ABS vs PP-C — Which plastic to choose?
Comprehensive Technical Comparison: Mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties, ease of injection, and cost. By Hybster's materials engineers.
⚖️ Open in the interactive comparator →Overview — Performance profile
Overall scores
ABS vs PP-C : principales différences
The ABS (Magnum, Cycolac, Alcom, Altech, Terluran) and PP-C (Moplen, Hifax, Hostacom) are two plastic materials frequently compared when selecting materials for injection-moulded parts. This technical comparison will help you identify the material best suited to your specifications.
The PP-C offers better temperature resistance (HDT 100 °C compared to 80 °C for ABS).
On the pull ABS is more resistant (34.1 MPa compared to 13.8 MPa for PP-C).
The PP-C offers better chemical resistance than ABS (90/100 compared to 60/100).
The two substances present comparable injection difficulty (1/5).
The PP-C offers a better cost/performance ratio for processing (90/100 compared to 80/100 for ABS).
Technical properties compared
| Properties | ABS | PP-C | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification | |||
| Family | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) | Polyolefin | — |
| Reinforcement / Rank | — | — | — |
| Process | Injection Moulding | Injection Moulding | — |
| UL94 Rating | HB | HB | UL 94 |
| General properties | |||
| Density g/cm³ | 1.02 to 1.10 (ASTM D1505); 1.01 to 1.07 (ASTM D792); 1.04 to 1.08 (ISO 1183) | 0.899 to 0.911 (ASTM D1505); 0.890 to 0.912 (ASTM D792); 0.836 to 0.967 (ISO 1183) | ISO 1183 |
| Mechanical properties | |||
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 34.1 to 51.3 (ASTM D638, Yield); 32.1 to 53.5 (ASTM D638); 26.6 to 46.3 (ASTM D638, Break); 18.1 to 54.0 (ISO 527-1, -2, Break); 30.2 to 50.4 (ISO 527-1, -2, Yield); 34.7 to 50.5 (ISO 527-1, -2) | 13.8 to 32.4 (ASTM D638, Yield); 12.6 to 28.3 (ASTM D638, Break); 16.1 to 32.6 (ASTM D638); 7.85 to 100 (ISO 527-1, -2, Break); 16.7 to 30.4 (ISO 527-1, -2, Yield); 14.2 to 30.6 (ISO 527-1, -2) | ISO 527 |
| Tensile modulus (MPa) | 1700 to 2830 (ASTM D638); 1730 to 2870 (ISO 527-1); 15.0 to 19.3 (ISO 527-3) | 776 to 1350 (ASTM D638); 860 to 2220 (ISO 527-1) | ISO 527 |
| Tensile strain (%) | 1.8 to 21 (ASTM D638, Yield); 0.20 to 57 (ASTM D638, Break); 2.1 to 4.0 (ISO 527-1, -2, Yield); 1.0 to 35 (ISO 527-1, -2, Break); 7.8 to 46 (ISO 527-1, -2, Break) | 2.0 to 510 (ASTM D638, Break); 4.0 to 16 (ASTM D638, Yield); 2.0 to 14 (ISO 527-1, -2, Yield); 2.5 to 410 (ISO 527-1, -2, Break); 18 to 210 (ISO 527-1, -2, Break) | ISO 527 |
| Bending strength (MPa) | 55–80 | 40 | ISO 178 |
| Bending modulus (MPa) | 1410 to 2750 (ASTM D790); 1980 to 3090 (ISO 178) | 782 to 1470 (ASTM D790); 633 to 1520 (ISO 178) | ISO 178 |
| Charpy impact strength (kJ/m²) | 4.4 to 25 | 1.0 to 12 | ISO 179 |
| Thermal properties | |||
| Melting temperature (Tm) (°C) | — | 165 | DSC |
| Glass transition temperature (Tg) (°C) | 105 | -10 | DSC |
| HDT / A Temp (°C) | 80 | 100 | ISO 75-A |
| Minimum operating temperature (°C) | -20 | -30 | — |
| Maximum operating temperature (°C) | 120 | 80 | — |
| Transformation temperature (°C) | 220 | 180 | — |
| Withdrawal on moulding (%) | 1 | 1 | ISO 2577 |
| Performance scores (stars /5) | |||
| Mechanical performance | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | — |
| Thermal clothing | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | — |
| Chemical resistance | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | — |
| UV ageing | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | — |
| Ease of injection | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | — |
| Recycling | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | — |
| Special properties | |||
| Transparent | ✗ | ✗ | — |
| Food Contact | ✗ | ✗ | — |
| Recycled | ✗ | ✗ | — |
| Biobased | ✗ | ✗ | — |
| flame-retardant | ✗ | ✗ | — |
| UV resistant | ✗ | ✗ | — |
⚠️ The values shown are typical orders of magnitude for standard grades. Always consult the supplier's datasheet for the exact grade selected.
Our recommendation
In summary, the ABS is preferable for high-temperature applications and high mechanical stresses, whereas the PP-C it is preferable in order to optimise the cost price. The final choice depends on the specifications of your part — our Hybster materials engineers can accompany you.
Still hesitating between ABS and PP-C for your project? Our materials engineers will analyse your specifications free of charge.
📞 Request a free material analysisFrequently Asked Questions — ABS vs. PP-C
The PP-C offers better temperature resistance (HDT 100 °C compared to 80 °C for ABS).
The two substances present comparable injection difficulty (1/5).
The PP-C offers a better cost/performance ratio for processing (90/100 compared to 80/100 for ABS).
Yes. Our materials engineers will analyse your specifications (mechanical and thermal constraints, operating environment, budget) and recommend the most suitable material. Contact us for a free analysis within 24 hours.
A project requiring ABS or PP-C?
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