How To Glue ABS

What is ABS?

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a tough and impact resistant thermoplastic widely used across industrial and commercial applications. It is popular in automotive applications, electronics, consumer goods and toys. ABS is chosen for its strength, durability, versatility, chemical resistance and lightweight nature. It can be machined, thermoformed, injection moulded and 3D printed, making it an adaptable choice for a wide range of manufacturing needs.

What adhesives can bond ABS?

ABS can be bonded using a variety of industrial adhesives like methacrylates, cyanoacrylates, solvent adhesives, UV adhesives and epoxies. Which adhesive is used greatly depends on the application, including factors such as required bond strength, clarity or adhesive colour, curing speed, environmental exposure, flexibility required and whether the bond is primarily structural or aesthetic.

Instant Adhesives (Cyanoacrylates)

Strengths	Extremely fast fixture, high shear strength, no mixing (single part), great for high-speed production lines various grades available for different adhesive needs.
Limitations	Limited gap filling capability without activators, lower impact and peel strength compared to other structural adhesives.
Most Suitable	All grades of NEXTITE Instant Adhesives can bond ABS. For General Purpose: NEXTITE 506 (Thin), NEXTITE 501 (Medium), NEXTITE 554 (Non-Drip Gel). For Impact Resistance: NEXTITE 580 (Medium, Black), NEXTITE 510 (Thick, Black), NEXTITE 535 (Clear, Black). For High Visual Appearance: NEXTITE 560 (Thin), NEXTITE 503 (Thick).

 

Methacrylates (MMA)

Strengths	Structural adhesive, multi material bonding, toughened and flexible bond, various fixture times, good gap filling, widely used in industry manufacturing.
Limitations	No clear multi material variants available, generally viscosity is high, stronger odour, exothermic reaction (although limited).
Most Suitable	NEXTITE AB200 (fast cure, high strength), NEXTITE AB210 (medium cure, high strength), NEXTITE AB422 (medium cure, high toughness), NEXTITE AB560 (long cure, high viscosity, high toughness).

 

UV Adhesives

Strengths	Extremely high clarity joints that are bubble and blush free, easy to do extremely high-quality joinery, high joint strength, set the adhesive whenever you are ready.
Limitations	Limited outdoor environmental exposure, higher set up cost, material must be UV transmissive to cure UV adhesive.
Most Suitable	ACRI-BOND UV1035 (Wicking Grade), ACRI-BOND UV2046 (Medium Viscosity), ACRI-BOND UV3232 (Thick Viscosity).

 

Solvent Adhesives

Strengths	Strong bonding of ABS through chemically softening it and fusing it together, fast initial tack, exceptional clarity, cost effective.
Limitations	Limited gap filling even with thickened grades, surface preparation is key to good joints
Most Suitable	ACRI-BOND 120 (Water Thin, Wicking Grade), ACRI-BOND 105 (Water Thin, Wicking Grade), ACRI-BOND 110 (Thickened). For 3D Printable ABS: 3D-BOND 135 (Water Thin, Wicking Grade) 3D-BOND 145 ABS/ASA (Thickened).

 

Epoxy Adhesives

Strengths	Very high strength, transparent options available, excellent chemical and temperature resistance, gap filling, controlled cure.
Limitations	Most grades are not very flexible, can only use two component epoxies (single part, heat cure ones will damage abs in the process), epoxies can yellow overtime, surface preparation required.

 

MS Polymers

Strengths	Flexible elastic bond, excellent weather and UV resistance, clear grades crystal clear, low odour
Limitations	Lower structural strength, slower cure, not good for precision applications

 

What Industries is ABS used in?

In fabrication and manufacturing, ABS is widely chosen for its strength and versatility. It Is easy to work with and can be machined, drilled, thermoformed, injection moulded and 3D printed to produce a wide range of functional products.

Common uses of material

ABS is used in many industries including:

-          Automotive Components: Interior panels, trim pieces, housings, exterior trim.

-          Electronics: Enclosures, consumer electronic cases.

-          Prototyping and 3D Printing

-          Industrial Machinery Parts

-          Common Household Items

-          Toys

Challenges with this material

-          Sensitive to solvents and chemicals which can cause surface degradation

-          Weather resistance isn’t the best, susceptible to degradation over time

-          Limited heat resistance compared to other thermoplastics

-          Adhesive must be matched for purpose of application

Technical Properties of ABS

Surface Energy: 42 mJ / m²

Temperature Resistance: -30°C to 85°C

Softening Point: 100°C

ABS Can Be: CNC’d, Thermoformed, Plastic Injected and 3D Printed

Surface Preparation

Proper surface preparation is critical to achieving a strong and reliable bond when working with ABS. Begin by lightly wiping the bonding area with NEXTITE PROPREP Surface Preparation Cleaner. This removes surface contaminants including dust, oils and residual adhesive that can interfere with bond strength. Allow the cleaner to fully evaporate before applying any adhesive.

ABS, like many thermoplastics, is highly sensitive to solvents. Avoid using acetone or similar strong solvent cleaners, as they will cause surface crazing, discolouration and permanent damage that compromises both appearance and bond integrity. Using abs-safe cleaners like isopropyl alcohol ensures the surface remains intact and properly prepared for bonding. 

Summary

Choosing the best industrial adhesive to bond ABS comes down to understanding the application requirements and performance required from the joint.

If you would like to speak to our expert team about your next project, please contact us for tailored advice and product recommendations to suit your application.