Polycarbonate offers 250x the impact resistance of glass with optical clarity, ideal for safety shields and lenses. ABS is the cost-effective choice for prototypes, housings, and parts where transparency is not needed.
| Property | Polycarbonate (PC) | ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 65 MPa (9.4 ksi) | 44 MPa (6.4 ksi) |
| Yield Strength | 62 MPa (9 ksi) | 43 MPa (6.2 ksi) |
| Hardness | Rockwell M70 | Rockwell R105 |
| Density | 1.20 g/cm³ | 1.05 g/cm³ |
| Machinability Rating | 75/100 | 82/100 |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.20 W/m·K | 0.17 W/m·K |
| Melting Point | 267 °C (softens at 150°C) | 200–260 °C (processing range) |
| Tolerance | ±0.03 mm | ±0.05 mm |
| Property | Polycarbonate (PC) | ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impact Resistance | 250x glass | Good | Polycarbonate |
| Transparency | Optically clear | Opaque | Polycarbonate |
| Machinability | 75/100 | 82/100 | ABS |
| Cost | ~$5/kg | ~$3/kg | ABS |
| Max Temperature | 130°C | 80°C | Polycarbonate |
| Tensile Strength | 65 MPa | 44 MPa | Polycarbonate |
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