PC-ABS

Production-grade Thermoplastic

PC-ABS (polycarbonate-ABS) is one of the most widely used industrial thermoplastics. PC-ABS offers the most desirable properties of both materials – the superior strength and heat resistance of PC and the flexibility of ABS.

PC-ABS blends are commonly used in automotive, electronics and telecommunications applications. Additionally, a PC-ABS part manufactured on a Fortus® or Stratasys F370™ 3D Printer is 5-60 percent stronger than a part made on previous FDM® systems. PC-ABS gives you conceptual modeling, functional prototyping, manufacturing tools and production parts.

PC-ABS Material Properties

Behaviour and use

TENSILE STRENGTH

41 MPa

FLEXURAL STRENGTH

68 MPa

HDT @ 66 PSI

110°C

IZOD IMPACT, NOTCHED

196 J/m

Main Uses

Production-grade thermoplastic offering the most desirable properties of both materials - the superior strength and heat resistance of PC and the flexibility of ABS. Material commonly used in the automotive, electronics and telecommunication industries.

Top Applications
  • Conceptual modeling
  • Functional prototyping
  • Manufacturing aids and tools
  • Production parts

FDM Materials Profile

Learn more about 3D printing FDM parts

The NASA Mars rover includes several FDM parts printed in PC-ABS.

NASA depends on ABS, PC-ABS and other polycarbonate materials for 3D-printed parts on the Mars rover. FDM production-grade thermoplastics like PC-ABS produce parts that are lightweight but durable enough for rugged environments.

FDM Material Applications

Learn how designers and engineers are using FDM Materials

PC-ABS Specification & Features

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES TEST METHOD ENGLISH METRIC
Tensile Strength (Type 1, 0.125”, 0.2”/min) ASTM D638 5,900 psi 41 MPa
Tensile Modulus (Type 1, 0.125”, 0.2”/min) ASTM D638 278,000 psi 1,900 MPa
Tensile Elongation (Type 1, 0.125”, 0.2”/min) ASTM D638 0.06 0.06
Flexural Strength (Method 1, 0.05”/min) ASTM D790 9,800 psi 68 MPa
Flexural Modulus (Method 1, 0.05”/min) ASTM D790 280,000 psi 1,900 MPa
IZOD Impact, notched (Method A, 23 °C) ASTM D256 3.7 ft-lb/in 196 J/m
IZOD Impact, un-notched (Method A, 23 °C) ASTM D256 9 ft-lb/in 481 J/m

 

THERMAL PROPERTIES TEST METHOD ENGLISH METRIC
Heat Deflection (HDT) @ 66 psi ASTM D648 230 °F 110 °C
Heat Deflection (HDT) @ 264 psi ASTM D648 205 °F 96 °C
Vicat Softening Temperature ASTM D1525 234 °F 112 °C
Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) DMA (SSYS) 257 °F 125 °C

 

ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES TEST METHOD VALUE RANGE
Volume Resistivity ASTM D257 2.0x1014 - 4.4x1013 ohm-cm
Dielectric Constant ASTM D150-98 2.9 - 2.7
Dissipation Factor ASTM D150-98 .0035 - .0032
Dielectric Strength ASTM D149-09, Method A 340 - 90 V/mil

 

OTHER TEST METHOD VALUE
Specific Gravity ASTM D792 1.1
Density ASTM D792 0.0397 lb/in3
Rockwell Hardness ASTM D785 R110

 

SYSTEM AVAILABILITY LAYER THICKNESS SUPPORT STRUCTURE AVAILABLE COLOURS
Fortus 450mc
Stratasys F900
Stratasys F123
(F370)
0.013 inch (0.330 mm)
0.010 inch (0.254 mm)
0.007 inch (0.178 mm)
0.005 inch (0.127 mm)
Soluble
Supports
Black
White

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Technology

Advantages of 3D printing PC-ABS with a Stratasys FDM Machine

Tough long-lasting parts

FDM technology works with engineering-grade thermoplastics to build strong, long-lasting and dimensionally stable parts with the best accuracy and repeatability of any 3D printing technology. PC-ABS parts are tough enough to be used as advanced conceptual models, functional prototypes, manufacturing tools and production parts.

Meet production demands

FDM systems are as versatile and durable as the parts they produce. Advanced FDM 3D Printers boast the largest build envelopes and material capacities in their class, delivering longer, uninterrupted build times, bigger parts and higher quantities than other additive manufacturing systems, delivering high throughput, duty cycles and utilization rates.

Gain new possibilities

FDM 3D Printers streamline processes from design through manufacturing, reducing costs and eliminating traditional barriers along the way. Industries can cut lead times and costs, products turn out better and get to market faster.

Compatible 3D Printers

Stratasys Machines that can print with PC-ABS material

Stratasys F123 Polyjet

Stratasys F123

The Stratasys F123 series combines powerful FDM technology with design to print GrabCAD software for the most versatile and intelligent solution available

Fortus 380mc

Fortus 450mc

A workhorse 3D printer for engineers that require demanding flexibility to print larger-sized or many parts in an array of engineering-grade materials with high speed and unfailing throughput.

Stratasys F900 Production Machine

Stratasys F900

The Stratasys F900 is the ultimate manufacturing-grade production 3D printer with the widest array of engineering-grade materials, maximum throughput, largest build platform, and highest accuracy.

Need to 3D print with PC-ABS?

Call us free at  1-877-219-6757  to speak to an expert, or send us your CAD model and we'll 3D print it with PC-ABS material