Acetal vs ABS Plastic: A Comprehensive Comparison

Knowing the key differences between the two plastics is crucial when trying to figure out the right one. Discover the main variations between Acetal plastic and ABS plastic and make the correct choice.

Before choosing your material, it is very important to know about the properties, strong points, advantages, and weaknesses of different plastics. This is because rigidity, impact strength, machinability, and several other properties vary from plastic to plastic. Without knowing them throughout, it will be hard to make informed decisions, making you unable to make the most out of your investment.

As for Acetal and ABS, they are high-quality plastics known for their durability. However, they also do have distinctive differences. Thus, in this article, we will explain in detail about both the products, so you are not confused and can make the most out of your purchase.

Acetal Plastic: Everything You Need To Know

Acetal plastic is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic known as POM plastic (polyacetal). It is primarily based on formaldehyde molecules. The plastic can also be found in other variants, such as polyformaldehyde, polyethylene glycol, or polyoxymethylene glycol.

This leads to acetal plastic being used as an alternative to metal due to its impressive durability. Moreover, the combination of compounds allows the plastic to have good mechanical and chemical properties. Overall, it is suitable for various applications and industrial uses.

Common Characteristics Of Acetal Plastic

Here are some common characteristics of standard Acetal Plastic

One of the strongest and stiffest plastics in the thermoplastic industry
The plastics’ durability rivals many metals
It has excellent dimensional stability
The tensile strength test shows an endurance of 10000 psi
Acetal plastic has low moisture absorption and good chemical resistance
The plastic boasts high machinability, so it is easy to use
It provides high quality while being low-cost
Food safe

Common Applications of Acetal Plastic

Due to the multipurpose characteristics of this plastic, it is used for a variety of causes in both general purpose and industrial sectors. Here are some of its uses

Acetal plastic is used in several lawn equipment
Different mechanical components, such as valves, nuts, gears, fasteners, etc, are made using it
It is also commonly used in the medical sector for several components
Most clothing companies use Acetal plastic to make their zippers
Door locks, knobs, indicators, power window components, etc., are also made using Acetal plastic
As it is food-safe, many containers, tanks, conveyors, and pumps are made using it
Also commonly used in plumbing equipment

Advantages of Using Acetal Plastic

FDA-approved and recyclable
Resistance to wear and abrasion due to its low friction coefficient properties.
Lower smoke emission
Great surface finish
Used for several industrial purposes due to its rigidity and tensile strength
Chemical resistance allows it to endure fuels and organic solvents
Blendable

Disadvantages of Using Acetal Plastic

While the strength of this plastic is fine in solid form, it can be toxic if inhaled or ingested in liquid form
Has lower heat resistance and is prone to quick burning
The rigidity also poses a problem when working on machines
Due to its surface hard to use any sort of adhesive on

ABS Plastic: Everything You Need to Know

ABS, short for Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, is a type of thermoplastic polymer mainly made with the three components in its name.

The compound structure of this plastic makes it superior to most other manufacturing plastics. ABS plastic is known for its high structural strength, thermal endurance capacities, impact resistance, and much more. This leads to plastic being a common material in several industries nowadays. Not only that, its easy-to-use features make it an ideal material for personal or artistic use too.

Common Characteristics of ABS Plastic

Here are some characteristics of ABS plastic that differentiate it from other available plastics.

It is comparatively cheaper;
Acrylonitrile gives the plastic high thermal and chemical stability;
It also has high structural strength due to the butadiene present;
ABS provides electrical insulating capabilities;
Has a low melting point, so easily molding process;
Corrosion and abrasion-resistant;
Can be machined with ease;
Low coefficient of friction;

Common Applications Of ABS Plastic

Due to such versatile properties, it is a common material in terms of use in several industries.

Most keyboard companies use it to make different components;
Used to several toys and crafting materials;
Protective housing for power tools;
ABS plastic is also widely used in the automobile industry for making body panels, dashboard parts, trims, etc.
Often used for furniture;
Used for manufacturing prototypes;
Using Different electronics, luggage, storage cases, display bases, etc, are made using it;

Advantages of Using ABS plastic

Can withstand heavy usage and adhesive environments
The styrene it in provides a glossy and aesthetic finish
Easy to dye into different colors
Impressive impact, pressure, and chemical resistance
Highly customizable

Disadvantages Of Using ABS Plastic

Inappropriate for high-temperature usage due to the low melting point
Poor solvent and high smoke production
UV resistance is lower than other material

Machine Grade ABS Sheets with nature color

Comparison Between Acetal vs ABS Plastic

Item	Acetal Plastic	ABS Plastic
Short Description	Acetal is rigid, durable, and has high tensile strength. It has excellent dimensional stability and chemical resistance.	ABS is a thermoplastic polymer
What ingredients were used to make this	Several toolbox instruments, automobile, food industry, and medical sector instruments are made using it.	ABS has three main components, which are Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.
Applications	Acetal is rigid, durable, and has high tensile strength. It has excellent dimensional stability and chemical resistance.	Toys, keyboards, protective housing for tools, and car parts are made using ABS
Characteristics	Acetal is rigid, durable, and has high tensile strength. It has excellent dimensional stability and chemical resistance.	ABS provides great structural and thermal stability. High electrical insulating capabilities and corrosion and abrasion resistance.
Tensile Strength	10,000	6500
Coefficient of linear thermal expansion	6.8	6.3