Both PC anad ABS are excellent plastics with high impact, and durability. PC ans ABS pastic sheet are both thermoplastic, thermoformable and bendable. In some applications, they have similar functions, such as making luggage shells, electrical enclosure, equipment housing. However, their difference is noticeable.
PC plastic sheet, also known as Polycarbonate, is more tougher and expensive than ABS, a blend of Acrylonitrile, Butadiene, and Styrene.
PC sheet is clear and transparent normally, although other colors available. ABS is solid and opaque in color. Therefore, if you need high transparency, and great high impact, PC sheet would be a better choice.
The outstanding feature of ABS sheet is that its surface can be electroplated, vacuum coated, printed, and painted. PC is one of the best impact-resistant plastics. PC sheet’s disadvantage is that it is easy to crack and has low fatigue strength.
PC is a type of engineering plastic with high price. However, it has the advantages of transparency, high impact resistance, high temperature resistance and high dimensional accuracy. It has the weaknesses of difficult to mold and has strong internal stress. They are mainly used in home appliance, lighting and other industries. ABS sheet has the characteristics of easy to mold and post-process. It is mainly used for manufacturing shell.
PC sheet has good transparency, excellent comprehensive properties, high mechanical strength, good toughness. It also has good heat and weather resistance, high dimensional stability, and low water absorption. It is easy for coloring. ABS sheet has high mechanical strength and good comprehensive properties of “toughness, toughness and steel”. ABS sheet is easy to absorb moisture. It has low shrinkage (0.60%). It is stable in size, easy to form and process.
Nowadays, there is a blend of ABS and PC plastics, which combine the advantages of both types of plastics. Through this way, impact resistance, heat resistance and hardness have been greatly improved. ABS/PC alloy is widely used in automotive interior parts, machines, communication equipment, household appliances and lighting equipment.