Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polycarbonate (PC) are two powerful filaments used in technical and industrial 3D printing.
These materials are known for their strength, durability, and heat resistance, making them the preferred choice for high-performance applications such as mechanical parts, test models, prototypes, and even lighting fixtures.
However, both ABS and PC present printing challenges, particularly regarding bed adhesion, warping, and delamination. To address these issues, many manufacturers recommend using adhesives on the print bed, equipping the printer with a closed system, and, for some, providing a temperature-controlled printing environment to ensure optimal results.
Although ABS and PC share similarities, they possess unique characteristics. ABS is valued for its impact resistance and cost-effectiveness, while PC boasts superior strength and transparency.
In this article, we will compare ABS and PC filaments, highlighting their characteristics, advantages, and limitations to guide readers in choosing the best material for their specific 3D printing projects.
We will also study hygroscopicity and address its effects.
These insights, in most cases derived from the manufacturer's datasheets, will clarify the characteristics and ideal applications of each type of wire.
strength
Impact strength reflects a material’s ability to absorb energy from a sudden force, helping to prevent cracks or fractures in impact-exposed applications.
Although PC is known for its impact resistance, datasheets from UltiMaker and Polymaker show that ABS has a slight advantage in terms of impact strength.
(Applicable to PolyLite ABS and PolyMax PC , UltiMaker series ABS and PC )
PolyMax PC does have a slight advantage over PolyLite ABS because the former belongs to a unique material series with higher impact resistance.
However, if we compare PolyLite PC with PolyLite ABS, the traditional hierarchical structure still holds true.
This quality makes ABS suitable for applications that require protection against sudden impacts, although PC remains a good choice.
Temperature resistance
Heat distortion temperature (HDT) is a key indicator for measuring a material's ability to resist deformation under a specified load at high temperatures.
Data from the UltiMaker S series materials shows that ABS has a heat resistance of 87°C, making it suitable for medium-temperature applications.
PC is superior to ABS in this respect, with a heat resistance of 111 °C, making it ideal for parts that withstand high thermal stress, such as those on production lines or in heated environments.
The glass transition temperature (Tg) represents the point at which a material transitions from a rigid, glassy state to a softer, more flexible state.
The data table mentioned earlier indicates that the Tg of ABS is 100.5 °C, which is slightly lower than the Tg of PC, which is 107.7 °C.
Although the Tg difference is small, the higher PC threshold enhances its superior performance in high-temperature scenarios.
In summary, PC has higher overall temperature resistance compared to ABS.
Its higher HDT and Tg values make it a more reliable choice for applications requiring thermal stability and resistance to heat deformation.
While ABS can withstand moderate heat, it is not well-suited for high-temperature environments.
hygroscopic
Moisture absorption affects extrusion consistency, interlayer adhesion, and overall surface finish, so proper storage is crucial for moisture-absorbing filaments.
ABS has moderate hygroscopicity, so storage requirements are not high.
Standard measures (such as storing it in a sealed bag or container with desiccant) are usually sufficient to maintain its print quality over time.
On the other hand, PC is highly hygroscopic and requires careful handling.
It must be stored in a sealed container with desiccant to prevent moisture absorption.
If exposed to a humid environment, the consumables should be dried according to the manufacturer's instructions to restore optimal printing performance and prevent defects such as blistering or weak interlayer adhesion.
Although not the most challenging material to use for 3D printing, manufacturing high-quality parts using ABS and PC requires specific procedures to streamline the process.
Each manufacturer provides specific instructions for their recipe, but we've prepared some setup tips and tricks to guide your experimentation.
Nozzle temperature
ABS prints best at temperatures between 220-270 °C, while PC requires a higher temperature range of 250-280 °C to achieve optimal extrusion and bonding.
Regarding the nozzle material, any material is acceptable, including standard brass nozzles.
Please note that this does not apply to composite materials, as blends with materials such as carbon fiber require higher printing temperatures or are more abrasive.
heated bed
For ABS, the heated bed should be kept between 90-110 °C to reduce warping.
PC requires a similar 90-105 °C range to achieve stable adhesion and layer alignment.
Adhesion
Depending on the type of heated bed surface you are using (such as a glass surface), you will need to use an adhesive to help the ABS or PC adhere to it.
Other surfaces, such as PEI textured sheets, can hold prints in place if they are properly cleaned and the chamber is heated to the optimal temperature.
shell
The casing is very useful when printing with ABS because it helps prevent deformation caused by temperature fluctuations.
For PCs, the casing is crucial for preventing layer splitting and ensuring consistent results, especially for larger printouts.
In other words, ensure that the printer's electronic components are cooled or placed outside the casing.
And the chamber temperature is heated before printing begins - especially for the PC.
cool down
The cooling fans for both ABS and PC should be turned off.
This minimizes uneven cooling, thus avoiding problems such as delamination or cracking.
However, if a higher chamber temperature is used (e.g., 50-60 °C), the part cooling fan (at a speed of about 40%) can help handle parts such as bridges that would otherwise sag or print defects.
Post-processing
ABS can be smoothed with acetone to create a glossy surface while also increasing the strength of the parts.
Although acetone is compatible with PC, smooth parts made from this material are not common.
Sanding and polishing are common post-processing methods for PC prints, and many recommend annealing for optimal mechanical results. Always check the manufacturer's recommendations.
wire
Many manufacturers offer both ABS and PC. We've curated a selection of popular brands, with three options for each material to suit different budgets and intended uses, from hobbyists to professionals.
Polymaker Polylite ABS
This is an affordable and reliable consumable designed to meet everyday 3D printing needs.
Manufactured by Polymaker, its material data sheet shows that it has excellent performance in terms of strength and durability, making it ideal for functional prototypes, mechanical parts and general applications.
PolyLite ABS is known for its excellent layer-to-layer adhesion, making it suitable for both beginners and professionals.
Bambu Lab ABS
Bambu Lab's ABS is an excellent choice for prototyping, providing robust, durable, and reliable prints.
According to the manufacturer, its formulation minimizes warpage and ensures good layer adhesion, making it ideal for functional prototyping and complex designs.
UltiMaker ABS
UltiMaker's ABS is a premium wire material that delivers high-quality results, minimal warpage, and excellent interlayer adhesion.
It is designed for professional use and is intended to ensure reliable performance when creating durable prototypes, functional components, and engineering models.
According to UltiMaker, its optimized formula makes it ideal for demanding applications, delivering consistent and accurate printing results.
Polymaker PolyMax PC
This is an affordable polycarbonate filament with good overall properties.
The manufacturer claims that it combines exceptional strength, durability, and heat resistance, making it a versatile choice for functional prototypes, mechanical parts, and engineering applications.
PolyMax PC has higher impact strength compared to PolyLite PC.
Bambu Lab PC
Bambu Labs’ PCs offer excellent strength and high heat resistance, making them ideal for demanding applications such as functional components and engineering prototypes.
Its user-friendly formula ensures easy printing and minimizes warping, delivering reliable and accurate results.
Bambu Lab says it's perfect for both professionals and hobbyists.
UltiMaker PC
UltiMaker's PC series is a high-performance cable known for its strength and dimensional stability even when exposed to temperatures up to 110 °C.
The manufacturer claims that this polycarbonate filament is designed for professional applications and excels at manufacturing durable, heat-resistant parts, making it ideal for demanding engineering applications.
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