PC-ABSHigh-Strength Composite Thermoplastic for Demanding Applications
PC-ABS combines the exceptional strength and heat resistance of polycarbonate (PC) with the flexibility and processability of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). This advanced thermoplastic blend delivers superior impact resistance, excellent dimensional stability, and enhanced surface finish, making it ideal for functional prototypes, end-use parts, and manufacturing tooling that require both mechanical performance and aesthetic appeal.
Quick Specifications
Advanced Materials
High Impact Polycarbonate Blend
PC-ABS represents the perfect balance of strength, heat resistance, and processability for demanding FDM applications. By combining polycarbonate's superior mechanical properties with ABS's excellent surface finish and moldability, this advanced thermoplastic blend delivers exceptional impact resistance (241 J/m notched Izod), high heat deflection temperature (up to 126°C), and outstanding dimensional stability. PC-ABS maintains its toughness even at elevated temperatures, making it ideal for parts exposed to thermal stress and mechanical loads. The material processes easily with soluble support systems, enabling complex geometries while delivering smooth surface finishes that often eliminate post-processing requirements. At Forge Labs, we utilize industrial Stratasys systems to ensure consistent mechanical properties and tight tolerances (±0.127mm) essential for functional prototypes and end-use applications.
Functional Applications
From automotive to electronics applications, PC-ABS delivers reliable performance across demanding requirements. Its unique combination of superior impact resistance - exceptional toughness with 241 j/m notched impact strength, high heat performance - heat deflection temperature up to 126°c for thermal applications, excellent surface finish - smooth, aesthetic surfaces with minimal post-processing makes it a trusted choice for engineers.
Automotive Interior Components
Dashboard assemblies, door panels, center consoles, and trim requiring durability and aesthetic appeal
Electronics Housings
Computer cases, TV frames, mobile device housings, and electronic enclosures with superior impact resistance
Consumer Product Prototypes
Appliance components, sporting goods, and consumer electronics requiring functional testing and validation
Manufacturing Tooling
Jigs, fixtures, assembly aids, and production tooling that endure repeated industrial use
Medical Device Enclosures
Non-implantable medical equipment housings and diagnostic device components
Technical Datasheet
Advanced Manufacturing
Built with Precision FDM Technology
PC-ABS is manufactured using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology, offering reliable performance for functional prototypes and end-use parts.
Industrial-grade FDM technology delivers reliable performance and mechanical properties for PC-ABS production. Our advanced thermoplastic extrusion process ensures optimal layer adhesion and dimensional accuracy.
- Layer Height: 0.127 - 0.330 mm. Fine layer resolution delivers smooth surface finish and precise feature definition.
- Tolerance: ± 0.127 mm (± 0.005"). Consistent dimensional accuracy across complex geometries and thin-wall features.
- Build Volume: 914 × 610 × 914 mm. Large production capacity enables efficient manufacturing of multiple parts or assemblies.
Technical Data
Mechanical Properties
PC-ABS exhibits excellent mechanical properties, making it ideal for functional prototypes and end-use parts that need to meet demanding performance requirements in automotive and electronics applications.
Technical Specifications
| Measurement | Value | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 34.7 MPa | ISO/ASTM |
| Tensile Strength (XZ) | 34.7 MPa | ISO/ASTM |
| Tensile Strength (ZX) | 25.9 MPa | ISO/ASTM |
| Yield Strength (XZ) | 36.5 MPa | ISO/ASTM |
| Elastic Modulus (XZ) | 1.99 GPa | ISO/ASTM |
| Elastic Modulus (ZX) | 1.87 GPa | ISO/ASTM |
| Flexural Strength (XZ) | 61.9 MPa | ISO/ASTM |
| Flexural Strength (ZX) | 46.2 MPa | ISO/ASTM |
| Flexural Modulus (XZ) | 1.86 GPa | ISO/ASTM |
| Flexural Modulus (ZX) | 1.68 GPa | ISO/ASTM |
| Elongation at Break (XZ) | 4.7 % | ISO/ASTM |
| Elongation at Break (ZX) | 1.8 % | ISO/ASTM |
| Elongation at Yield (XZ) | 3.0 % | ISO/ASTM |
| Impact Strength (Notched XZ) | 241 J/m | ISO/ASTM |
| Impact Strength (Notched ZX) | 34.0 J/m | ISO/ASTM |
| Impact Strength (Unnotched XZ) | 655 J/m | ISO/ASTM |
| Impact Strength (Unnotched ZX) | 101 J/m | ISO/ASTM |
| Compressive Yield Strength (XZ) | 96.5 MPa | ISO/ASTM |
| Compressive Yield Strength (ZX) | 172 MPa | ISO/ASTM |
| Compressive Modulus (XZ) | 2.14 GPa | ISO/ASTM |
| Compressive Modulus (ZX) | 1.85 GPa | ISO/ASTM |
Performance Characteristics
PC-ABS delivers exceptional mechanical performance with superior impact resistance - exceptional toughness with 241 j/m notched impact strength, effectively handling demanding load conditions. Its balanced mechanical profile allows it to maintain structural integrity while preventing brittleness in critical applications.
