ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) material is one of the most widely used plastics in the field of plastic prototype CNC machining.

Here are some reasons why ABS is a popular choice for plastic prototypes:

Mechanical Properties:
ABS is a relatively strong, rigid, and impact-resistant material, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
It has a good balance of stiffness, toughness, and dimensional stability, which are important for functional prototypes.

Machinability:
ABS is easy to machine using CNC technology, allowing for the creation of intricate and precise parts.
It can be machined at high speeds without excessive tool wear, resulting in efficient prototype production.

Finishing and Post-Processing:
ABS parts can be easily post-processed, including sanding, painting, and finishing, to achieve desired surface appearances.
The material can also be glued, welded, or joined using various techniques, enabling the assembly of complex prototype assemblies.

Availability and Cost-Effectiveness:
ABS is a widely available and cost-effective thermoplastic material, making it accessible for prototype development.
The material is relatively inexpensive compared to some other engineering plastics, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious projects.

Design Flexibility:
ABS can be easily molded, extruded, or machined, allowing for the creation of a wide range of prototype geometries and shapes.
Its versatility enables designers and engineers to explore various design concepts without significant cost or time constraints.

Compatibility with Rapid Prototyping Technologies:
ABS is commonly used in additive manufacturing (3D printing) processes, such as FDM/FFF, which can be combined with CNC machining to create hybrid prototypes.

Overall, the combination of favorable material properties, machinability, and cost-effectiveness makes ABS a go-to choice for plastic prototype CNC machining across many industries, including automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, and beyond.