ABS vs polycarbonate
ABS and polycarbonate share the enclosure and housing market — often as a PC/ABS blend that averages their properties. Standalone PC is transparent, impact-champion and heat-resistant to 130 °C; ABS is cheaper, easier to paint and glue, and dimensionally more stable. This guide compares them across the criteria that drive material selection.
What to look for
- Notched Izod / Charpy impact strength
- Continuous service temperature and HDT
- Optical clarity and UV resistance
- Ease of processing, painting, chrome-plating
- Cost per kg and PC/ABS blend positioning
Top materials for abs vs polycarbonate
- #1ABSAcrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
A tough engineering thermoplastic widely used in automotive, consumer products, electronics and 3D printing.
- #2PolycarbonatePolycarbonate
A transparent, high-impact engineering plastic used in glazing, electronics and safety equipment.
- #3PA12 StandardPolyamide 12 Standard
Low water absorption, good dimensional stability, excellent chemical resistance.
- #4PA610 Low AbsorptionPolyamide 610 Low Absorption
Lower moisture absorption than PA6/PA66, good chemical and dimensional stability.
- #5PBT StandardPolybutylene Terephthalate Standard
Excellent electrical properties, good chemical resistance, low warpage.
- #6PC/ABS BlendPolycarbonate / Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Blend
Combines the impact strength of PC with the processability of ABS.
- #7PC/PBT BlendPolycarbonate / Polybutylene Terephthalate Blend
Good toughness, chemical resistance, and dimensional stability.
- #8POM HomopolymerPolyoxymethylene Homopolymer
High stiffness, strength, excellent fatigue resistance and low friction.
- #9ABS/PC Blend High ImpactAcrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene / Polycarbonate Blend, High Impact
Excellent impact strength and toughness, good heat resistance.
- #10ASA UV ResistantAcrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate UV Resistant
Excellent weatherability and UV resistance, good impact strength.
- #11MABS TransparentMethacrylate-Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene Transparent
Clear, tough, and good chemical resistance.
- #12PC/ABS Impact ModifiedPolycarbonate / Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Blend, Impact Modified
Optimized balance of impact strength, toughness, and heat resistance.
- #13PC/PBT Impact ModifiedPolycarbonate / Polybutylene Terephthalate Blend, Impact Modified
Enhanced toughness, good chemical resistance, and dimensional stability.
- #14Glass-Filled PA12Polyamide 12, Glass Fiber Reinforced
Enhanced stiffness, strength, and creep resistance at elevated temperatures.
- #15Glass-Filled PA610Polyamide 610, Glass Fiber Reinforced
Improved stiffness and strength with lower moisture absorption than PA6/PA66.
- #16Impact Modified PA12Polyamide 12, Impact Modified
Excellent impact strength, especially at low temperatures.
- #17Impact Modified PA610Polyamide 610, Impact Modified
Improved impact strength while maintaining low moisture absorption.
- #18EPP AutomotiveExpanded Polypropylene for Automotive Applications
Lightweight, energy-absorbing foam with excellent thermal insulation and chemical resistance.
- #19EPS PackagingExpanded Polystyrene for Packaging
Lightweight, excellent cushioning and thermal insulation for protective packaging.
- #20XPS InsulationExtruded Polystyrene Foam for Insulation
High compressive strength and moisture resistance for thermal insulation.
Frequently asked
Polycarbonate has ~5× the notched Izod impact of ABS (600–900 J/m vs 150–250 J/m) and higher tensile strength (65 MPa vs 45 MPa). ABS is stiffer relative to cost and easier to machine or bond.
PC has HDT ~130 °C and continuous service ~120 °C. ABS has HDT ~90 °C and continuous ~80 °C. For anything near boiling water or under-hood, PC wins.
Optically or when impact matters, yes. But PC costs 2–3× more, is notch-sensitive, attacked by hydrocarbons and needs drying before moulding. A PC/ABS blend (Bayblend, Cycoloy) is the usual compromise.
No — PC/ABS is a blend (typically 50/50 to 70/30) that keeps ABS's mouldability and paintability while adding PC's impact and heat resistance. It is the standard for automotive interior trim and IT enclosures.