Consider PC/ABS when the component needs a balance of impact performance, heat behaviour and mouldability. Compare the exact blend grade with the ABS or PC alternative, then qualify moulded parts for dimensions, appearance and assembly. A PC/ABS family label does not make the material a direct replacement for either parent resin.

PANTEX reviews PC/ABS blend enquiries for electronic enclosures, automotive interior components and industrial housings. The formulation and proposed grade determine the performance and available documentation.

How should buyers compare the three families?

Start with a common component brief and assess each candidate against the same criteria:

  • Impact requirement at the relevant temperatures and test conditions.
  • Heat exposure, load and allowable deformation.
  • Surface finish, colour and any finishing process.
  • Flow, dimensional tolerances and assembly features.
  • Optical requirements, if relevant; do not assume a PC/ABS blend has the clarity of a transparent PC grade.
  • Electrical or flame evidence required for the application.

Use the ABS housing guide for appearance-led briefs and the polycarbonate selection guide for PC-specific requirements. Decide using grade data and component trials rather than a family-wide superiority claim.

A producer example with defined test conditions

The Covestro Bayblend T65 PG product page identifies a PC+ABS grade for injection moulding and electroplating. It reports typical MVR of 18 cm³/10 min at 260 °C/5 kg and Vicat softening temperature of 120 °C at 50 N and 120 °C/h. Its notched Izod values under ISO 180/A are 45 kJ/m² at 23 °C and 35 kJ/m² at −30 °C.

These figures illustrate how a single grade is described. They are not universal blend limits, a continuous-use temperature rating or evidence that PANTEX supplies Covestro products. Confirm the exact offered grade, datasheet revision and acceptance requirements.

Substitution checks before changing an ABS or PC grade

Have engineering and production review the replacement together:

  • Compare shrinkage data, stated test conditions and critical tool dimensions.
  • Obtain drying and processing instructions for the replacement grade.
  • Check trial parts for fit, appearance, fixing points and assembly behaviour.
  • Test the relevant mechanical and thermal requirements on the agreed basis.
  • Confirm any required declarations or ratings for the proposed formulation.
  • Record the sample approval and production release criteria.

A similar melt-flow value is only one screening signal. Keep its units, temperature, load and method attached to the comparison; it does not by itself establish equal behaviour in the tool.

Does PC/ABS identify a complete specification?

No. State the producer grade or agreed buyer specification, colour, required properties, methods and document revision. If blends or substitutions are restricted, make those limits explicit in the enquiry and order.

Does a flame rating transfer from one blend to another?

Do not assume it does. Request the documentation applicable to the offered grade, colour and component thickness. Have the responsible technical or compliance team confirm its relevance before approval.

PC/ABS RFQ checklist

  • Current material and reason for considering PC/ABS.
  • Component drawing, application and processing method.
  • Impact, heat, finish, colour and dimensional requirements.
  • Assembly, coating or plating requirements where relevant.
  • Datasheet, SDS, required declarations and sample approval plan.
  • Quantity, packaging, destination and delivery schedule.

Request a PC/ABS quotation. PANTEX confirms the proposed grade, available documents and commercial terms during quotation.

References reviewed on 20 September 2026.