Prototype housings
Housings and covers to check the assembly of a new device.
Plastic · Custom parts
CNC machining
of ABS.
From prototype to product appearance. We manufacture machined ABS housings and parts that you can paint to validate form, assembly, color, and finish.
Get your quoteQuote in 24 h · Engineering review
- From
- 1 unit
- Delivery from
- 8 working days
- Material
- ABS Plastic
01 / Why choose this material
Properties and uses
of ABS.
Machinable plastic useful for validating forms, fits, and exterior appearance. It accepts painting and can reproduce the look of a product housing.
ABS, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, is a thermoplastic used in presentation prototypes and housings. Machining allows manufacturing of few units without injection mold. For a series of several parts, you can also consider rigid PU via vacuum casting.
Learn about the CNC machining process ↗ABS Properties
Mechanical reference · Proto&Go! material datasheet
- Indicative density
- 1.05 g/cm³
- Tensile strength at yield
- 50 MPa
- Flexural modulus
- 1,8 GPa
- Hardness
- 80 Shore D
- Continuous use · ref. PDF
- 75 °C
- Presentation
- Semi-finished for CNC
Chrome plating requires a suitable grade and a specific process: confirm availability for the part. Exterior exposure requires evaluating UV resistance. The added values are references from the published PDF; the supply grade and test may change them.
Material datasheets
- Good impact resistance
- Standard grade electrical insulator
- Accepts painting
- Easy to machine
ABS Applications
Product mockups
Painted prototypes to present product color, texture, and shape.
Assembly parts
Auxiliary parts and prototype assembly kits.
Aesthetic validation models
Aesthetic validation models before manufacturing a run.
02 / A choice based on usage
Choose ABS
based on your part.
These criteria help define the material, geometry, and working conditions before manufacturing.
01
Standard ABS
To validate shapes, assemblies, and appearance. Define the paint if the part must reproduce the product's look.
02
ABS / PC
Blend of ABS and polycarbonate with properties depending on the grade and its formulation.
03
Flame retardant
Request a reference with a specific classification and test thickness. This classification is not attributed to standard ABS.
The part's function is the starting point.
Indicate loads, temperature, environment, and appearance needed. If the drawing requires a specific grade, include it in the request.
03 / Finishing also counts
Finishes and appearance
of ABS.
Define visible surfaces and the required result for your part. Requested treatments are included in the quote.
The part retains machining marks. Indicate adjustment surfaces and visible faces on the drawing.
The image could not be loaded. Try a different finish.
Reference images: material, geometry, and surface preparation influence the outcome. Special finishes are quoted upon request.
04 / From design to quote
CNC machining
of ABS.
Milling and turning allow manufacturing ABS parts from a block, plate, or bar. The tool removes material to obtain faces, cavities, drilled holes, and contours according to the design.
Send a 3D model per part in STEP or a native supported format: SLDPRT, X_T, X_B, IPT, CATPART, PRT, SAT, or 3DM. Attach a PDF drawing for threads, inserts, or specific tolerances. STL is accepted only for 3D printing.
Upload your file and request a quotePart tolerances
For dimensions without a specific tolerance, Proto&Go! applies ISO 2768-m. With a drawing, equivalent tolerances to IT11 can be assessed, depending on the geometry and requested dimensions. Attach the drawing and mark the functional surfaces.
Calculate a tolerance ↗Quantity and cost per part
In CNC, setup costs are distributed across the batch units. The final reduction depends on machining time and material.
Quote in 24 hours
Parts from 8 working days after confirming the order. The quote specifies the lead time based on geometry, material, finish, and quantity.
How much it costs to manufacture
The price of your part
in ABS.
The price to machine ABS depends on geometry, grade, tolerances, finish, and quantity. Includes material, preparation, and machining.
Check the catalog example to compare materials. To know the cost of your design, request a quote with your 3D file.
Frequently asked questions
Before manufacturing
in ABS.
Properties, applications, and manufacturing: answers to prepare your request.
What is ABS and what are its properties?
Machining ABS is useful for validating shapes, fits, and exterior appearance. It accepts painting and can replicate the look of a product housing. Chrome plating requires a suitable grade and a specific process: confirm availability for the part. Exterior exposure requires evaluating UV resistance. The added values are references from the published PDF; the supply grade and testing can vary.
What parts can be machined from ABS?
We can manufacture prototype housings, product mockups, assembly parts, and aesthetic validation models. CNC machining allows adapting the geometry to your 3D file. Define the loads, the environment, and the finish so we can review the application.
Which plastic should I choose for a machined housing that can be painted?
ABS is a good option for housings, covers, and presentation prototypes. It accepts painting to obtain color and matte, satin, or glossy finishes. For multi-unit runs, you can also consider rigid PU obtained via vacuum casting in silicone molds.
What is the difference between a machined ABS housing and a rigid PU one?
ABS is machined from a block and is useful for few units. Rigid PU is reproduced via casting in a silicone mold, distributing the pattern and mold between the run. Compare quantity, geometry, appearance, and polyurethane properties.
Can ABS be chrome plated or used outdoors?
Chrome plating requires a suitable ABS grade and specific preparation; you must confirm its availability for the part. For outdoor use, the material's UV resistance or applied protection must be evaluated. None of these features is automatic for any ABS.
How much does it cost to machine an ABS part?
The cost of machining ABS depends on the geometry, grade, tolerances, finish, and quantity. It includes material, preparation, and machining. Upload your 3D file to the Proto&Go! platform to receive a quote with cost and lead time.
What tolerances can I request for an ABS part?
For dimensions without a specific tolerance, Proto&Go! applies ISO 2768-m. With a drawing, equivalent tolerances to IT11 can be assessed, depending on the geometry and requested dimensions. Attach the drawing and mark the functional surfaces.
What file do I need to manufacture an ABS part?
Send a 3D model per part in STEP or a native supported format: SLDPRT, X_T, X_B, IPT, CATPART, PRT, SAT, or 3DM. Attach a PDF drawing for threads, inserts, or specific tolerances. STL is accepted only for 3D printing.
Compare before choosing
Other options for your part.
Your next part
Shape it
in ABS.
Upload the 3D file. We review feasibility and send you the quote.