Chapter 1
Clutch power and friction
Chapter 2
The magic of ABS plastic
Chapter 3
Extreme precision engineering
Chapter 4
Structural limits and giant builds
YOUR GOAL
Master of The physics of Lego bricks
Ch 2 · The magic of ABS plastic
lego ABS plastic possesses excellent elastic memory, meaning it returns to its exact original shape after deformation.
Fun Fact
Indestructible bricks: ABS plastic is so durable that a Lego brick buried in soil or ocean water could take up to 1,300 years to fully degrade.
Glossary
abs plastic (noun)
A rigid, impact-resistant thermoplastic polymer widely used in manufacturing. The LEGO Group adopted this material in 1963 to replace warp-prone cellulose acetate toys.
A rigid, impact-resistant thermoplastic polymer widely used in manufacturing. The LEGO Group adopted this material in 1963 to replace warp-prone cellulose acetate toys.
Quiz
Which chemical component of ABS plastic gives Lego bricks their high impact resistance?
Quiz
Which chemical component of ABS plastic gives Lego bricks their rigid strength and hardness?