ABS vs MABS
Polymer · grade comparison
ABS and MABS are both polymer grades. MABS is the stronger of the two: yield strength 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) against 42 MPa (6.09 ksi) for ABS, about 7% more; tensile strength follows at 48 MPa (6.96 ksi) vs 43 MPa (6.24 ksi). ABS is lighter (1.04 g/cm³ vs 1.08 g/cm³ for MABS). On the shop floor, ABS machines more easily (very good vs good), ABS forms better (82 vs 72 out of 100), and ABS sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than MABS (standard, $$).
ABSChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part is machined in volume.
MABSChoose it when strength drives the design.
ABS vs MABS: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Rockwell M
Same in both: Elongation at Break 25% · Compressive Strength 65 MPa9.4 ksi · Hardness, Shore D 78 Shore D · Hardness, Rockwell R 105 HRR
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Same in both: Glass Transition (Tg) 105°C221 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.3%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Min Service Temperature
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 75°C167 °F · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 95°C203 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Same in both: Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 2.9 · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
UV / Weathering Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Mold Temperature (typ.) 60°C140 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 200 L/kg24 gal/lb
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 0.1 mm²/s · Thermal Shock Resistance Index 0
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every polymer grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | ABS | MABS |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Injection molding | Yes | — |
| 3D printing | Yes | — |
| Default condition | Unfilled | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | — |
| Chrome Plating (Plastic) | Yes | — |
| Conductive Coating | Yes | — |
| Dyeing (Nylon) | Yes | — |
| EMI Shielding Coating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Primer Coating | Yes | — |
| Soft Touch Coating | Yes | — |
| Spray Painting | Yes | — |
| Tinted Coating | Yes | — |
| UV Coating | Yes | — |
| Vacuum Metallization | Yes | — |
| Waterproof Coating | Yes | — |
ABS vs MABS — frequently asked
Is MABS stronger than ABS?
Yes. MABS has a typical yield strength of 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) against 42 MPa (6.09 ksi) for ABS — about 7% more. Tensile strength is 48 MPa (6.96 ksi) vs 43 MPa (6.24 ksi).
Which is cheaper, ABS or MABS?
ABS is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while MABS is standard ($$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, ABS or MABS?
ABS. Its machinability rates very good (80/100) against good (68/100) for MABS.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ABS and MABS side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.