golf club heads (because of its good shock absorbance), automotive trim components, automotive bumper bars, enclosures for electronic assemblies and so on.