The short answer
PC is clear, the most heat resistant and very tough, so it suits lenses, covers, glazing and safety parts. PC/ABS is opaque, flows more easily, costs less and keeps most of PC's toughness, so it suits housings and interior parts.
PC/ABS was developed to give molders much of polycarbonate's toughness with easier processing and a lower price. Many housings that once ran in PC now run in PC/ABS.
Side by side
| Property | Polycarbonate (PC) | PC/ABS |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Polycarbonate | Blend of polycarbonate and ABS |
| Clarity | Clear grades available | Opaque only |
| Density | ~1.20 g/cm³ | ~1.10–1.15 g/cm³ |
| Notched Izod impact | Very high in thin sections (~600–900 J/m); notch-sensitive when thick | High (~400–700 J/m); less notch-sensitive |
| Heat deflection, 1.8 MPa | ~125–140°C | ~95–120°C (rises with PC content) |
| Melt temperature | ~280–320°C | ~240–280°C |
| Flow | Stiffer flow | Easier flow; fills thin walls more easily |
| Mold shrinkage | ~0.5–0.7% | ~0.5–0.7% |
| Drying | Needed; very sensitive to moisture | Needed |
| Painting and plating | Paints well | Paints and plates well |
| Relative cost | Higher | Moderate |
| Typical uses | Lenses, light covers, glazing, safety and medical parts | Electronics housings, automotive interior, chargers, enclosures |
Typical ranges for general-purpose grades; PC/ABS properties depend heavily on the PC-to-ABS ratio.
Choose PC when
- The part must be clear or light-transmitting
- It needs the highest heat resistance in this pair
- Maximum impact in thin walls matters
- Lenses, light covers, guards, glazing
Choose PC/ABS when
- The part is opaque and cost matters
- Thin walls or long flow lengths make PC hard to fill
- It will be painted or plated
- Electronics housings, enclosures, interior trim
Switching from PC to PC/ABS
- Check heat: PC/ABS softens sooner; confirm the highest service temperature.
- Check flame rating: match the UL 94 rating and thickness if the part needs one.
- Check impact at the coldest service temperature.
- Lower the melt temperature: PC/ABS runs cooler, and overheating causes splay and delamination.
- Trial first and measure parts.
See also PC vs. acrylic, polycarbonate alternatives and ABS vs. PC vs. nylon.
Grades we source
We source polycarbonate (clear, colored, flame-retardant and glass-filled) and PC/ABS, from one gaylord up, with a COA on every lot, tested to ASTM or ISO methods. See polycarbonate and PC/ABS.
Common questions
What is PC/ABS?
A blend of polycarbonate and ABS. It combines much of PC's toughness and heat resistance with ABS's easier processing and lower cost. It is opaque.
Is PC/ABS stronger than polycarbonate?
Not usually. PC has higher heat resistance and very high impact strength. PC/ABS is close in toughness, is less notch-sensitive in thick sections and often holds impact better in the cold than ABS.
Which is cheaper, PC or PC/ABS?
PC/ABS is usually cheaper than PC and costs more than ABS.
Can PC/ABS be clear?
No. The blend is opaque. Use PC (or acrylic) for clear parts.
Can I switch between PC and PC/ABS in the same mold?
Often, because shrinkage is similar (about 0.5–0.7%). Check the heat requirement, flame rating and processing temperatures, and trial first.
Which is better for chemical resistance?
Neither is strong. Both can stress-crack with many solvents, some cleaners and oils. Test with the actual chemicals the part will see.
Tell us the grade you run now
A polymer chemist reviews every request, then matches your grade or finds a qualified equivalent and prices it.
What to send for an accurate quote
- The grade name, from any supplier, or a data sheet
- Color (natural, black or a custom match)
- Fill type and percentage, if any
- Melt flow, if you know it
- Quantity for this order and what you use in a year
- Ship-to city and state or province