ABS and polycarbonate are common engineering plastics often considered for the same parts. Polycarbonate is far tougher and clearer; ABS is cheaper and easier to work.
| Property | undefined | undefined |
|---|---|---|
| Impact strength | Good | Excellent, very high |
| Tensile strength | About 40 MPa | About 62 MPa |
| Max service temp | 80 to 100C | 115 to 130C |
| Transparency | Opaque | Transparent |
| Machining / printing | Easy | Moderate |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Typical use | Housings, prototypes, trim | Guards, lenses, glazing |
Which should you choose
Choose ABS for cost-effective housings, prototypes, and trim where high impact resistance and clarity are not required.
Choose polycarbonate when you need outstanding impact strength, optical clarity, or higher temperature resistance, such as machine guards, lenses, and glazing.
Toughness versus cost. Polycarbonate is dramatically tougher, clear, and more heat-resistant. ABS is cheaper and easier to machine or 3D print. Pick by whether impact and clarity matter.
FAQ
Can I substitute ABS for polycarbonate to save cost? Only if the part doesn’t rely on polycarbonate’s impact strength, clarity, or higher heat resistance. For safety guards, lenses, or high-temperature enclosures, ABS is usually not an adequate substitute.
Compare data sheets: ABS and Polycarbonate.