PC-FR vs PC/PBT
Polymer · grade comparison
PC-FR and PC/PBT are both polymer grades. PC-FR is the stronger of the two: yield strength 62 MPa (8.99 ksi) against 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) for PC/PBT, about 19% more; tensile strength follows at 64 MPa (9.28 ksi) vs 53 MPa (7.69 ksi). In exchange, PC/PBT is the more ductile: elongation 120% versus 100% for PC-FR, and PC-FR is harder (81 Shore D vs 76 Shore D). PC-FR is stiffer (2.4 GPa vs 2.2 GPa) and PC-FR runs hotter in service (120°C vs 100°C continuous). On the shop floor, PC/PBT welds better (very good vs good) and PC/PBT sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than PC-FR (premium, $$$).
PC-FRChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
PC/PBTChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
PC-FR 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
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
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)
Refractive Index
Melting Temperature (Tm)
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 Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Same in both: Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω
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 Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
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-FR | PC/PBT |
|---|---|---|
| 3D printing | Yes | — |
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
| Conductive Coating | Yes | — |
| Dyeing (Nylon) | Yes | — |
| EMI Shielding Coating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Primer Coating | Yes | — |
| Soft Touch Coating | Yes | — |
| Tinted Coating | Yes | — |
| UV Coating | Yes | — |
| Vacuum Metallization | Yes | — |
| Waterproof Coating | Yes | — |
PC-FR vs PC/PBT — frequently asked
Is PC-FR stronger than PC/PBT?
Yes. PC-FR has a typical yield strength of 62 MPa (8.99 ksi) against 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) for PC/PBT — about 19% more. Tensile strength is 64 MPa (9.28 ksi) vs 53 MPa (7.69 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PC-FR or PC/PBT?
PC/PBT is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while PC-FR is premium ($$$). 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-FR or PC/PBT?
PC/PBT. Its weldability rates very good (70/100) against good (60/100) for PC-FR.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PC-FR 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.