PC/ASA vs PC-Foam
Polymer · grade comparison
PC/ASA and PC-Foam are both polymer grades. PC/ASA is the stronger of the two: yield strength 54 MPa (7.83 ksi) against 43 MPa (6.24 ksi) for PC-Foam, about 26% more; tensile strength follows at 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) vs 45 MPa (6.53 ksi). PC/ASA is the more ductile: elongation 80% versus 18% for PC-Foam. PC-Foam is lighter (1 g/cm³ vs 1.15 g/cm³ for PC/ASA) and PC/ASA is stiffer (2.3 GPa vs 1.8 GPa). On the shop floor, PC-Foam sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than PC/ASA (premium, $$$).
PC/ASAChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
PC-FoamChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part sees heat.
PC/ASA vs PC-Foam: 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
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Compressive Modulus
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.38 · Hardness, Rockwell R 112 HRR
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Same in both: Water Absorption (24 h) 0.2%
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)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.009 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·cm · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 250 V
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 Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 105 MJ/kg45,142 BTU/lb · Embodied Water 250 L/kg30 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 | PC/ASA | PC-Foam |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PC/ASA vs PC-Foam — frequently asked
Is PC/ASA stronger than PC-Foam?
Yes. PC/ASA has a typical yield strength of 54 MPa (7.83 ksi) against 43 MPa (6.24 ksi) for PC-Foam — about 26% more. Tensile strength is 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) vs 45 MPa (6.53 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PC/ASA or PC-Foam?
PC-Foam is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while PC/ASA is premium ($$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which welds better, PC/ASA or PC-Foam?
PC/ASA. Its weldability rates good (55/100) against fair (50/100) for PC-Foam.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PC/ASA and PC-Foam 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.