Structural components used in refrigerator manufacturing have problems of brittle fracture and low impact resistance at -20°C, unstable thermoforming shrinkage resulting in dimensional deviation, inconsistent supplier specifications, and low moisture resistance that causes bacterial growth. ABS Plastic Sheet offers a good balance of mechanical properties and processability, providing a reliable solution. ABS Sheet is engineered to fulfill the demanding criteria of structural parts in refrigerators, ensuring durability, accuracy, and affordability for modern refrigeration units.
1. Application of ABS Sheet in Refrigerator Structural Parts
1.1 Liner and Inner Door Panels of the Refrigerator
The inner container is made of ABS sheet (the liner of the refrigerator), which can withstand cyclic temperature variations between -20 °C and 5 °C. High impact ABS sheets do not crack when door is opened/closed or when transported. AHD’s custom size ABS sheets have thickness from 1mm to 260mm to match different designs.
1.2 Internal Support Structures and Bracing
The ABS structural panel of the fridge is used to make drawer slides, shelves and compressor brackets. These parts require high stiffness (flexural modulus ≥1900 MPa) and creep resistance under load. ABS does not sag or deform at low temperatures, unlike HIPS.
1.3 Cooling System and Air Ducts Parts
High gloss ABS sheet refrigerator cooling structural components for better airflow and heat exchange. Their smooth surfaces help to prevent dust build-up and increase cooling efficiency. AHD’s ABS sheets are 100% non-toxic, corrosion resistant for humid environments.
2. ABS Sheet, Refrigerator-grade - Critical Requirements
2.1 Impact Resistance at Low Temperature (-20°C)
ABS sheet for refrigerator structural components with low temperature resistance should have toughness at -20°C. Notched Izod impact strength ≥12kJ/m² (-30°C) to prevent brittle failure of qualified products. A 32-year formulation expertise at AHD guarantees consistent low-temperature performance with a 99.8% compliance rate in batch testing.
2.2 Thermoforming Uniformity and Dimensional Stability
0.4%-0.7% Thermoforming shrinkage must be controlled to avoid assembly gaps. Anti stress cracking ABS sheet refrigerator structural assembly resists residual stress from molding to prevent cracks at corners or holes. AHD’s precision extrusion lines hold tight thickness tolerance, for seamless fitting in high-volume production.
2.3 Resistance to chemicals and moisture
ABS Plate withstands refrigerants, oils and cleaning agents for refrigerator. Water absorption ≤0.3% prevents warping in humid conditions. Mold inhibitors resist bacterial growth (ISO 22196).
2.4 Surface Quality and Appearance Durability
High-gloss (≥85 GU) finishes improve the look and scratch resistance. UV stabilizers prevent yellowing (ΔE≤2 after 500h aging) and preserve long-term aesthetics.
3. How to select qualified ABS sheet for refrigerator structure parts
3.1 Check Material Grade & Compliance
High impact ABS sheet fridge inner structural parts with certifications. Do not use recycled ABS with impurity levels >0.1% because it decreases the impact strength by 30%-50%.
3.2 Parameter Experiment
Low temperature impact test: -20°C, 24h conditioning, ≥10kJ/m2 (notched)
Shrinkage measurement: Sample 200mm×200mm, 120°C×30min, shrinkage ≤0.6%
Stress cracking test: 141b immersion, 24 h, no cracks (magnification×10)
Gloss & colorfastness: 60° gloss ≥80 GU, ΔE≤3 after xenon aging.
3.3 Evaluation of Supplier Capabilities
Choose manufacturers with dedicated R&D (≥30 years of experience), strict QC (whole product inspection) and custom production capabilities. AHD, a leading engineering plastic sheet & rod supplier, offers one-stop solutions: free samples, trial orders and performance test reports.
4. Refrigerator Grade ABS Sheet Supply Advantages
4.1 Unequalled Product Quality & Consistency
AHD’s ABS sheets have 99.8% performance compliance rate, with 32 years of manufacturing expertise. Our full-series engineering plastic sheets (ABS, PP, PE, POM) satisfy various refrigerator structural needs, from standard to high-end models.
4.2 Flexibility & Customization
What we offer:
Thickness: 1mm-260mm
Max. width: ≤1500 mm, Length: ≤3000 mm
Textures: slippery
Colors: White, Black or Biege
4.3 Reliable Supply and Service
AHD keeps large inventory for fast delivery (3-7 days for standard sizes). Our factory-direct price cuts out middlemen for a more cost-competitive product.
ABS Sheet is still the best option for refrigerator structural parts, as it offers a good combination of low-temperature toughness, dimensional stability, and cost-effectiveness. AHD’s high-quality, custom ABS solutions solve industry challenges such as brittle fracture. Partner with AHD to obtain factory-direct supply, consistent quality, and professional technical support to improve your product competitiveness.
Q1: How long ABS structural parts are typically used in refrigerators?
A: Proper formulation guarantees the service life of AHD’s ABS sheets for more than 10 years under normal refrigerator operation (temperature: -20°C~5°C, humidity: 60%-80%).
Q2: What is the cost of refrigerator-grade ABS sheets versus other materials?
A: ABS sheets are 15%-25% more expensive than HIPS but have 3× better impact resistance at low temperatures. ABS provides 20%-30% cost savings over PC/ABS alloys, with performance adequate for most refrigerator structural applications.
