Description

ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) haircell sheet is a rigid, impact-resistant thermoplastic sheet with a haircell texture on one face and a smooth, glossy finish on the other. ABS is a low-cost engineering plastic that is easy to machine, thermoform, paint, and glue, so it is widely used for housings, covers, panels, displays, and prototypes.

The textured face gives visible parts a finished look and can help hide minor scuffs from handling and use. ABS also holds its dimensions well, which is one reason fabricators choose it for models and prototypes.

This sheet is not UV stabilized and is best suited to indoor use or protected locations. ABS softens at relatively low temperatures, with a typical maximum continuous service temperature of about 160°F. For outdoor exposure, parts near heat sources, or regulated applications, confirm suitability before ordering.

Advantages

Tough and rigid: impact resistance, strength, and stiffness for guards, covers, housings, and panels that see handling or contact
Easy to thermoform: forms well into trays, bins, covers, and shaped panels
Machinable: can be cut, routed, drilled, and shaped with common plastics fabrication methods
Prototype friendly: good dimensional stability, and it paints and bonds easily with suitable adhesives
Haircell texture: a finished-looking face for visible panels and interior trim
Low cost: an economical engineering plastic for commercial, industrial, and DIY projects

Applications

Housings, guards, covers, and equipment panels
Instrument panels, trim pieces, and interior panels for vehicles and equipment
Storage cases, thermoformed trays, and tote bins
Point-of-purchase displays and display fixtures
Models, prototypes, and formed sample parts

Fabrication and Handling Notes

ABS sheet can be fabricated with woodworking or plastics equipment. Use sharp tooling and suitable feed rates, and clear chips to limit heat buildup. It thermoforms well when heated evenly under appropriate shop conditions. Test settings on an offcut when appearance, fit, or repeatability matter.

The sheets are unmasked, so handle and store them carefully to protect both faces during layout, cutting, and installation.

Cut tolerance: +0.0″ / −0.2″