A Lego brick is primarily made of a high-quality plastic called ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene).
ABS Plastic: The Key Ingredient
Since 1963, ABS plastic has been the standard material for most Lego bricks. Its properties are crucial to the brick's functionality and durability:
- Clutch Power: ABS provides the necessary friction and dimensional stability, allowing bricks to connect securely and repeatedly. This is what Lego calls "clutch power."
- High Gloss: ABS gives Lego bricks their smooth, shiny appearance.
- Color Vibrancy: The plastic readily accepts pigments, enabling the wide range of colors Lego is known for.
- Durability: ABS is a strong and impact-resistant plastic, which makes Lego bricks long-lasting and able to withstand rough play.
Why ABS?
Lego chose ABS because it fulfilled critical requirements for a toy designed for repeated use and connection:
- Safety: ABS is considered a safe plastic for toys.
- Consistency: It allows for precise molding, ensuring that all Lego bricks, regardless of when they were made, will connect properly.
- Longevity: ABS resists degradation over time, allowing Lego creations to be built and rebuilt for generations.
While ABS is the main component, newer, more sustainable materials are being explored and implemented in some Lego elements. However, ABS remains the dominant material for its unmatched combination of properties.
