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Why did Western Electric switch to ABS plastic?

Started by paul-f, April 18, 2015, 03:04:12 AM

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paul-f

We have talked a lot about the timing of the switch and speculated on the reasons.

Here's an interesting short article, "Kiss-proofing for Phones," from Western Electric News Features (July 1965) that suggests one reason was that cosmetics permanently stained previous plastics.

The article is also in the TCI Library.
Visit: paul-f.com         WE  500  Design_Line

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andre_janew

I had no idea stain resistance played a part in the switch.  I always thought they found a plastic that was cheaper to produce.

tallguy58

Now we know.

Has anyone ever come across one of these "stained" phones?  :-* :-*
Cheers........Bill

compubit

I suspect this may be part of the reason we see a number of Soft Plastic handsets with ABS transmitter and right driver covers?

Jim
A phone phanatic since I was less than 2 (thanks to Fisher Price); collector since a teenager; now able to afford to play!
Favorite Phone: Western Electric Trimline - it just feels right holding it up to my face!