General purpose ABS
- Cost leader indoors
- May fail cold drop
- Good stiffness
Impact-Modified ABS and PC
Impact-Modified ABS and PC: When Tough Grades Belong on the BOM
Standard ABS or PC may crack on thin snaps or cold drops while impact-modified grades absorb more energy.
Impact-Modified ABS and PC
Tough grades for drops and snaps
Impact-modified grades trade stiffness and heat for notch toughness.
Standard ABS or PC may crack on thin snaps or cold drops while impact-modified grades absorb more energy.
Modifiers can lower modulus and heat deflection versus general-purpose grades in the same family.
Write the commercial tough grade suffix when you know it, or describe drop and temperature tests on the RFQ.
When to specify it
Tough grade checklist
Use this on RFQs and BOMs before you lock a filled grade.
State drop or snap requirement qualitatively.
Note service temperature range.
Compare cost vs standard grade.
Keep cosmetic class on the drawing.
Trade-offs
Standard vs impact modified
Qualitative matrix. Confirm numbers on the supplier datasheet.
| Factor | Standard ABS/PC | Impact modified |
|---|---|---|
| Drop performance | Baseline | Often better |
| Stiffness | Higher | Lower |
| Heat | Baseline | May be lower |
Routing
Housing toughness
Pick tough grades when T1 drop fails standard resin.
Impact modified ABS
- Better snap life
- Softer feel possible
- Specify suffix
RFQ
What to write on the purchase order
Clear resin callouts reduce quote iterations and T1 surprises.
- 1
Document failure mode
Snap vs corner drop.
- 2
Name grade if known
Supplier suffix on PO.
- 3
Retest heat
Confirm HDT still fits.
- 4
Upload CAD
Thin ribs drive toughness need.
FAQ
FAQ
Tough PC still needs drying?
Yes, PC remains hygroscopic.
PC/ABS tough grades?
Many electronics grades are already modified blends.
Does tough mean outdoor UV?
No, separate UV or ASA route.
Related guides
Materials, comparisons, and risks
Internal links only render in cards and CTA blocks.
ABS
Material guide.
ABSPolycarbonate
PC guide.
PolycarbonateMaterials library
Resin family guides.
Materials libraryReading a datasheet
Decode supplier TDS fields.
Reading a datasheetNext step
Get a quote with your resin specified
Upload CAD and list fill level, color, and flame filter on the instant quote platform.