Material focus
PC/ABS selection, applications, and sibling resin routing on this page.
PC/ABS
PC/ABS Injection Molding: Properties, Applications and Design Guide
PC/ABS blends combine polycarbonate toughness with ABS processability for laptop-style housings, power tools, and handheld electronics.
PC/ABS
When to specify PC/ABS
How procurement and design teams use PC/ABS on injection molded programs.
PC/ABS blends combine polycarbonate toughness with ABS processability for laptop-style housings , power tools, and handheld electronics. They mold at lower temperatures than straight PC while keeping better impact than ABS alone, which is why consumer OEMs standardize on them. Flame-retardant and high-flow grades are common; put the grade suffix on the PO instead of writing only PC/ABS. At NetProto, programs run from first-article validation through production on one hardened steel tool with no minimum order quantity. Upload CAD on the instant quote platform for DFM feedback before tooling release. If the part must stay clear, straight PC is the usual comparison. If ABS impact is enough, stay with ABS. The cards below cover PC/ABS vs ABS and ABS vs PC.
Key traits
Why buyers specify PC/ABS
Engineering and sourcing highlights. No NetProto processing numbers on this page.
Sourcing
Grade and compliance context travels with CAD on the instant quote platform.
Program fit
First articles through production on one steel tool, no MOQ.
NetProto platform
Instant CAD quoting and DFM feedback before tooling release.
Tooling lead time
10 business days on qualified programs, depending on part size and complexity.
Common grades
Common PC/ABS grades by use case
Pick one of these on the instant quote, or name any other commercial grade in the RFQ notes.
| Use case | Example grade | Typical parts |
|---|---|---|
| General purpose | Chimei PC-365 | Auto interior trim, phone shells, general electronics housings |
| Flame retardant (UL94 V-0) | Chimei PC-510 | Set-top boxes, projectors, consumer electronics |
| High flow / heat | Cycoloy C1200HF | Automotive and appliance electrical components |
| Automotive interior (UV) | Cycoloy LG9000 | Low gloss interior trim, phone and computer shells |
| Thin wall flame retardant | Cycoloy CX7240 | Thin wall electrical enclosures and monitors |
| Plating grade | Cycoloy MC1300 | Automotive plated trim and decorative metalized parts |
Applications
Where this resin shows up on BOMs
Typical molded parts and what to specify on the purchase order.
| Application | Why this resin | Specify on the PO |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer electronics shells | Impact plus heat vs plain ABS | Commercial grade, color, FR filter if needed |
| Power tool housings | Balance of stiffness and drop | GF level if any, not just PC/ABS family |
| Battery covers (non-automotive) | FR grades often specified | UL94 requirement as filter with yellow card verification |
RFQ
Ready to quote? Have this information ready
Not sure which resin family fits? See the comparison guides below. Prepare these details, then upload CAD on the instant quote platform.
List PC/ABS vs ABS vs PC if still deciding.
Note high-gloss cosmetic zones separately.
Attach datasheet when available.
Commercial grade, or the use case to match (flame retardant, automotive interior, high flow, plating)
Expected annual volume (helps cavity and tool planning)
Optional: target piece-price band for sourcing discussions
Next step
Upload CAD for an instant quote
Grade not finalized? Note PC/ABS on the RFQ and attach environment notes.
Compare and explore
Related guides
Pairwise comparisons and sibling material pages.
Materials library
Browse all resin guides.
Materials library
ABS vs PC/ABS
Electronics shell routing.
ABS vs PC/ABS
ABS vs PC
Toughness vs clarity tradeoff.
ABS vs PC
Reading a material datasheet
What the TDS (Technical Data Sheet) values mean for a molded part.
Reading a material datasheet
Specify resin grade on an RFQ
How to write grade, color, and fillers so the quote matches the part.
Specify resin grade on an RFQFAQ
PC/ABS injection molding FAQ
PC/ABS vs ABS?
PC/ABS improves impact and heat; ABS is cheaper when loads are light.
PC/ABS vs PC?
Straight PC is often chosen when the part must stay clear. PC/ABS is usually opaque, with better impact than ABS and a lower molding temperature than straight PC. Exact temperatures stay on the supplier datasheet.
Can PC/ABS be transparent?
Most grades are opaque; use PC or PMMA for optical clarity.
Does PC/ABS need drying?
Yes, it is hygroscopic like PC; drying responsibility should be clear on the PO.
What is the minimum order quantity for molded parts at NetProto?
NetProto has no minimum order quantity on molded parts from your production tool. Upload CAD on the instant quote platform to scope tooling and part pricing for your volume.
How do I quote this resin without a final grade selected?
List the resin family on the RFQ, attach environment notes, and upload CAD. Engineers narrow grades during DFM review.
Next step
Quote PC/ABS parts with your CAD
Upload geometry and list PC/ABS or the target grade on the instant quote platform.