PC/ABS: A MATERIAL SURPASSING STANDARDS!
PC/ABS (Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a thermoplastic blend that effectively combines the properties of polycarbonate and ABS. Thanks to its durability, thermal stability, and good processability, it has become a significant material in many industrial sectors, including 3D printing. In this article, we will dive into the world of PC/ABS, explore its key properties, and reveal how this material is beneficial across various industries
NOT JUST STRONG, BUT SAFE
PC/ABS exceeds expectations not only with its high impact resistance and thermal stability but also with its ability to withstand fire. By meeting the UL94 V0 safety standard, PC/ABS proves that it is not only strong but also safe. This self-extinguishing property makes PC/ABS an ideal material for applications where safety and emphasis on self-extinguishing are paramount, such as electronic components, consumer electronics, and even vehicle parts.
PC/ABS is not just any plastic. It is a material that will surpass your expectations. With excellent impact resistance that remains strong even at low temperatures, PC/ABS is perfect for applications where impact resistance is key. But that's just the beginning. This material also boasts high thermal resistance, enabling its use in demanding applications such as engine parts or electronic devices that require stable performance at high temperatures.
FROM AUTOMOBILES TO ELECTRONICS
The applications for PC/ABS are virtually limitless. In the automotive industry, it is used to manufacture interior and exterior parts of vehicles, combining aesthetic appearance with outstanding durability. In the electronics industry, PC/ABS is the material of choice for enclosures of laptops, televisions, mobile phones, and other devices, where it combines durability with modern design.
OPTIMIZATION FOR 3D PRINTING
For successful printing with PC/ABS, it is essential to use an enclosed printing chamber and keep the print warm, ensuring optimal printing conditions. It is also important to minimize object cooling to achieve maximum layer strength. To ensure the best possible adhesion to the platform, we recommend using the adhesive glue Magigoo PC.
Printing Settings for PC/ABS:
- Nozzle temperature: 275°C (290°C for Bambu Lab printers)
- Bed temperature: 110°C
- Print without cooling, or minimally for overhangs, up to 15%. If overhangs sag, the print speed must be reduced.
- Any imperfections can be sanded and subsequently smoothed out with hot air.
These specific settings and recommendations allow the printing of strong, functional parts and prototypes with excellent properties, thus facilitating and streamlining manufacturing processes in many industrial sectors.
KEY PROPERTIES OF PC/ABS IN 3D PRINTING
High impact resistance, thermal stability, self-extinguishing properties, and aesthetic quality make PC/ABS an ideal material for a wide range of 3D printed applications. The only limitation is its sensitivity to UV radiation, against which UV stabilizers are often added for outdoor applications.
This material effectively combines durability, safety, and universal use, making it ideal for a wide range of applications, especially in the industrial sector. Its ability to meet specific industrial requirements, along with the advantages for 3D printing, makes PC/ABS a material that offers significant benefits for various industrial sectors.