🧩 PC/ABS – Polycarbonate + Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Blend
(Technical weldable plastic, impact and temperature resistant, used in automotive interiors and exteriors.)
🔹 What is PC/ABS
PC/ABS is a thermoplastic blend of Polycarbonate (PC) and ABS, combining the thermal resistance and rigidity of PC with the processing ease of ABS.
The result is a highly impact-resistant material, dimensionally stable with a glossy finish, frequently used in automotive interior parts and technical housings.
🔧 Composition
- PC (Polycarbonate) – provides thermal resistance and rigidity.
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) – brings malleability and ease of welding.
- Additives & Stabilizers – can include UV agents, lubricants, and pigments.
🚗 Where PC/ABS is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Car Interior | Center console, dashboard, airbag covers, handles | High impact resistance, glossy surface |
| Exterior | Mirror caps, sensor brackets, decorative elements | Resists thermal variations and moderate UV |
| Technical Equip. | Sensor housings, ECU module supports | Dimensional stability, aesthetic finish |
| Tuning / Acc. | Mixed ABS-PC / PC-ASA parts | High compatibility, precise repairs |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Optimal Temperature | Observations |
| Hot Air | 270 – 290 °C | Homogeneous weld, requires air control |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | 260 – 280 °C | For thick parts or flat joints |
| Manual Extrusion | 250 – 270 °C | For longitudinal repairs and reinforcement |
🔩 What to Weld PC/ABS With (Material Compatibility)
The common question “what to weld PC/ABS with” has a simple but critical answer: only with identical material — PC/ABS or closely compatible ones like ABS or ASA, depending on the ABS ratio in the blend.
✅ Compatible with:
- PC/ABS ↔ PC/ABS – perfect, stable, and aesthetic joint.
- PC/ABS ↔ ABS – good compatibility (ABS dominates thermal behavior).
- PC/ABS ↔ ASA – possible for UV-resistant exterior parts.
- PC/ABS ↔ PC – partially compatible (risk of uneven shrinkage).
❌ Incompatible with:
- PP, PE, PA, PVC – melts at different temperatures, no adhesion.
- PBT, PET – reacts differently to melting, detaches after cooling.
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation:
For a secure weld, use original PC/ABS rods and maintain a constant temperature between 270–280 °C.
🏭 Manufacturers and Trade Names
- Covestro: Bayblend®
- SABIC: Cycoloy®
- LG Chem: LUPOY®
- INEOS: Terblend® N
- Chi Mei: Wonderloy®
🧠 How to Identify PC/ABS
- Engraved marking: >PC/ABS<.
- Glossy surface, rigid but slightly elastic.
- Burns with a yellow-blue flame, sweet chemical odor (like ABS).
- Softens at 270 °C, uniform melting without bubbles.
- ReplastMD practical test: if the part behaves like ABS but is more rigid and resists higher temperatures → 99% PC/ABS.
🛠️ PC/ABS Welding at ReplastMD:
At our service center in Chisinau (Ciocana sector), ReplastMD performs professional PC/ABS welding for covers, housings, consoles, airbag mounts, and mixed ABS-PC parts, ensuring an invisible joint and restored impact resistance.