ABS vs PC-ABS
Polymer · grade comparison
ABS and PC-ABS are both polymer grades. PC-ABS is the stronger of the two: yield strength 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) against 42 MPa (6.09 ksi) for ABS, about 31% more; tensile strength follows at 56 MPa (8.12 ksi) vs 43 MPa (6.24 ksi). PC-ABS is the more ductile: elongation 90% versus 25% for ABS. ABS is lighter (1.04 g/cm³ vs 1.15 g/cm³ for PC-ABS) and PC-ABS runs hotter in service (100°C vs 75°C continuous). On the shop floor, ABS machines more easily (very good vs good) and ABS sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than PC-ABS (standard, $$).
ABSChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part is machined in volume.
PC-ABSChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ABS vs PC-ABS: 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
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Hardness, Rockwell M
Same in both: Compressive Strength 65 MPa9.4 ksi · Flexural Modulus 2.3 GPa0.33 Msi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
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
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Same in both: Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
UV / Weathering Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 200 L/kg24 gal/lb
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 | PC-ABS |
|---|---|---|
| 3D printing | Yes | — |
| Default condition | Unfilled | Unfilled |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | Ra 0.8 µm |
| Conductive Coating | Yes | — |
| Dyeing (Nylon) | Yes | — |
| Primer Coating | Yes | — |
| Tinted Coating | Yes | — |
| Vacuum Metallization | Yes | — |
| Waterproof Coating | Yes | — |
Both are offered for CNC machining, Sheet metal and Injection molding. They share 6 finishes: Chrome Plating (Plastic), EMI Shielding Coating, Painting, Soft Touch Coating, Spray Painting, UV Coating.
ABS vs PC-ABS — frequently asked
Is PC-ABS stronger than ABS?
Yes. PC-ABS has a typical yield strength of 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) against 42 MPa (6.09 ksi) for ABS — about 31% more. Tensile strength is 56 MPa (8.12 ksi) vs 43 MPa (6.24 ksi).
Which is cheaper, ABS or PC-ABS?
ABS is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while PC-ABS is standard ($$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, ABS or PC-ABS?
ABS. Its machinability rates very good (80/100) against good (65/100) for PC-ABS; for welding the order is ABS first (very good, 78/100) then PC-ABS (very good, 72/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ABS and PC-ABS 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.