HDPE Vs. ABS: A Comprehensive Comparison of Plastic Materials

ABS Pla s tic and HDPE are both made of thermoplastics. There are many different kinds to choose from when it comes to plastics. ABS and HDPE are two types that are used a lot. But what are the main reasons why these two things are different? This section discusses the changes between the two regarding performance, features, advantages and disadvantages, and where to apply.

This article will help you decide which material is best for your needs.

HDPE: Everything you need to know

High-density polyethylene, or HDPE plastic, is the general name for a group of polyethylenes with higher molecular weights. All types of polyethylene are chemically the same. They have long chains of CH2 that were made when diazomethane byproducts broke down in a reaction room at high temperature and pressure.

Because of these qualities, HDPE is often used to make things like containers and pipes used in harsh settings. It can also stand up to UV light for outdoor use. Because of this, it is a great choice for manufacturers and customers who want to make it environmentally friendly.

Common Characteristics of HDPE Plastic

HDPE has linear molecules, or polymer chains, that are tightly packed together and don’t spread out much. A dense, crystalline substance forms when there is a strong pull between the molecules. Here are some characteristics that HDPE usually has:

HDPE is a strong, rugged, and very durable material used to make toys, containers, bottles, caps, etc.
HDPE can also handle high and low temperatures. Its construction makes it last longer.
Making cases and other things out of HDPE keeps food or drugs safe.
It is also one of the most popular in the market because it is made of non-toxic materials.
HDPE is a very light material, and when paired with the fact that it is resistant to impact, it takes less time and energy to move things made from this material.
High-density polyethylene can be recycled over and over again.
It can also handle both hot and cold conditions.
Because of its composition, it will last longer.

Common Applications of HDPE

The above characteristics of high-density polyethylene make it a good choice for many uses. Here are a few ways HDPE can be applied:

It is used to make clothes that can be thrown away and used for many other things.
It can be used to make pipes carrying clean water and wastewater.
It can be made into a rope by twisting together its threads.
It is used as a house wrap to protect homes.
HDPE is a kind of plastic that is often used to make bags for the mail.
It is used to create, among other things, chairs, tables, ice cube trays, and bottles.
Bottle boxes are made from HDPE.
HDPE is used to create a wide range of toys and playground equipment.
Since it doesn’t rust, it produces milk jugs and jerry cans.
It is on the bottom of the doormats.
It is also used in buildings because it is strong and lasts long.
High-density polyethylene is used to make cutting boards.
High-density plastic film is used to wrap food.
HDPE is used in wood-plastic mixtures.
It is a part of the fibers used for 3D printing.
It is used in plastic surgery, especially for facial and nose operations.
The packages for food and drinks are made out of high-density polyethylene.

Advantages of HDPE Plastic

HDPE can also be shaped to fit any purpose. High-density polyethylene strips can be cut, shaped, and molded like wood.
The number for identifying HDPE as a type of resin is 2. It is easy to recycle.
The makeup of the plastic gives it flexibility that is hard to find in other materials.
HDPE is also naturally immune to corrosion. HDPE sheets don’t grow mold, mildew, or insects.
Another good thing about HDPE is that it can withstand natural and artificial poisons.
Since HDPE sheets are also easy to care for, they are more accessible than ever to clean. Just use water and soap.
Even though it doesn’t break down in nature, it is still called an environmentally friendly plastic.
HDPE is the best material for making food containers, water bottles, and plastic boards.

Disadvantages of HDPE

Not flexible enough
Heavy weight makes it harder to ship and more expensive.
Less custom-made work; welded on-site.
Cracking due to stress is easy to happen.

ABS Plastic: Everything you need to know

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene). It is a solid polymer made of acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene, all single molecules. ABS is usually caused by emulsification, which is putting together things that don’t usually go together to make a single product.

ABS plastic is famous in many industries because it can be used in many ways. ABS is a type of plastic used to make a wide range of products, from computer keyboard keys to LEGOs. These products can be found all over the world in a variety of home, business, and professional settings.

