Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) - For Sale, Cost & Local Stock at Communica

Overview: What is Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)?

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (commonly abbreviated as ABS) is a tough, versatile thermoplastic widely used in engineering, manufacturing, DIY, and 3D printing. Its ease of processing, smooth finish, good impact resistance, and moderate cost have made it a standard material for enclosures, automotive components, prototypes, electronic housings, and functional 3D prints throughout South Africa.

Communica stocks a range of ABS forms for direct sale: solid sheets, round rods, granules, and popular 3D printing filaments (typically 1.75 mm and 2.85 mm). Sourced from globally respected brands and designed for local makers, students, and industry professionals, ABS is available for immediate branch collection or national delivery.

Grades, Forms, and Technical Specs

ABS plastics are available in various formats and technical grades to suit different applications. When evaluating your purchase, consider the following:

• Sheets: Rigid, machinable, often black or natural, ideal for covers, panels, machine guards.
• Rods: Cylindrical, used for bushings, spacers, turned parts, and custom fixtures.
• Granules/Pellets: For injection moulding, extrusion, R&D and bulk plastic work.
• 3D Printer Filament: Typically supplied in 1kg spools; popular for durable, functional prints. Look for 1.75mm or 2.85mm diameter.

ABS vs Other Plastics

Cost Factors: What Influences ABS Plastic Pricing?

The cost of ABS for sale in South Africa is shaped by a few essential factors:

• Form (sheet, rod, filament): Sheets tend to be sold by area or thickness; filaments by spool weight (usually per 1kg).
• Dimensions: Larger sheets/rods or bulk filament spools carry higher base prices, but the cost per unit weight often decreases for bigger packs.
• Brand/Grade: Reputable engineering or recognized 3D printing brands typically command a moderate price premium for consistent quality, colour, and roundness/tolerance on filament.
• Colour and Additives: Specialty colours (e.g. transparent, fluorescent) or alloyed ABS may be slightly higher in cost.
• Import/Logistics: Stock already in-country reduces lead time and usually improves price stability.
• Order Volume: Educational and bulk procurement can sometimes access project pricing-ask for quotes if ordering for a school, university, or manufacturing run.

At Communica, all listed ABS materials show prices in South African Rand (ZAR), excluding or including VAT as specified at checkout. Most 1kg ABS 3D printer filaments range from R280 - R450 per spool (guideline, June 2024). Engineering-grade sheets or rods vary by dimensions but typically start from R150 - R600 per piece, depending on thickness and length. Please refer to our live catalogue for current availability and confirmed pricing.

Popular Brands and Local Stock at Communica

Communica stocks ABS products from a mix of South African-imported and leading international brands. Examples include:

• Esun, Sunlu, Polymaker: Widely used 3D printing filaments with consistent specs and vast colour options.
• Engineering Plastics: General purpose to premium machine-grade ABS sheets and rods, suitable for technical or industrial parts.
• MakerLab, XYZ: Local stock options for educational, prototyping, and design projects.

Check the 3D Printing & Accessories category, or search by brand for in-stock ABS options ready for purchase or collection at your nearest branch.

Selecting the Right ABS for Your Project

The correct ABS variant depends on your application. Consider the following when making a purchase:

• Enclosures (electronics): Sheets/rods or 3D prints; look for ESD-safe grades or black natural finish for a professional appearance.
• 3D Printing Prototypes: Use filament suited to your printer's diameter/spec (1.75 mm or 2.85 mm). Confirm the filament's roundness tolerance and recommended temperature range for optimal print quality.
• Machined Parts: Rods for bushings, spacers, and turned prototypes. Check machinability/diameter before ordering.
• Display or Coloured Parts: Choose colour-matched filament for visible components, or opt for matte/satin finishes to reduce glare.

Compatibility & Accessory Guidance

• 3D printing ABS requires a heated bed and, ideally, an enclosure to minimize warping.
• For sheets/rods: Compare thicknesses, and finish (matte, glossy), and determine if pre-cut or full-size sheets best suit your needs.
• Supports & Adhesives: For best adhesion, use ABS-specific glues, acetone for smoothing, or PVA bed adhesives for prints.
• Check dimensions and tolerances before ordering, especially for CNC or fit-critical work.

Educational and Industry Procurement

South African schools, universities, R&D labs, and manufacturers can request official quotes and VAT invoices directly from Communica. Communica provides detailed datasheets when available-with specifications for safe use and best practices-in addition to affordable bulk rates for large projects. Email or call your nearest branch for tailored procurement support.

Summary: Why Buy ABS from Communica?

• Wide range of ABS forms and brands, in stock locally.
• Engineering-grade material for technical and maker use.
• Transparent pricing in ZAR with instant online availability checks.
• VAT invoicing, branch pickup, and national courier options.
• Knowledgeable support for selection, compatibility, and accessory sourcing.

Sources

• Communica - 3D Printing & Accessories
• Material Properties Database - ABS
• eSUN Official ABS Filament Data
• Make SA - Plastics for Engineering & Maker Use
• Polymaker - ABS and Engineering Filaments