PC-ABS vs SMA
Polymer · grade comparison
PC-ABS and SMA are both polymer grades. PC-ABS is the stronger of the two: yield strength 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) against 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) for SMA, about 10% more; tensile strength follows at 56 MPa (8.12 ksi) vs 50 MPa (7.25 ksi). PC-ABS is the more ductile: elongation 90% versus 2.5% for SMA, and SMA is harder (85 Shore D vs 79 Shore D). SMA is lighter (1.08 g/cm³ vs 1.15 g/cm³ for PC-ABS) and SMA is stiffer (3.3 GPa vs 2.4 GPa). On the shop floor, PC-ABS machines more easily (65 vs 55 out of 100), PC-ABS welds better (very good vs good), and PC-ABS sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than SMA (premium, $$$).
PC-ABSChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
SMAChoose it when weight is the constraint.
PC-ABS vs SMA: 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 Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Modulus
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M
Same in both: Flexural Strength 85 MPa12.3 ksi · Shear Strength 40 MPa5.8 ksi · Hardness, Rockwell R 115 HRR
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Same in both: Water Absorption (24 h) 0.2%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Min Service Temperature
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,400 J/kg·K0.33 BTU/lb·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 100°C212 °F · Vicat Softening Point (B50) 135°C275 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.008 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·cm · 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)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
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 | PC-ABS | SMA |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Injection molding | Yes | — |
| Default condition | Unfilled | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | — |
| Chrome Plating (Plastic) | Yes | — |
| EMI Shielding Coating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Soft Touch Coating | Yes | — |
| Spray Painting | Yes | — |
| UV Coating | Yes | — |
PC-ABS vs SMA — frequently asked
Is PC-ABS stronger than SMA?
Yes. PC-ABS has a typical yield strength of 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) against 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) for SMA — about 10% more. Tensile strength is 56 MPa (8.12 ksi) vs 50 MPa (7.25 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PC-ABS or SMA?
PC-ABS is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while SMA is premium ($$$). 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, PC-ABS or SMA?
PC-ABS, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 65/100 against 55/100 for SMA; for welding the order is PC-ABS first (very good, 72/100) then SMA (good, 55/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PC-ABS and SMA 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.