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3D printing in PC/ABS blend
PC/ABS blend is one of the most economical choices for 3d printing: higher impact strength than abs, especially at low temperature. On a representative housing at 25 pieces it estimates at about $37.50 per part, with a lead time of 3–7 days. Typical tolerance is SLS/MJF ±0.3% (±0.012 in / ±0.3 mm minimum); SLA about ±0.005 in (±0.13 mm) over the first inch; FDM about ±0.010 in (±0.25 mm).
- Per part
- $37.50
- Tooling
- None
- Lead time
- 3–7 days
Price it in PC/ABS
Housing · 3D printing
Order total $938
- Tooling
- None
- no hard tooling
- Piece price
- $37.50
- before setup + tooling
- Lead time
- 3–7 days
- 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 quantity2525 pcs
Material
Design checks pass
Open in builderBudgetary estimate for a representative part. Firm quotes come from principals after drawing review.
PC/ABS vs other 3d printing materials
The same housing at 25 pieces, priced in every material the process runs. ABS is the lowest all-in cost.
| Material | Per part | All-in | Weight | Tensile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABS | $37.50 | $37.50 | 76 g | 43 MPa |
| Polycarbonate (PC) | $37.50 | $37.50 | 87 g | 65 MPa |
| PC/ABS blend | $37.50 | $37.50 | 83 g | 55 MPa |
| Polypropylene (PP) | $37.50 | $37.50 | 66 g | 33 MPa |
| PEEK (polyether ether ketone) | $37.50 | $37.50 | 94 g | 98 MPa |
| TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) | $37.50 | $37.50 | 72 g | 7 MPa |
| Nylon 12 (PA12) for 3D printing | $37.50 | $37.50 | 73 g | 48 MPa |
| Stainless steel 316 | $274 | $279 | 580 g | 580 MPa |
| Stainless steel 17-4 PH (H900) | $286 | $291 | 564 g | 1379 MPa |
| Titanium Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) | $328 | $333 | 321 g | 950 MPa |
PC/ABS at a glance
- 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.
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
Finishes for this combination
3D printing design rules
About 0.030 in (0.8 mm) for SLS/MJF; 0.020 in (0.5 mm) for SLA
Minimum wall thickness
At least two holes, about 0.2 in (5 mm) for powder or 0.14 in (3.5 mm) for resin
Add escape holes to hollow parts
About 0.020 in (0.5 mm) for printed-in-place SLS/MJF assemblies
Leave clearance between mating parts
At least 45° from horizontal for FDM, SLA, and metal
Design self-supporting overhangs
Holes and pins at least 0.060 in (1.5 mm) diameter
Size holes and pins
Load FDM parts in the X–Y plane where possible
Orient for load
Questions
How much does 3d printing in PC/ABS cost?
For a representative part (open housing 140 mm × 90 mm × 36 mm, 2.2 mm wall, 1° draft, 4 bosses, 2 ribs), SSG's estimator gives about $37.50 per part at 25 pieces. All-in with tooling and setup that is $37.50 per part. It is budgetary; principals quote firm prices from your drawing.
Is PC/ABS a good material for 3d printing?
It is when you need higher impact strength than abs, especially at low temperature and better heat resistance than abs. Watch for lower chemical resistance than pc alone; sensitive to some cleaners. Of 10 materials run in 3d printing, it ranks 3 on all-in cost for the same part.
What finishes work on PC/ABS 3d printing parts?
Common options are wet paint (liquid coating), chrome plating, spi mold polish (a-1 to d-3), mold texture (mold-tech, vdi), laser marking. The builder adds each finish's lot charge, per-part cost and days to the estimate.
What tolerance can 3d printing hold in PC/ABS?
Typical capability is SLS/MJF ±0.3% (±0.012 in / ±0.3 mm minimum); SLA about ±0.005 in (±0.13 mm) over the first inch; FDM about ±0.010 in (±0.25 mm). Tighter tolerances are possible on called-out features at added cost; specify them on the drawing rather than as a blanket note.
Quote 3d printing in PC/ABS.
Upload your CAD or start from a template. The DFM check applies the rules above to your geometry.