In 3D printing, why do manufacturers and designers turn to 3D printing ABS+PC instead of using pure ABS or pure PC? The answer lies in this blend’s ability to solve key pain points of single materials—like ABS’s poor heat resistance or PC’s high printing difficulty—by combining their strengths. This article breaks down what ABS+PC is, its unique properties, how to print it successfully, real-world applications, and tips to avoid common issues, helping you choose and use this material with confidence.
What Is 3D Printing ABS+PC?
3D printing ABS+PC (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene + polycarbonate) is a hybrid engineering plastic that merges the advantages of two standalone materials. Think of it as a “super material”: it takes ABS’s toughness and low cost, pairs it with PC’s heat resistance and impact strength, and minimizes their weaknesses (like ABS’s low thermal deflection or PC’s high viscosity).
This blend isn’t just a simple mix—it’s a carefully engineered composite where the two polymers bond at the molecular level. The result? A material that performs better than either ABS or PC alone for applications that need balance (e.g., durable parts that also handle heat).
ABS+PC vs. Pure ABS vs. Pure PC: A Detailed Comparison
Choosing between ABS+PC, ABS, and PC can be tricky—each fits different needs. The table below contrasts their key properties to help you decide:
| Property | 3D Printing ABS+PC | Pure ABS | Pure PC |
| Toughness | High (flexural strength: 80–90 MPa)—resists drops and impacts better than pure ABS. | Good (flexural strength: 60–70 MPa)—durable but less strong than ABS+PC. | Very high (flexural strength: 90–100 MPa)—but brittle at low temperatures. |
| Heat Resistance | Excellent (thermal deflection temperature: 110–120°C)—handles hot environments (e.g., car interiors). | Poor (thermal deflection temperature: 80–90°C)—softens in heat. | Superior (thermal deflection temperature: 130–140°C)—but harder to print. |
| Printing Ease | Moderate—lower viscosity than PC (avoids clogging) but needs heated bed (80–90°C). | Easy—low melting point (210–230°C), flows well during printing. | Difficult—high melting point (250–270°C), high viscosity causes clogs. |
| Surface Finish | Smooth (needs light sanding)—better than ABS, not as smooth as PC. | Rough (requires sanding/painting to smooth). | Very smooth (minimal post-processing due to low shrinkage). |
| Cost | Moderate (\(30–\)40 per kg)—more than ABS, less than PC. | Low (\(20–\)30 per kg)—ideal for high-volume, low-heat parts. | High (\(40–\)50 per kg)—only worth it for extreme heat/impact needs. |
Key Benefits of 3D Printing ABS+PC (And How They Solve Problems)
ABS+PC’s hybrid nature solves common headaches for 3D printing users. Here are 3 core benefits with real-world examples:
1. Balanced Strength & Heat Resistance
- Problem: A designer needs a 3D-printed car cup holder that’s durable (resists being dropped) and handles hot coffee (up to 80°C). Pure ABS softens in heat; pure PC is too expensive.
- Solution: ABS+PC’s 110°C thermal deflection temperature and high toughness make it perfect— the cup holder doesn’t soften, and it survives accidental drops.
2. Easier Printing Than Pure PC
- Problem: A small business wants to print industrial sensor housings that need heat resistance, but their 3D printer can’t handle PC’s high melting point (causes nozzle clogs).
- Solution: ABS+PC prints at 230–250°C (lower than PC’s 250–270°C) and has lower viscosity—no clogs, and the housings still handle the sensor’s 100°C operating temperature.
3. Cost-Effective Versatility
- Problem: A toy manufacturer needs durable, heat-resistant toy parts (for outdoor use in summer) but can’t afford PC’s $50/kg cost for 10,000 units.
- Solution: ABS+PC’s $35/kg cost cuts material expenses by 30% vs. PC, and its 120°C heat resistance means the toys don’t warp in summer sun.
Step-by-Step Guide to Successful 3D Printing ABS+PC
Printing ABS+PC isn’t hard—follow this linear process to avoid mistakes like warping or clogging:
- Pre-Print Setup:
- Dry the ABS+PC filament (60–70°C for 4 hours). Like PC, ABS+PC absorbs moisture, which causes bubbles in prints.
- Set your 3D printer parameters:
- Nozzle temperature: 230–250°C (start at 240°C for best flow).
- Heated bed temperature: 80–90°C (prevents warping—critical for large parts).
- Print speed: 40–60 mm/s (slower than ABS to ensure layer adhesion).
- Test Print:
- Print a small test piece (e.g., a 5cm cube) to check for issues:
- If layers separate: Increase nozzle temperature by 5°C or slow print speed.
- If the part warps: Raise the heated bed temperature by 5°C.
- Full Print:
- Monitor the first 10 minutes—ensure the first layer sticks to the bed (use a thin layer of glue if needed).
- Avoid opening the printer door during printing (causes temperature drops and warping).
- Post-Processing:
- Let the part cool to room temperature (1–2 hours) before removing it from the bed (prevents cracking).
- Sand rough edges with 300-grit sandpaper—light sanding is enough (unlike ABS, which needs heavy sanding).
Real-World Applications of 3D Printing ABS+PC
ABS+PC’s balance of properties makes it useful across industries. Here are 4 key use cases:
- Automotive: Prints interior parts like dashboard clips and cup holders. A car parts supplier uses ABS+PC to make 5,000 dashboard clips monthly—they resist heat from the car’s AC/heating system and don’t break when installed.
- Consumer Electronics: Makes phone cases and laptop stands. A tech startup’s ABS+PC phone case survives 1.5m drops (tested) and doesn’t warp when the phone overheats (up to 45°C).
- Industrial Tools: Creates hand-held tool handles (e.g., for screwdrivers). The handles are tough (resist wear) and handle the tool’s friction heat (up to 90°C) better than ABS.
- Toys & Hobbies: Produces outdoor toy parts (e.g., drone frames). A toy company’s ABS+PC drone frame survives crashes and doesn’t warp in summer sun (vs. ABS frames that soften).
Yigu Technology’s Perspective
At Yigu Technology, we see 3D printing ABS+PC as a “bridge material” that makes high-performance 3D printing accessible. Our 3D printers are optimized for ABS+PC: they have precision heated beds (maintain ±1°C temperature) to prevent warping, and anti-clog nozzles (handles ABS+PC’s viscosity). We’ve helped clients cut production time by 20% (vs. printing PC) and reduce material waste to <3% (thanks to our printer’s flow control). As demand for versatile parts grows, we’ll keep refining our software to make ABS+PC printing even easier—so users of all skill levels can leverage its benefits.
FAQ
- Q: Can I use ABS+PC with a regular 3D printer (not industrial-grade)?
A: Yes! Most desktop 3D printers with a heated bed (80–90°C) and nozzle that reaches 250°C can print ABS+PC. Just ensure the printer has good temperature control (avoids overheating).
- Q: Do I need a special nozzle for 3D printing ABS+PC?
A: A standard brass nozzle works for small prints, but for high-volume printing (100+ parts), use a stainless steel nozzle (more durable—ABS+PC’s toughness can wear brass nozzles over time).
- Q: How does ABS+PC hold up to outdoor weather (rain, sun)?
A: It’s weather-resistant—ABS+PC resists rain (doesn’t absorb water like wood-based filaments) and sun (UV rays cause minimal fading over 6 months). For long-term outdoor use (1+ year), apply a UV-resistant coating.