Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Sheets, Rods, and Filament for Sale - Leading Supplier in South Africa

Overview: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene-commonly called ABS-is a tough, impact-resistant thermoplastic used extensively across electronics, engineering, 3D printing, and education. Available as rigid sheets, rods, and as filament for popular FDM 3D printers, ABS is valued for its strength-to-weight ratio and workability. South African hobbyists, students, and industrial users turn to ABS for applications ranging from enclosures and jigs to rapid prototypes, automotive parts, mechanical housings, and everyday classroom practice.

Communica stocks and supplies ABS plastics in a variety of formats and thicknesses, with local availability and cut-to-size options for specific project needs. As a leading supplier, we source globally from manufacturers trusted by makers and industry professionals.

Why Choose ABS Plastic?

• High impact resistance and mechanical toughness
• Lightweight and easy to machine, drill, or thermoform
• Good dimensional stability for prototyping and precision builds
• Suitable for 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC machining
• Available in a variety of forms and colours
• Widely compatible with common adhesives and surface finishing techniques

ABS Technical Properties

ABS vs. Other Plastics

Choosing the Right ABS Product

ABS is available as:

• Sheets (commonly 1-10mm thick, cut-to-size) - ideal for panels, prototyping enclosures, and CNC routing.
• Rods (diameters 8-100mm) - for turned parts, machining, and structural use.
• 3D Printer Filament (typically 1.75mm) - for FDM printers, available in multiple colours and spool sizes.

Selection Criteria

• Specify required size and dimensions up front-ABS sheets/rods can often be cut to order for local pickup.
• For 3D printing, confirm your printer's supported material temperatures (ABS extrudes at 220-250 degreesC; heated bed helps prevent warping).
• Check colour or finish if for visible/end-use parts (matte, natural, black, white, others).
• For outdoor use, note that ABS may degrade with prolonged UV exposure-consider painting or finishing if required.

Example Applications

• Education: STEM projects, robotics, and 3D printing modules in university and TVET labs.
• Makers: Prototyped cases for Arduino or Raspberry Pi, mounting panels, and IoT housings.
• Industry: Replacement gears, machine guards, automotive jigs, and semi-structural parts.

Working With ABS

ABS machines with standard woodworking tools but produces some dust; 3D printing requires careful temperature control to minimise warping. Use acetone for surface smoothing or part joining. For safe results, work in well-ventilated spaces, especially with heated tools or 3D printing applications.

Popular ABS Brands at Communica

• eSUN: Premium 3D printer filament, multiple colours/sizes
• Polymaker: High-strength engineering filaments
• Locally Extruded ABS: Sheet and rod stock for machining or thermoforming

All products are available with VAT invoicing for business, education, or bulk orders. Visit the 3D Printing & Accessories or All Products sections to review current stock.

Sources

• Communica 3D Printing & Accessories Collection
• Plastics SA - ABS Technical Properties
• eSUN ABS Filament Product Page
• Polymaker ABS Filament
• 3Dnatives - ABS Plastic Guide