LEGO base plates are primarily made from ABS plastic, the same material used for most of the opaque rigid plastic LEGO elements produced since 1970.
The Primary Material: ABS Plastic
As confirmed by LEGO, base plates are manufactured using ABS plastic. ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, which is a common thermoplastic polymer known for its strength, durability, and impact resistance. This makes it an ideal choice for LEGO elements that need to withstand frequent handling and connection.
Composition of ABS Plastic
ABS is a copolymer, meaning it is formed from multiple types of monomers. The specific composition of ABS plastic used in LEGO base plates, according to the provided information, includes three key monomers:
- Acrylonitrile
- Butadiene
- Styrene
These monomers are chemically combined to create the final ABS material.
To illustrate the components, here's a simple breakdown:
| Component Type | Material Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Polymer | ABS Plastic | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene |
| Key Monomer 1 | Acrylonitrile | Provides chemical resistance |
| Key Monomer 2 | Butadiene | Contributes toughness |
| Key Monomer 3 | Styrene | Gives stiffness and processability |
What They Are NOT Made Of
It is also specified that LEGO base plates, like other elements made from ABS plastic, do not contain PVC or vinyl. This detail highlights the specific material choices made by LEGO for their products.
By utilizing ABS plastic, LEGO ensures their base plates offer the necessary rigidity and clutch power expected by builders, maintaining consistency with their standard elements since 1970.
