Maya Ellison
Hair cell finish on plastic, also known as haircell texture, is a pattern often found on one side of bulk sheets of thermoplastic. Specifically, it is found on Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) sheets, which are commonly used for structural applications that require impact resistance, strength, and stiffness. The hair cell pattern is designed to minimize the appearance of scratches, but some people prefer a smoother finish. However, no material is completely scratch-proof, and paint can always be used to touch up scratches if they become too noticeable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) |
| Texture | Haircell |
| Thickness | 1/4" |
| Sheet Size | 12" x 12" |
| Actual Dimensions | 11.75" x 11.75" |
| Color | Black |
| Adhesive Compatibility | Cyanoacrylate, 2-component epoxy, structural acrylic, UV curable adhesives |
| Scratch Resistance | Low |
| Impact Resistance | High |
| Applications | Structural parts, DIY projects, home decor, aircraft interiors |
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What You'll Learn
- ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic is used for hair cell finish
- It is a low-cost plastic with impact resistance and strength
- Hair cell finish is commonly found on thermoformed parts
- Adhesives like cyanoacrylate and epoxy work on hair cell finish
- Alternatives to hair cell finish include powder-coated steel and aluminium
ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic is used for hair cell finish
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic is a widely used thermoplastic polymer known for its versatility, durability, and ease of processing. It is made of three monomers: acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. Acrylonitrile provides chemical and thermal stability, butadiene adds toughness and impact strength, and styrene gives the finished polymer a glossy finish. ABS is commonly used in applications where impact resistance, strength, and stiffness are required. It is also lightweight and has low heat and electricity conductivity, making it suitable for electrical insulation protection.
ABS plastic is often used in the automotive and construction industries. In automotive, it is used for plastic alloys, decorative interior car parts, and auto parts. In construction, it is used for plastic tubing, corrugated plastic structures, and protective headgear such as hard hats and helmets. ABS is also commonly used for electronic housings, consumer products, pipe fittings, and toys such as LEGO.
The versatility of ABS plastic properties contributes to its popularity across multiple industry sectors. It can be easily moulded, sanded, and shaped through various processes such as injection moulding, machining, and 3D printing. ABS also has a broad processing window and can be processed on most standard machinery. It can be manufactured to a very high-quality finish and takes colour easily, allowing for precise project specifications.
ABS plastic has reasonable production costs and offers a sturdy and aesthetically pleasing structure. Its ability to withstand multiple heating and cooling cycles makes it highly suitable for recycling. However, it is important to note that ABS has some disadvantages, including a low melting point that renders it inappropriate for high-temperature applications and poor solvent and fatigue resistance. To prolong its life outdoors, it must be adequately protected from UV rays and exposure to extreme weather conditions.
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It is a low-cost plastic with impact resistance and strength
A hair cell finish on plastic refers to a type of plastic with a specific texture. ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic is a low-cost material that is widely used for its impact resistance and strength. It is a type of engineering plastic that is commonly employed in structural applications where impact resistance, toughness, and stiffness are required. ABS plastic is known for its ease of machining and fabrication, making it versatile and suitable for various applications.
ABS plastic exhibits excellent impact resistance, enabling it to withstand high-impact forces without breaking, fracturing, or deforming. This toughness is a measure of its strength and durability. Additionally, ABS plastic possesses good strength and stiffness, contributing to its overall resilience. Its impact resistance and strength make it ideal for a range of products, from toy building blocks to automotive parts and instrument panels.
The versatility of ABS plastic extends beyond its impact resistance and strength. It is lightweight, easy to work with, and exhibits excellent chemical corrosion resistance. These characteristics make ABS plastic a popular choice for prototyping and manufacturing. Its ease of machining and fabrication allows designers and engineers to shape and mold it into various forms. Furthermore, ABS plastic is easy to paint and glue, making it convenient for customization and assembly.
ABS plastic's impact resistance and strength also find applications in industries beyond toys and automotive. It is commonly used in the fabrication of prototypes due to its dimensional stability. This stability ensures that ABS plastic parts maintain their shape and integrity during the prototyping process. Additionally, ABS plastic's impact resistance contributes to the safety of products, especially in applications where resistance to physical stress is crucial, such as in automotive or industrial settings.
While ABS plastic offers excellent impact resistance and strength, it is important to consider other factors when selecting a plastic material. For example, ABS plastic may not be suitable for applications requiring high heat resistance or food-safe materials. Other impact-resistant plastics, such as PAI (polyamide-imide) or HDPE (high-density polyethylene), may be more suitable in specific situations. Nonetheless, ABS plastic remains a popular and cost-effective choice for its balance of impact resistance, strength, and ease of use.
