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The comparison of ABS Vs. PP is quite tough since both are used frequently in different industries and have their pros and cons. In some cases, price is not the prerequisite, but the material is suitable and can enhance the performance of the final products. 
This article will explain in detail about these two popular plastics along with their properties and applications to help you choose an appropriate one for your business. Scroll down for more!

1. ABS Vs. PP - A Detailed Comparison

1.1. What are They?

These two commercial-grade thermoplastics belong to olefin copolymers. PP or Polypropylene is a thermoplastic formed from the polymerization of propylene. It's well-known for toughness, flexibility, and durability. 

Read more: PP Plastic: Everything you need to know

ABS plastic, short for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, is also a common choice among users as it features high impact strength, great dimensional stability, and good resistance to chemicals. ABS shares some similar properties with PP, yet they're still different in some aspects. 

Read more: ABS plastic - Everything you need to know. 
Below is how they differ from each other!

1.2. Properties

Table of information on ABS Vs. PP mechanical properties

1.3. Applications

ABS Vs. PP material. Both two materials have a wide range of usage. In some specific applications, they may be able to replace each other.
ABS is commonly used for the shells of appliances, helmets, office supplies, pipes, or plastic lockers. Thanks to its high service temperature, it also meets the requirements for electric appliance shells. ABS is food-safe; thus, you can see many packaging products or medical equipment made from this material.

On the other hand, PP is widely used in producing automotive batteries and semiconductor components. Plus, since the material is elastic and durable, people utilize it in plating, chemical tanks, and laboratory settings. Its flexibility is also suitable for hinges, gears, and other moving parts. Besides, PP's light and chemical and UV light-resistant properties allow it to be the popular choice for plastic components (such as lightweight buckles) and outdoor applications. 

1.4. Pros and Cons

1.4.1. ABS

Pros

• Can withstand high temperatures
• It's not easy to degrade
• High ductile properties suitable for automotive parts and other mechanical components

Cons

• Higher price compared to PP
• It may produce an unpleasant smell 
• Printing large objects with ABS filament can be challenging due to its thermal contraction.
• A heated platform may be required if you need to print with ABS filaments.

1.4.2. PP

Pros 

• Ideal option for applications requiring precise measurements
• It does not break easily
• Excellent chemical resistance
• Low density
• Bendable

Cons

• Get shrinking quite fast
• Low melting point
• Poor bed adhesion

2. EuroPlas - A Reliable Manufacturer of ABS and PP Engineering Plastic Compound

EuroPlas has a list of engineering plastic compounds blending ABS and PP resins with additives and reinforcements to enhance the properties of the final product. The perfect combinations create a single material with all functions in one, making the production process easier and faster. Thus, our customers can improve their productivity. 

2.1. PP Engineering Plastic Compound

For PP Engineering Plastic Compound, we have:

• PP glass fiber compound: It's a combination of PP resin, glass fiber, and other specific additives. The mixture has less shrinkage and has better stiffness, impact, and heat resistance. You can use it for car doors, kettle handles, rice cooker covers, etc.
• PP glass bead compound: It's a mixture of PP resin, glass beads, and specific additives. It's well-known for its improvement of wear resistance of the final products, minimized cracks, and shrinkage. It's suitable for home appliances, interior, and automotive decoration.
• PP talc compound: It's a blend of talc powder and appropriate additives based on end-product requirements. It has reduced shrinkage, less risk of being stretched due to temperature, and better flexural strength. Outdoor equipment, motorcycles, and car interiors are common applications. 
• PP BaSO4 compound: The material comprises PP resin, BaSO4, and suitable additives. It can reduce deformation and enhance stability, hardness, and gloss. It's ideal for sanitary ware, water purifiers, vacuum cleaners, rice cookers, etc.
• PP conductive compound: The compound combines PP resin and carbon black conductive. It helps increase the stability and conductivity of the end products. You can use it for household appliances, pumps, pipes, ESD film, etc.
• PP flame retardant compound: The main components of the PP-FR compound are polypropylene (PP) resin and halogen/non-halogen flame retardant. It has better flame retardancy, which is ideal for household electrical and electronic equipment. 

2.2. ABS Engineering Plastic Compound

• ABS Glass Fiber Compound: It's a combination of ABS resin, glass fiber, and suitable additives. It can help increase stiffness, heat deflection temperature (HDT), and softening point (VICAT) of end-products. Its common application includes earphones, car fuel tank cap, printer and primer cartridges, and car interiors. 
• ABS Antistatic compound: It's the blend of ABS resin and antistatic additive. It can prevent surface static, thus minimizing the risk of electrostatic discharge and ensuring safety during processing and product use. You can use it for mobile chargers, power sockets, electronic components, earphones, keyboards, and electronic component pallets.
• ABS flame retardant compound: The compound is made of ABS resin and flame retardant additives, which are in different fire resistance levels according to UL94 standards: V0, V1, and V2. Thus, it's useful in preventing fire spread on plastic surfaces. Its applications include electronic component pallets, vacuum, electric, and electronic components.