Question 1

What’s the difference between PC ABS and ABS?

Accepted Answer

Think of PC ABS as ABS on steroids. It’s stronger, tougher, and handles heat much better. ABS is a great general-purpose plastic, but PC ABS takes things to the next level by combining the impact resistance and heat stability of polycarbonate with the easy processability of ABS.

For example, depending on how it’s blended, PC ABS can be up to 60% stronger than regular ABS. This makes it ideal for applications where durability and reliability matter more — like automotive interiors, electronics casings, and industrial equipment.

When to use ABS vs. PC ABS:
ABS: Budget-friendly, lighter-duty applications.
PC ABS: For when you need strength, heat resistance, or just a more premium material.

Question 2

Is PC ABS chemical resistant?

Accepted Answer

Here’s the honest truth: not really.

PC ABS can handle light exposure to some oils, weak acids, or basic cleaning agents, but it’s not built for harsh chemical environments. If you expose it to strong acids, solvents (like acetone), or oxidizers, you’ll likely see some breakdown — cracking, clouding, or even warping.

But hold on — there’s a workaround:
You can boost its chemical resistance by mixing in additives like glass fibers or other reinforcing fillers. If your project involves exposure to specific chemicals, let us know, and we’ll work with you to recommend a modified PC ABS blend.

Question 3

How does PC ABS hold up against UV (sunlight) exposure?

Accepted Answer

It’s okay, but not amazing.

Plastics in general don’t love UV rays, and PC ABS is no different. While it performs better than plain ABS, prolonged outdoor exposure to sunlight will eventually cause discoloration (yellowing) and some material weakening. That’s due to both ABS and PC having mediocre UV resistance.

What’s the solution? If your product will spend lots of time outdoors, ask us about UV-resistant grades of PC ABS — these blends are specially formulated to handle sunlight exposure better.

Question 4

What can I use PC ABS for?

Accepted Answer

So many things! We see PC ABS used in tons of industries because it’s such an adaptable, high-performance material. Here are just a few examples our customers have tackled:

- Automotive: Glove compartments, seat backs, dashboard components.
- Electronics: Computer housings, gaming console casings, TV bezels.
- Industrial Equipment: Tough, reliable parts like machine housings.
- 3D Printing: A highly sought-after filament material for functional prototypes.
- Consumer Goods: Phone cases, power tools, and even wearable devices.

Still not sure if it’s right for your project? Let’s chat — we can help you work through your requirements to see if PC ABS fits.

Question 5

Can I use PC ABS in injection molding?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, and here’s the good news — it’s one of the most injection-friendly engineering plastics out there.

Compared to straight ABS or PC, PC ABS processes more smoothly and molds with better dimensional accuracy. It’s particularly good for creating parts with fine details or needing a slick surface finish.

But there’s a catch: Like most plastics, PC ABS needs to be properly dried before molding. It’s hygroscopic (meaning it absorbs moisture), so if it’s not dried, you’ll run into problems like bubbles, streaking, or brittleness in your final product. Ideally, keep humidity under 0.04% by drying the pellets for 4–6 hours at about 80°C (176°F).

If you’re new to injection molding or switching materials, don’t stress — we’re happy to provide guidance on how to optimize your process for PC ABS.

Question 6

Is PC ABS eco-friendly?

Accepted Answer

This one’s tricky because it depends on how the material is made and where you source it.

At our company, we take sustainability seriously, offering PC ABS grades that contain recycled content without sacrificing quality. Plus, all our materials comply with key environmental standards like RoHS and REACH, so you can be confident you’re using a material that aligns with modern eco regulations.

If sustainability is a big deal for your organization, let us know so we can recommend options with recycled content or lower carbon footprints.

Question 7

How does PC ABS compare cost-wise?

Accepted Answer

PC ABS does cost more than regular ABS — not going to lie about that. But here’s the important part: it’s worth it if your project requires both durability and aesthetics.
Here’s why buyers are willing to pay the premium:
- Greater durability means fewer broken parts and less need for replacements.
- It processes better than some other engineering plastics, which can save on manufacturing costs (fewer rejects, smoother molding, happier customers).
- Fewer material failures in the field = increased customer satisfaction for you.

If price is a concern, let’s talk through your application and find the right balance of cost and performance. Pro tip: Smaller-volume, high-value parts make PC ABS a no-brainer.

Question 8

Can I get a PC ABS sample before committing to bulk orders?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — and we encourage it.
We know that testing materials is a crucial step before making any buying decision. Here’s how we make sampling simple and stress-free:
Reach out to us: Tell us about your project, end-use requirements, and any certifications you need (e.g., UL94 V-0 fire resistance or RoHS compliance).
Get your sample: We’ll send you a relevant PC ABS grade (or a few if needed) so you can test the materials in your actual production process.
Collaborate: Need technical advice on processing or application? We’re here to help.

Property	PC/ABS	ABS
Composition	Polycarbonate + ABS blend	Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
Impact Strength	Excellent	Good
Heat Resistance	Higher (105-125°C)	Lower (85-100°C)
Chemical Resistance	Good	Fair to Good
UV Resistance	Moderate (can be improved)	Poor
Flame Retardancy	Excellent (with additives)	Good (with additives)
Dimensional Stability	Excellent	Good
Processability	Good	Excellent
Surface Finish	High gloss possible	Good
Cost	Higher	Lower
Typical Applications	Automotive, electronics, medical	Consumer goods, toys, electronics
Strength-to-Weight Ratio	Higher	Good
Recyclability	More challenging	Easier
Colorability	Good	Excellent
Weatherability	Better	Fair
Electrical Properties	Better insulation	Good insulation

Polycarbonate + Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Resin (PC/ABS Resin)

PC ABS resin families

Your Trusted Source for PC ABS Resin Material Solutions

PC ABS Resin Line Card

Chimei WONDERLOY® PC-540

Covestro Bayblend® FR3020 W BBS910

CYCOLOY™ Resin CY8630

FCFC Formosa TAIRILOY® AC3300

Covestro Bayblend® 2953

Suke Plastics 1030 PC ABS

FCFC Formosa TAIRILOY® AC2300

Suke Plastics 3016GL PC ABS

Covestro Bayblend® T85 XF RE

Covestro Bayblend® FR3200 TV

FCFC Formosa TAIRILOY® AC2500

CYCOLOY™ FR Resins CE3510

CYCOLOY™ Resin MC8100

CYCOLOY™ Resin CM8823

PC/ABS chemical structure

Why Choose Our PC ABS Resin Products?

Exceptional Mechanical Strength

Superior Moldability

Enhanced Heat and Chemical Resistance

Lightweight with High Performance

The Benefits of Partnering with Us

PC/ABS vs ABS

PC ABS Resin FAQs

Request a Quote Today