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    ABS vs PC Blend (PC-ABS) for 3D printing

    Choose ABS for enclosures and housings; choose PC Blend (PC-ABS) for electronics enclosures.

    ABS — starting price

    $10.00 / part

    Impact-resistant, machinable, acetone-smoothable.

    Full ABS guide

    PC Blend (PC-ABS) — starting price

    $10.00 / part

    Toughened PC-ABS blend — high impact & heat, prints reliably (unlike pure PC).

    Full PC Blend (PC-ABS) guide

    Side by side

    PropertyABSPC Blend (PC-ABS)
    StrengthHigh, impact-resistantVery high impact strength
    FlexibilitySlightLow
    Heat resistanceHighVery high
    Outdoor / UVPoor (choose ASA)—
    FinishAcetone-smoothable to a gloss—
    Clarity—Optically clear
    Density1.04 g/cm³1.2 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 PC Blend (PC-ABS) 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

    Still not sure?

    Upload your part and we'll price it in both ABS and PC Blend (PC-ABS) in seconds — no account needed.

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    Questions, answered