PC-ABS vs PI
Polymer · grade comparison
PC-ABS and PI are both polymer grades, both high performance plastic. On the shop floor, PC-ABS sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than PI (specialty, $$$$$).
PC-ABSChoose it when cost is the deciding factor.
PC-ABS vs PI: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Properties
Yield strength
Tensile strength
Elongation at break
Elastic modulus (Young's)
Density
Max service temp
Thermal conductivity
Machinability
Weldability
Formability
Same in both: Electrical conductivity 0 % IACS
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every polymer grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | PC-ABS | PI |
|---|---|---|
| 3D printing | Yes | — |
| CNC machining | — | Yes |
| Sheet metal | — | Yes |
| Injection molding | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | Unfilled |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | — | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | — | Ra 0.8 µm |
| Chrome Plating (Plastic) | — | Yes |
| Conductive Coating | Yes | — |
| Dyeing (Nylon) | Yes | — |
| Primer Coating | Yes | — |
| Spray Painting | — | Yes |
| Tinted Coating | Yes | — |
| Vacuum Metallization | Yes | — |
| Waterproof Coating | Yes | — |
They share 4 finishes: EMI Shielding Coating, Painting, Soft Touch Coating, UV Coating.
PC-ABS vs PI — frequently asked
What is the difference between PC-ABS and PI?
PC-ABS and PI are both polymer grades, both high performance plastic. On the shop floor, PC-ABS sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than PI (specialty, $$$$$).
Which is cheaper, PC-ABS or PI?
PC-ABS is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while PI is specialty ($$$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
When should I choose PC-ABS over PI?
Pick PC-ABS when cost is the deciding factor.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PC-ABS and PI 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.