ENGINEERING MATERIAL

PC/ABS Plastic

The best of both worlds. PC/ABS is an engineered blend that offers a superior combination of mechanical strength, heat resistance, and processability, making it one of the most widely used thermoplastics.

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A prototype of a walkie-talkie, an ideal application for tough PC/ABS plastic

A Synergistic Thermoplastic Alloy

PC/ABS is not a single polymer, but rather an amorphous thermoplastic alloy, or blend, of Polycarbonate (PC) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). The blend combines the superior strength and heat resistance of PC with the excellent flexibility and processability of ABS, creating a material that overcomes the individual limitations of each.

High Impact Strength

PC/ABS exhibits excellent toughness, even at low temperatures, making it ideal for enclosures and components that need to withstand drops and impacts.

Improved Heat Resistance

Compared to standard ABS, PC/ABS offers a significantly higher heat deflection temperature, allowing it to be used in more demanding automotive and electronics applications.

Excellent Processability

PC/ABS flows more easily than pure Polycarbonate during injection molding, allowing for thinner walls and more complex geometries with a high-quality surface finish.

Fabricating with PC/ABS

PC/ABS is a versatile material suitable for several manufacturing processes.

Injection Molding: This is the primary method for producing PC/ABS parts. It is one of the most widely used materials in the automotive and electronics industries for creating durable, high-quality enclosures and interior components.
CNC Machining: We can CNC machine PC/ABS from stock sheets and rods to create high-precision functional prototypes that accurately mimic the properties of a final molded part.
FDM 3D Printing: Specialized FDM filaments of PC/ABS are available for creating strong and heat-resistant prototypes, offering a step up in performance from standard PLA or PETG.

A complex molded part for a car interior, a prime application for PC/ABS

PC/ABS Plastic FAQ

When should I choose PC/ABS over standard ABS or PC?

Choose PC/ABS when your application requires more toughness and heat resistance than standard ABS can provide, but you don't need the absolute maximum impact strength of pure Polycarbonate. PC/ABS offers a cost-effective "sweet spot" with a great balance of properties.

Can PC/ABS be painted or plated?

Yes, absolutely. PC/ABS has an excellent surface for post-processing. It can be easily painted, textured, and is available in special plating grades that allow for high-quality electroplating with chrome and other metallic finishes.

Does PC/ABS require drying before molding?

Yes. Like Polycarbonate, PC/ABS is hygroscopic and will absorb moisture from the air. It is critical that the resin pellets are properly dried in an industrial dryer before injection molding. Attempting to mold wet material will result in cosmetic defects like splay and severely reduced mechanical properties.