ABS-ESD vs Stratasys PC-ISO
Polymer · grade comparison
ABS-ESD and PC-ISO are both polymer grades, both specialty plastic. PC-ISO is the stronger of the two: yield strength 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) against 34 MPa (4.93 ksi) for ABS-ESD, about 53% more; tensile strength follows at 57 MPa (8.27 ksi) vs 36 MPa (5.22 ksi). PC-ISO is the more ductile: elongation 4.3% versus 3% for ABS-ESD, and PC-ISO is harder (80 Shore D vs 76 Shore D). ABS-ESD is lighter (1.04 g/cm³ vs 1.2 g/cm³ for PC-ISO) and ABS-ESD is stiffer (2.4 GPa vs 2 GPa). On the shop floor, ABS-ESD sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than PC-ISO (high, $$$$).
ABS-ESDChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when cost is the deciding factor.
PC-ISOChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ABS-ESD vs PC-ISO: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Rockwell M
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.37 · Compressive Modulus 2 GPa0.29 Msi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
UV / Weathering Resistance
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Formability (cold)
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Same in both: Embodied Water 220 L/kg26.4 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 0%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 0.1 mm²/s · Thermal Shock Resistance Index 0
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every polymer grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | ABS-ESD | PC-ISO |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both are offered for 3D printing. Both take the same 10 finishes: Conductive Coating, Dyeing (Nylon), EMI Shielding Coating, Painting, Primer Coating, Soft Touch Coating, Tinted Coating, UV Coating, Vacuum Metallization, Waterproof Coating.
ABS-ESD vs PC-ISO — frequently asked
Is PC-ISO stronger than ABS-ESD?
Yes. PC-ISO has a typical yield strength of 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) against 34 MPa (4.93 ksi) for ABS-ESD — about 53% more. Tensile strength is 57 MPa (8.27 ksi) vs 36 MPa (5.22 ksi).
Which is cheaper, ABS-ESD or PC-ISO?
ABS-ESD is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while PC-ISO is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which welds better, ABS-ESD or PC-ISO?
ABS-ESD. Its weldability rates good (60/100) against good (55/100) for PC-ISO.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ABS-ESD and PC-ISO side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.