These three engineering resins cover a huge share of molded parts, and they're often weighed against each other. This is how they differ and where each one fits.
The quick comparison
| Property | ABS | Polycarbonate | Nylon (PA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impact | Good | Very high | Good (toughened: high) |
| Stiffness/strength | Moderate | Moderate-high | High (glass-filled: very high) |
| Heat resistance | Low-moderate (about 85°C continuous) | Good (HDT about 132°C) | Unfilled: modest under load (HDT about 90°C); glass-filled: excellent (HDT 200–250°C) |
| Clarity | Opaque | Transparent | Opaque |
| Chemical resistance | Moderate | Limited; stress-cracks with many solvents, cleaners and oils | Good (fuels/oils) |
| Moisture uptake in the finished part | Low | Low (about 0.15% in 24 h) | High (about 1.2% in 24 h; changes size and stiffness) |
| Drying before molding | Needed for good surface | Critical: dry to under 0.02% or the resin degrades and parts turn brittle | Critical |
| Relative cost | Low-moderate | Moderate-high | Moderate |
Choose ABS when
You want a tough, rigid part with a great cosmetic finish at a moderate price, indoors. Think housings, trim, consumer products. It's easy to mold and finish. Avoid it outdoors without a capped/UV grade.
Choose polycarbonate when
You need transparency and impact together, or a part that must survive abuse and heat. Lenses, guards, glazing, electronic housings. Watch solvent compatibility and specify FR or glass grades as needed.
Choose nylon when
The part is mechanical or structural (gears, connectors, under-hood components) and needs strength, wear and heat resistance. Glass-filled grades give the highest strength and stiffness. Design around moisture absorption.
If you are still deciding
Many parts are well served by a blend (PC/ABS) that splits the difference. Tell us the requirement and we'll recommend and source the right grade. See our ABS, polycarbonate and nylon pages, or request a quote.