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Hair cell finish is commonly found on thermoformed parts
Hair cell finish, also known as haircell texture, is often found on sheets of thermoplastics, specifically ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) sheets. ABS is a low-cost, impact-resistant, and easy-to-machine plastic that is commonly used in thermoforming. The hair cell texture is created by embossing the surface of the plastic sheet before it is thermoformed.
This texture is popular in consumer and industrial products as it can increase surface grip, reduce gloss, and hide wear. It is also commonly used in automotive, medical, and recreational equipment applications. Additionally, decorative laminates can be applied on top of the hair cell texture to further enhance the appearance and functionality of the final product.
The advantage of using hair cell finish on thermoformed parts is that it offers design flexibility and cost savings. Unlike other plastic molding processes, such as injection molding or blow molding, thermoforming does not rely on the mold surface to create the texture. This means that changing the texture of a thermoformed part is as simple as requesting a different textured sheet from the supplier, without incurring additional costs or delays.
Overall, the hair cell finish is commonly used on thermoformed parts due to its functionality, design versatility, and cost-effectiveness, making it a popular choice for manufacturers across various industries.
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Adhesives like cyanoacrylate and epoxy work on hair cell finish
ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a low-cost engineering plastic that is easy to machine and fabricate. It is commonly used for structural applications when impact resistance, strength, and stiffness are required. ABS is also widely used for fabricating prototypes due to its excellent dimensional stability and ease of painting and gluing.
Adhesives like cyanoacrylate and epoxy work on ABS with hair cell finish. Cyanoacrylate adhesives differ from traditional glues as they rely on atmospheric humidity and surface moisture as their catalyst. Cyanoacrylate adhesives are also known as instant adhesives because they rapidly cure when exposed to moisture. The curing process for cyanoacrylate adhesives occurs almost instantly at ambient temperatures, and the bonds formed are extremely rigid and strong, which is why they are often referred to as "super glue".
Epoxy adhesives, on the other hand, are known for their depth of cure. They are suitable for use on materials with large gaps as they set properly regardless of the thickness or depth of application. However, compared to cyanoacrylate adhesives, epoxies require longer cure periods to set the adhesive bond fully.
Both cyanoacrylate and epoxy adhesives have their advantages and unique chemical makeup, making them ideal for specific applications. Cyanoacrylate adhesives are preferred when ease of use, fast cure speed, and robust bonding performance are required. They are commonly used in industrial and consumer sectors for general household repairs, automotive weather strips, and plastic composite plantation shutters. Epoxy adhesives, on the other hand, are chosen when environmental resistance is a key factor, as they can withstand a broader range of temperatures and environmental conditions.
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Alternatives to hair cell finish include powder-coated steel and aluminium
Hair cell finish is a type of texture applied to plastic sheets, such as ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) sheets, to minimise the appearance of scratches. While hair cell finish provides scratch-resistance, it is not scratch-proof, and some people dislike the pattern it creates.
If you are looking for alternatives to hair cell finish, you may want to consider powder-coated steel. Powder coating is a polyester-based coating method that uses consistently sized, dry polyester microbeads with an electrostatic charge that adheres to base materials. It creates a stronger, more durable and more resilient finish than paint and is useful for products that need to withstand harsh weather conditions. Powder-coated steel is highly durable and corrosion-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor furniture, indoor furniture frames, metal canopy frames, metallic roofs, windows and doors. It also provides a thick, even finish for consistent protection and aesthetic appeal.
Another alternative is aluminium. Aluminium is a silvery-white metal that is light and highly workable. It is commonly used in everyday items such as jewellery, eyeglass frames, and coins. While aluminium is soft and may be prone to scratches, it can be powder-coated for added protection and longevity. Powder-coated aluminium blends the lightweight properties of aluminium with the resistance and longevity of powder coating.
Other options for finishes on plastic sheets include paint or a rubberized coating, such as 'plastidip', which can provide a better texture and scratch resistance. Additionally, materials such as acetal and G-10 (phenolic) can be used as alternatives to ABS plastic, offering improved scratch resistance, but they may be more expensive.
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Frequently asked questions
Hair cell finish, or haircell texture, is a pattern found on plastic sheets, typically made from ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). This texture is often used to minimise the appearance of scratches.
ABS is a low-cost, impact-resistant plastic that is easy to machine and fabricate. It is commonly used for structural applications and prototypes due to its strength and stiffness.
Hair cell finish plastic sheets can be purchased from online retailers such as Amazon and specialist plastic suppliers like BuyPlastic.
