{"id":2091,"date":"2021-04-22T01:56:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-22T01:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sybridge.com\/?p=2091"},"modified":"2023-06-30T22:04:37","modified_gmt":"2023-06-30T22:04:37","slug":"know-your-materials-polycarbonate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene-pc-abs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sybridge.com\/know-your-materials-polycarbonate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene-pc-abs\/","title":{"rendered":"Know Your Materials: PC-ABS"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Previously published on fastradius.com on April 22, 2021 <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The manufacturing industry is vast, and it goes without saying that the material possibilities within it are almost limitless. Between thermoplastics, thermosets<\/a>, different kinds of filaments, and cutting-edge 3D printing resins like LOCTITE 3D IND405, you\u2019ll usually be able to find a plastic that perfectly fits your use case. However, sometimes the only way to get more of the chemical and mechanical properties you want and fewer of the ones you don\u2019t is to use a blend of compatible plastic polymers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most popular polymer blends on the market is PC-ABS, a mix of polycarbonate (PC) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)<\/a>. Here\u2019s everything you need to know about PC-ABS plastic, from how it\u2019s made to when to use it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is PC-ABS?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Polycarbonate\/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC-ABS) is an engineering thermoplastic created from a blend of PC and ABS. The unique balance of properties is dependent on the ratio of PC to ABS in the blend, the polycarbonate\u2019s molecular weight, and any thermoplastic additives in the blend. The ratio of PC to ABS affects the heat-resistance<\/a> of the final part significantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Choose PC-ABS?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Engineers and product teams turn to PC-ABS when their use case requires the toughness and heat-resistance offered by PC along with the ductility and processability offered by ABS. PC-ABS is also a more cost-effective alternative to PC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PC-ABS Material Properties and Specifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Due to its mechanical properties, PC-ABS plastic is one of the most widely used engineering thermoplastics in the world. This material has high strength, high stiffness, high heat resistance<\/a>, and high impact resistance, even at low temperatures. PC-ABS retains its dimensional stability over time and its enhanced flow characteristics and processability make it easy to work with. Since PC-ABS is colorable and printable, designers have a lot of freedom when working with this material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The mechanical specifications for PC-ABS include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n