Common Characteristics of ABS Plastic

Some of the characteristics of ABS plastic:

ABS can withstand various chemicals, such as acids, alkalis, and solvents.
ABS is hydrophobic, meaning it doesn’t attract or absorb water.
ABS is a material that can catch fire if it comes in contact with a flame or a lot of heat.
ABS can be made with chemicals or coatings that make it more resistant to UV light.
Most people think that ABS is biocompatible, meaning it can be in touch with human tissues and fluids.
Compared to other thermoplastics used in engineering, ABS has a low melting point.
ABS isn’t too affected by heat so it can withstand average, everyday temperatures without changing much or getting soft.
ABS has a low thermal conductivity, so it doesn’t move heat very well.
ABS weighs very little.
ABS is known for being challenging, making it suitable for creating solid and rigid structures.
When handled right, the surface of ABS can be smooth and shiny.

Common Applications of ABS Plastic

All of the above characteristics and properties of ABS plastic make it a good base material for many uses in various industries, such as automotive, electrical products, sports equipment, toys, building, construction, etc.

ABS thermoplastic is an excellent alternative to metal for several car parts that want to be lighter.
ABS is used in many home tools and consumer goods that people use daily, such as control panels, hoover cleaner housings, food processors, refrigerator liners, etc.
Computer keyboards, electronic casings, and other electrical and electronic uses.
ABS plastic is used to make things like lines and fittings used in construction.
Apply to musical instruments, sports tools, etc.
Gardening tools.
Use for legos and other toys made of plastic.
Use for medical uses, such as nebulizers, fans, etc.

Advantages of ABS Plastic

There are many advantages to using Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. Here are a few advantages of using this material:

ABS is robust and can take a lot of punishment. It can take big hits and not get hurt in the least. Like most things that can be made, ABS can be made thin or thick.
The parts underneath the material are safer and can take more hits if the material is more robust.
ABS is made of plastic, so it doesn’t rust like metal. The material is solid and can withstand various typical chemicals without breaking down.
ABS is a viral material. It is also very cheap. It’s easy to make in a lab and is a simple process.
Making ABS is easy because it can be quickly melted and shaped during the making process.

Disadvantages of ABS Plastic

There are some disadvantages of using ABS plastic:

Because it has a low melting point, it can’t be used for high-temperature uses or as a material for medical implants.
It also doesn’t stand up well to solvents and wear, and if it isn’t covered, it doesn’t do so well when exposed to UV light and the weather.

Comparison Between Product HDPE Vs. ABS

Type	HDPE Plastic	ABS Plastic
Short description	HDPE is a viral material for hats because it is solid and lasts long. It can also stand up well to heat and chemicals.	High-density polyethylene, or HDPE, is a flexible polymer made from petroleum with the general chemical formula (C2H4)n.
Not resistant to high-temperature	What ingredients were used to make this	ABS Plastic is an amorphous polymer comprising three monomers: acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene.
Applications	HDPE plastic is used to make many things, like containers for food and drinks, boxes for cleaning products, pipes, cutting boards, and some parts of shoes.	ABS plastic is usually used for injection molding. This engineering plastic is famous because it is inexpensive and easy to machine.
Characteristics	Flexible, precise, or waxy, waterproof, strong at low temperatures (down to -60°C), easy to work with in most ways, cheap, and resistant to chemicals.	ABS has a low melting point. It also has a high tensile strength and doesn’t break easily when hit or corroded by chemicals.
Benefits	HDPE can be recycled, which makes it an excellent material for these single-use items.	ABS has a good mix of resistance to impact, heat, chemicals, abrasion, shape stability, tensile strength, surface hardness, stiffness, and electrical properties.
Disadvantages	Not resistant to high temperature	Not resistant to UV

Final Words

Although some plastic parts/components can be made from HDPE and ABS plastic, they are different engineering plastics. If you don’t know how to choose for your project, please contact UVTECO. UVTECO is a trustworthy supplier of HDPE and ABS plastic from China, we can help you.