PC/ASA vs PC-Optical
Polymer · grade comparison
PC/ASA and PC-Optical are both polymer grades. PC-Optical is the stronger of the two: yield strength 63 MPa (9.14 ksi) against 54 MPa (7.83 ksi) for PC/ASA, about 17% more; tensile strength follows at 67 MPa (9.72 ksi) vs 55 MPa (7.98 ksi). PC-Optical is the more ductile: elongation 115% versus 80% for PC/ASA. PC/ASA is lighter (1.15 g/cm³ vs 1.2 g/cm³ for PC-Optical) and PC-Optical runs hotter in service (120°C vs 95°C continuous). On the shop floor, PC-Optical welds better (very good vs good).
PC/ASAChoose it when weight is the constraint.
PC-OpticalChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
PC/ASA vs PC-Optical: 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
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Compressive Modulus
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.38 · Shear Strength 40 MPa5.8 ksi · Hardness, Rockwell M 72 HRM
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
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: Thermal Conductivity 0.2 W/m·K0.12 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω · 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
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Melt Flow Rate 15 g/10 min
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Same in both: Embodied Water 250 L/kg30 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 0%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 2 MN·m/kg · 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-Optical |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PC/ASA vs PC-Optical — frequently asked
Is PC-Optical stronger than PC/ASA?
Yes. PC-Optical has a typical yield strength of 63 MPa (9.14 ksi) against 54 MPa (7.83 ksi) for PC/ASA — about 17% more. Tensile strength is 67 MPa (9.72 ksi) vs 55 MPa (7.98 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PC/ASA or PC-Optical?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$, premium); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, PC/ASA or PC-Optical?
PC-Optical. Its weldability rates very good (75/100) against good (55/100) for PC/ASA.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PC/ASA and PC-Optical 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.