Injection molding is perhaps the common method of ABS molding. In this process, ABS pellets are heated until they melt and then injected into a mold cavity under high pressure. This technique is ideal for producing high volumes of parts with intricate designs, such as automotive components, consumer electronics, and household appliances. The precision of injection molding allows manufacturers to achieve tight tolerances and complex geometries, making it a popular choice for many applications. The ABS molding process in injection molding is efficient, as it minimizes waste and can produce parts quickly, making it cost-effective for large production runs.

Extrusion is another significant method of ABS molding. In this process, ABS is heated and forced through a die to create continuous shapes, such as sheets, tubes, or profiles. The extruded ABS can then be cut to length or further processed into finished products. This technique is particularly useful for applications requiring long, uniform shapes, such as pipes, panels, and various construction materials. The flexibility of extrusion allows for the incorporation of additives and fillers, enhancing the properties of the product. The ABS molding process in extrusion is characterized by its ability to produce large quantities of material with consistent quality.

Thermoforming is a third method of ABS molding that involves heating a sheet of ABS until it becomes pliable and then forming it over a mold. This technique is commonly used for creating larger parts, such as automotive interiors, packaging, and appliance housings. The thermoforming process can be divided into vacuum forming and pressure forming, each offering different levels of detail and complexity in the final product. Vacuum forming is simpler and more cost-effective, while pressure forming allows for more intricate designs. The ABS molding process in thermoforming is advantageous for low to medium production volumes, as it requires less investment in tooling compared to injection molding.