MABS Plastic (Transparent ABS): Grades & Datasheets | Jinsu
Compare two Dagu transparent ABS grades using test conditions from their datasheets. Learn how to assess clarity, impact, detergent exposure, molding, and food-contact documentation.
DG-T513N and DG-T519CR are the two Dagu transparent ABS grades compared here: 90% and 87% light transmission at 3.2 mm, 130 and 195 J/m notched Izod.
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MABS is a styrenic copolymer, and its clarity is a grade property, not a material property
Standard ABS is normally opaque. MABS adds methyl methacrylate to the acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene components, which is what allows a transparent moulding. The addition does not make every grade equally clear, equally impact-resistant or compatible with every chemical: transmission and haze belong to the specific grade at a specific wall thickness, so start from the part's minimum transmittance, haze limit, wall thickness, visible defects, impact duty and the liquids it will contact.
At 3.2 mm the two grades differ by 3 percentage points of transmission and 65 J/m of impact
Under the same ASTM D1003 at 3.2 mm condition, DG-T513N reports 90% transmission / 3% haze and DG-T519CR reports 87% transmission / 3% haze. Under ASTM D256 at 23°C, 3.2 mm, notched Izod is 130 J/m for DG-T513N and 195 J/m for DG-T519CR. Optical figures from specimens of different thicknesses are not directly comparable, so confirm the value at your actual wall.
The melt flow index is 30 versus 12 g/10 min, which changes thin-wall fill and cycle time
DG-T513N reports 30 g/10 min and DG-T519CR 12 g/10 min at ASTM D1238, 220°C/10 kg. The higher-flow grade fills long or thin sections at lower injection pressure and typically shortens cycle time; the lower-flow grade needs larger gates or higher pressure but delivers more impact. Compare the two in your own tool rather than assuming the difference transfers.
Vicat values of 93°C and 99°C are measured under different loads and cannot be ranked
The DG-T513N sheet reports 93°C at 50 N and 50°C/h; the DG-T519CR sheet reports 99°C at 10 N and 120°C/h. A five-fold difference in load and a faster heating rate change the result on the same polymer, so the six-degree gap is not a heat-resistance ranking. Request both grades at identical method settings before selecting for a temperature-critical part.
Detergent resistance is a stress-cracking test result, not a label
A transparent part can look sound as moulded and craze or crack after contact with a cleaner. Contact liquid, concentration, temperature, exposure time and moulded-in or applied stress all change the outcome, which is why a washing-machine window and a robot-vacuum tank may need different tests even when both are called detergent resistant. The supplier's quarter-ellipse fixture holds a 2 mm strip bent under stress, covered with a liquid-soaked cloth and inspected after 24 hours for the first visible craze; the ratings on that slide are qualitative and do not publish the critical-strain numbers, the sample count or the comparison grade's formulation. Treat them as a screening indication and test the actual moulded part under a documented protocol such as ISO 22088-3.
Food-contact status is documented for DG-T513NC only
An SGS report for DG-T513NC (report SHAEC25026488201, 20 October 2025) records that the submitted sample passed three extractives and absorbance tests referenced to US FDA 21 CFR 177.1010, using n-heptane at 70°F for 0.5 hour and distilled water at 70°F for 24 hours. "ND" in the tables means below the reporting limit, not a measured zero. The report names DG-T513NC only: it does not cover DG-T513N or DG-T519CR, and it is not an FDA certification of every tint, food type or finished article.
DG-T513N and DG-T519CR: what the supplied datasheets actually say
| Property | DG-T513N | DG-T519CR | Comparable test condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melt flow index | 30 g/10 min | 12 g/10 min | ASTM D1238, 220°C / 10 kg |
| Specific gravity | 1.11 | 1.090 | ASTM D792, 23°C |
| Mold shrinkage | 0.4–0.6% | 0.4–0.7% | ASTM D955, 23°C, 3.2 mm |
| Tensile strength | 50 MPa | 45 MPa | ASTM D638, 50 mm/min |
| Flexural modulus | 2,300 MPa | 2,000 MPa | ASTM D790, 2 mm/min |
| Notched Izod impact | 130 J/m | 195 J/m | ASTM D256, 23°C, 3.2 mm |
| Light transmittance | 90% | 87% | ASTM D1003, 3.2 mm |
| Haze | 3% | 3% | ASTM D1003, 3.2 mm |
Source: Tianjin Dagu Chemical's supplied DG-T513N and DG-T519CR datasheets. Values are typical laboratory results. “J/m” is retained as reported; do not compare it with an impact result in kJ/m² without knowing specimen geometry and the applicable method.
For a part where high flow and optical transmission lead the selection, DG-T513N is a starting candidate. DG-T519CR is a candidate for parts exposed to cleaning agents and where impact is important. Its supplier sheet reports a lower melt flow index and a higher notched Izod result under the listed test conditions. These differences help shortlist samples; they do not establish finished-part performance.
Do not use the Vicat figures as a direct heat-resistance ranking. The DG-T513N sheet reports 93°C at 50 N and 50°C/h; the DG-T519CR sheet reports 99°C at 10 N and 120°C/h. The loads and heating rates differ. Request results at the same method settings before selecting either grade for a temperature-critical part.
The datasheets give 80–90°C drying and 180–220°C processing, not a mould temperature
Both supplied sheets list 80–90°C for 2–4 hours as the drying starting point and 180–220°C for injection processing. The 180–220°C figure is the processing temperature, not the mould surface temperature — the English "Mold Temperature" label on that row of the supplier sheet is misleading. Record measured pellet moisture, actual melt temperature and actual mould surface temperature separately, together with residence time, part thickness and appearance.
Conclusion
Use the grade-specific test conditions to shortlist candidates: DG-T513N for higher measured light transmission and flow, or DG-T519CR when cleaner exposure and impact are priorities. Neither datasheet guarantees finished-part performance. Validate the actual tint, molded geometry, chemical exposure, and regulatory requirements before approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DG-T519CR more transparent than DG-T513N?+
No. Under ASTM D1003 at 3.2 mm, DG-T513N reports 90% transmission and DG-T519CR 87%, both at 3% haze. Confirm on your own wall thickness.
Does a higher impact number prove better detergent resistance?+
No. ASTM D256 impact and chemical exposure are different failure modes. Test the moulded part under the intended liquid, stress and duration.
Is DG-T513NC a different performance grade from DG-T513N?+
Jinsu identifies it as a base-tint variant with otherwise matching properties. The SGS extractives report was issued for the DG-T513NC sample only.
Does the SGS food-contact result cover DG-T519CR?+
No. The supplied report names DG-T513NC. Request grade-specific documentation before making any compliance claim for another grade.
Can the property table be used as a purchase specification?+
No. Agree the required values, test conditions, lot acceptance criteria and change-control terms in the purchase specification and supply agreement.
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Contact Our EngineersCompliance note: the values above are typical laboratory results from the suppliers' datasheets, for selection guidance only and not acceptance criteria. Optical, mechanical and chemical performance depend on grade, tint, wall thickness, moisture state and process conditions, and must be verified on the moulded part before mass production. "J/m" is retained as reported and must not be compared with a result in kJ/m² without knowing specimen geometry and method. Grade names and standards mentioned belong to their respective owners. Contact Jinsu for the current TDS and available test reports.