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PC/ABS blend
PC/ABS is a blend of polycarbonate and ABS that combines PC's impact strength and heat resistance with ABS's easy processing and surface quality. Typical tensile strength is about 8,000 psi (55 MPa), with heat deflection of about 200–230 °F (95–110 °C) depending on PC content. It is the standard for laptop, charger and automotive interior housings, including thin-wall and flame-retardant parts.
- ISO 1043
- PC+ABS
- ASTM
- D4673 (ABS plastics and alloys)
- Trade names
- Cycoloy, Bayblend
How does it compare?
Typical room-temperature values for PC/ABS, against all 48 materials in the library.
- Tensile strength
- 55 MPa24th pct
- Density
- 1.14 g/cm³11th pct
- Elongation
- 50 %70th pct
- Relative cost
- $$$$$
Bars are relative to the strongest, densest or hottest material in the SSG library. Percentile vs all 48 materials.
- Density
- 1.14 g/cm³ · 0.0412 lb/in³
- Tensile strength
- 55 MPa · 8.0 ksi
- Elongation
- 50%
- Elastic modulus
- 2.4 GPa · 0.3 Msi
When should you use PC/ABS?
Strengths
- Higher impact strength than ABS, especially at low temperature
- Better heat resistance than ABS
- Flows better than PC for thin walls and long flow lengths
- Non-halogenated flame-retardant grades rated UL 94 V-0
- Paints and plates well
Watch for
- Lower chemical resistance than PC alone; sensitive to some cleaners
- Weathers poorly without paint or UV stabilization
- Must be dried before molding
- Costs about 30–40% more than ABS
Typical parts
- Laptop and tablet housings
- Chargers and power adapters
- Automotive interior trim and instrument panels
- Medical and office equipment enclosures
- Electric meter housings
- Chrome-plated automotive trim
How PC/ABS is made into parts
Cost, finishes and design rules for each process in this material.
Injection molding in PC/ABSMolten thermoplastic injected into a steel or aluminum mold. Lowest piece price for plastic parts at 5,000+ a year.
3D printing in PC/ABSSLS, MJF, SLA, FDM, and metal printing for prototypes, fixtures, and low-volume production parts.
Offshore sourcing in PC/ABSParts made by vetted overseas manufacturers, with landed-cost analysis, quality control, and logistics managed.
What does a part in PC/ABS cost?
A representative part, injection molding. Raw material at about $4.00/kg is one line of it; process time and tooling usually matter more.
Housing · Injection molding
Order total $24,973
- Tooling
- $17,029
- one-time, spread over the order
- Piece price
- $0.76
- before setup + tooling
- Lead time
- 6–9 weeks
- to first production
Size
Drag a row to adjust · click to type
Length140140 mm
Width90.090.0 mm
Wall2.202.20 mm
Quantity
Price per part falls as volume rises
Exact quantity1000010000 pcs
Material
PC/ABS blend
Design checks pass
Open in builderBudgetary estimate for a representative part. Firm quotes come from principals after drawing review.
Compared head to head
PC/ABS questions
PC/ABS vs ABS?
PC/ABS has higher impact strength, better heat resistance and better flame-retardant options, at about 30–40% higher material cost. Use ABS for general housings; use PC/ABS for thin-wall, drop-tested or UL-rated enclosures.
Is PC/ABS flame retardant?
Standard grades are UL 94 HB. Flame-retardant grades rated V-0 at 0.060 in (1.5 mm) or thinner are common for electronics housings; confirm the rating at your wall thickness on the grade's UL listing.
How much PC is in PC/ABS?
Commercial grades vary, most with more PC than ABS. Higher PC content raises heat resistance and impact strength; more ABS improves flow and lowers cost. Select by the grade's published heat deflection and impact data rather than the ratio.
Quote it in PC/ABS.
Upload CAD or start from a template. The builder prices it in this material and the alternatives.