PC/ASA vs PC-GF
Polymer · grade comparison
PC/ASA and PC-GF are both polymer grades. PC-GF is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) against 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) for PC/ASA, about 136% more. In exchange, PC/ASA is the more ductile: elongation 80% versus 2.5% for PC-GF. PC/ASA is lighter (1.15 g/cm³ vs 1.43 g/cm³ for PC-GF) and PC-GF is stiffer (8.5 GPa vs 2.3 GPa). On the shop floor, PC-GF sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than PC/ASA (premium, $$$).
PC/ASAChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PC-GFChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
PC/ASA vs PC-GF: 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M
Hardness, Rockwell R
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Compressive Modulus
Same in both: Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 3 MPa·√m2.7 ksi·√in
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)
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.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Same in both: Dielectric Strength 28 kV/mm711 V/mil · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.009
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
UV / Weathering Resistance
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 80 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Machinability 60 / 100 · Weldability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 250 L/kg30 gal/lb
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
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-GF |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PC/ASA vs PC-GF — frequently asked
Is PC-GF stronger than PC/ASA?
Yes. PC-GF has a typical tensile strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) against 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) for PC/ASA — about 136% more.
Which is cheaper, PC/ASA or PC-GF?
PC-GF 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.
When should I choose PC/ASA over PC-GF?
Pick PC/ASA when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint. Pick PC-GF when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PC/ASA and PC-GF 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.