PC/ASA vs PC/PBT
Polymer · grade comparison
PC/ASA and PC/PBT are both polymer grades. Both yield at about 54 MPa — strength does not separate them. PC/PBT is the more ductile: elongation 120% versus 80% for PC/ASA, and PC/ASA is harder (80 Shore D vs 76 Shore D). PC/ASA is lighter (1.15 g/cm³ vs 1.21 g/cm³ for PC/PBT) and PC/ASA is stiffer (2.3 GPa vs 2.2 GPa). On the shop floor, PC/PBT welds better (very good vs good) and PC/PBT sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than PC/ASA (premium, $$$).
PC/ASAChoose it when weight is the constraint.
PC/PBTChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
PC/ASA vs PC/PBT: 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
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M
Hardness, Rockwell R
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 80 µm/m·K44.4 µin/in·°F · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 24%
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
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.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Same in both: Melt Flow Rate 15 g/10 min · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 260°C500 °F · Mold Temperature (typ.) 70°C158 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5.5 kg CO₂/kg · 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/PBT |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PC/ASA vs PC/PBT — frequently asked
What is the difference between PC/ASA and PC/PBT?
PC/ASA and PC/PBT are both polymer grades. Both yield at about 54 MPa — strength does not separate them. PC/PBT is the more ductile: elongation 120% versus 80% for PC/ASA, and PC/ASA is harder (80 Shore D vs 76 Shore D).
Which is cheaper, PC/ASA or PC/PBT?
PC/PBT 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/PBT?
PC/PBT. Its weldability rates very good (70/100) 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/PBT 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.