These qualities make it well-suited for automotive dashboard and interior components, electronic device housings and computer cases, consumer appliance prototypes and production parts, providing long-term durability in demanding environments. PC-ABS maintains dimensional stability over time, ensuring consistent performance across temperature and stress variations.
This makes it a reliable choice for applications requiring precise geometries and tight tolerances across automotive, electronics, consumer products industries. Its versatility and durability allow it to perform consistently across a wide range of mechanical applications, ensuring parts maintain their integrity under repetitive stress and environmental conditions.
Key Strengths
Ideal Applications
Design Considerations
Technical Data
Thermal Properties
PC-ABS exhibits exceptional thermal stability, with a melting point of 125°C and outstanding performance in demanding thermal environments.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Deflection Temperature @ 0.45 MPa (XY) | 117.9 °C | ISO/ASTM |
| Heat Deflection Temperature @ 0.45 MPa (XZ/ZX) | 126.1 °C | ISO/ASTM |
| Heat Deflection Temperature @ 1.8 MPa (XY) | 107.5 °C | ISO/ASTM |
| Heat Deflection Temperature @ 1.8 MPa (XZ/ZX) | 112.0 °C | ISO/ASTM |
| Glass Transition Temperature | 105.3 °C | ISO/ASTM |
| Melting Point | 125 °C (HDT) | ISO/ASTM |
| Continuous Service Temperature | 96-112 °C | ISO/ASTM |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (XY) | 59.87 ×10⁻⁶/°C | ISO/ASTM |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (XZ/ZX) | 72.96 ×10⁻⁶/°C | ISO/ASTM |
Thermal Performance
PC-ABS's thermal properties ensure minimal dimensional deviation under fluctuating thermal conditions, making it highly suitable for applications requiring tight tolerances and structural integrity at elevated temperatures. PC-ABS maintains consistent mechanical performance even in thermally and environmentally variable conditions across automotive and electronics and consumer products and medical devices and aerospace and manufacturing applications.
Its thermal conductivity and insulating properties make it an excellent candidate for electronic device housings and computer cases, medical equipment housings and diagnostic devices. PC-ABS resists thermal fatigue and creep deformation, particularly in cyclic thermal loading environments.
Prolonged exposure to temperatures approaching its upper limit (125°C) may lead to gradual material degradation. In applications requiring sustained operation in high-temperature environments, consult with our engineering team for material recommendations and design guidelines.
Resources
Operating Range
Thermal Benefits
Thermal Applications
Thermal Considerations
Technical Data
Electrical Properties
PC-ABS electrical properties for reference and design considerations.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Standard | Unit | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume Resistivity | - | Ω·cm | >6.84×10¹⁴ |
| Dielectric Constant (1 kHz, XY) | - | - | 2.62 |
| Dielectric Constant (1 kHz, XZ/ZX) | - | - | 2.74 |
| Dielectric Constant (2 MHz, XY) | - | - | 2.74 |
| Dielectric Constant (2 MHz, XZ/ZX) | - | - | 2.88 |
| Dissipation Factor (1 kHz, XY) | - | - | 0.001 |
| Dissipation Factor (1 kHz, XZ/ZX) | - | - | 0.002 |
| Dissipation Factor (2 MHz, XY) | - | - | 0.002 |
| Dissipation Factor (2 MHz, XZ/ZX) | - | - | 0.001 |
Electrical Performance
Electrical properties for PC-ABS are provided for reference and design considerations. Please refer to the technical specifications table above for specific values and testing standards.
For detailed electrical performance data and material datasheets, please refer to the resources section or contact our team for additional information.
Resources
Electrical Applications
Electrical Considerations
Technical Data
Chemical Properties
PC-ABS chemical compatibility data for reference and design considerations.
Chemical Compatibility Chart
| Chemical | Type | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Oil | Hydrocarbon | Excellent |
| Gasoline | Hydrocarbon | Good |
| Ethanol (10%) | Solvent | Good |
| Isopropyl Alcohol | Solvent | Good |
| Acetone | Solvent | Poor |
| Methylene Chloride | Solvent | Poor |
| Hydrochloric Acid (10%) | Acid | Good |
| Sodium Hydroxide (10%) | Base | Good |
| Detergents (Synthetic) | Base | Good |
| Brake Fluid | Hydrocarbon | Good to Excellent |
Chemical Performance
PC-ABS chemical compatibility data is provided for reference and design considerations. Please refer to the compatibility chart above for specific chemical resistance ratings.
For applications involving chemical exposure, please consult the compatibility chart and contact our team for application-specific guidance.
Resources
Resistance Categories
Chemical Considerations
Design Considerations
Technical Data
Biocompatibility & Compliance
PC-ABS is biocompatible, meeting Biocompatibility standards, making it safe for short-term contact with skin and mucosal membranes.
Compliance Standards
| Property | Compliance | Standard/Regulation |
|---|---|---|
| UL 94 V-0 | Yes | Flame retardant rating for electrical applications |
| RoHS Compliance | Yes | Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive |
| REACH Compliance | Yes | European chemical safety regulation |
| Biocompatibility | No | Not certified for implantable medical devices |
Compliance Resources
Medical Applications
Material Datasheets
Download comprehensive technical documentation for PC-ABS, including safety data, compliance certificates, and design guidelines.
Technical Datasheets
Compliance Certificates
Design Resources
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