ABS vs Polycarbonate (PC) for 3D printing
Choose ABS for enclosures and housings; choose Polycarbonate (PC) for electronics enclosures.
Polycarbonate (PC) — starting price
$10.00 / part
High-impact, high-heat engineering material. Electronics enclosures, under-hood parts.
Full Polycarbonate (PC) guideSide by side
| Property | ABS | Polycarbonate (PC) |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | High, impact-resistant | Very high impact strength |
| Flexibility | Slight | Low |
| Heat resistance | High | Very high |
| Outdoor / UV | Poor (choose ASA) | — |
| Finish | Acetone-smoothable to a gloss | — |
| Clarity | — | Optically clear |
| Density | 1.04 g/cm³ | 1.2 g/cm³ |
| Starting price | $10.00 / part | $10.00 / part |
Choose ABS when…
- Enclosures and housings
- Mechanical parts that get drilled or tapped
- Parts that need a smooth, glossy finish
- Moderate-heat environments
Reach for something else for
- Outdoor parts — ASA resists UV where ABS yellows and gets brittle
Choose Polycarbonate (PC) when…
- Electronics enclosures
- Under-hood and high-heat parts
- Impact-critical parts
- Clear or light-transmitting parts
Reach for something else for
- Budget prototypes — PLA is far cheaper
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