ABS for Consumer Drone Body Shells
A medium-impact acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) terpolymer resin for injection-molded consumer and prosumer drone body shells, top covers, battery doors, and camera housing base plates.
Key Features
- ✓Izod impact 200–300 J/m — absorbs consumer drone minor crashes and drop impacts without shattering
- ✓Density 1.04 g/cm³ — lightest engineering thermoplastic for drone shells, maximizing payload fraction
- ✓Excellent surface quality — accepts spray painting, pad printing, IML, and plating without adhesion promoters
- ✓Low mold shrinkage 0.4–0.8% — accurate thin-wall shell dimensions in large-format drone top covers
- ✓V-0 FR grade available for battery bay and ESC compartment covers
- ✓Compatible with all standard solvent cements and structural adhesives for snap-fit drone assembly
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.04 g/cm³ |
| Resin type | Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) |
| Flame rating | UL 94 HB (standard) / V-0 (FR grade) |
| Mold shrinkage | 0.4–0.8% |
| Surface finish | Excellent — glossy, textured or matte |
| Flexural modulus | 2,200–2,500 MPa (ISO 178) |
| Tensile strength | 45 MPa (ISO 527) |
| Melt flow rate (220°C/10 kg) | 10–25 g/10 min |
| Izod impact strength (notched, 23°C) | 200–300 J/m (ASTM D256) |
| Heat deflection temperature (0.45 MPa) | 88–96°C (ASTM D648) |
FAQ
ABS paints well with a wide range of coating systems without pretreatment. The recommended sequence for consumer drone OEM painting: (1) Light abrasion with 320-grit (removes mold release residue and improves mechanical adhesion); (2) IPA wipe; (3) 2K epoxy or acrylic primer 15–20 μm; (4) 2K polyurethane color coat 30–40 μm; (5) 2K UV-curable clear coat 20–30 μm for scratch resistance and gloss. For consumer drones, water-based acrylic color coat over 2K epoxy primer is a VOC-compliant, commercially standard option. Avoid 1K lacquers — they have poor adhesion to ABS after UV weathering and delaminate in 6–12 months.