SIMCO Disclosures

We discuss all things to do with plastic enclsoures and thier applications in the electronics industry.

Why SIMCO uses ABS plastic for electrical and electronics enclosures

September 11th, 2012

Most SIMCO enclosures are made from ABS plastic.  SIMCO uses several different formulations to meet a variety of specifications, including enhanced flame resistance or structural strength in combination with different pigments.

ABS is short for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. ABS plastics are made from a combination of monomers made from propylene, ammonia, butane, and coal.  ABS plastics combine the best properties of the three main components.  Acrylonitrile and styrene polymers bring strength and rigidity.  The nitrile groups attract each other and bind the chains together, making ABS stronger than pure polystyrene.  The styrene gives the plastic a shiny, impervious surface.  Butadiene gives a rubbery toughness that allows ABS to bend without snapping, even at low temperatures. While not generally considered flexible, ABS parts have enough spring to accommodate snap-fit assembly requirements such as SIMCO’s screwless boxes.

The most important mechanical properties of ABS are impact resistance and toughness. A variety of modifications can be made to improve impact resistance, toughness, and heat resistance.  Other advantages include resistance to water, salts, most inorganic acids, food acids, and alkali; and electrical insulating properties over a wide range of frequencies. ABS plastics are easily machined, and can be stamp printed or painted.  This allows SIMCO to customize your enclosure to suit your exact requirements.  ABS is also light weight, and has a moderate price.

SIMCO’s standard enclosures use PA-756 for grey enclosures or GP-22 for black.  Both these plastics are rated under UL test 94 for horizontal burn.  For better flame resistance and a UL 94VO rating, SIMCO uses PA-765.  Specification sheets can be downloaded from the SIMCO website at http://simcobox.com/Spec-Sheets.html

For more information about SIMCO products, visit the website at http://www.simcobox.com or call Mike Early at 863-452-9090.

SIMCO Disclosures

We discuss all things to do with plastic enclsoures and thier applications in the electronics industry.