ABS vs PET (Polyester): 0% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
ABS vs PET (Polyester)
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
ABS
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene — the most widely used amorphous engineering/commodity thermoplastic. Excellent balance of toughness, rigidity, and processability. Good surface finish and paintability. Not UV-stable without additives. Trade names include Novodur (INEOS Styrolution), Terluran (INEOS), Cycolac (SABIC). Used for automotive interior trim, appliance housings (vacuum cleaners, monitors), LEGO bricks, 3D printing filament, and pipe fittings.
PET (Polyester)
Polyethylene Terephthalate (semi-crystalline stock shape) — combines the stiffness of POM with the wear resistance of PA, without centerline porosity or moisture sensitivity. Excellent dimensional stability, low friction, very low water absorption (~0.1%). Better creep resistance than POM or PA. Widely known from bottles/packaging, but engineering PET-P is semi-crystalline and much stiffer. Trade names include Ertalyte (MCAM), Arnite (DSM), Rynite (DuPont, GF grades). Used for precision bearings in water, gears, slide elements, pump parts, and electrical insulators.
| ABS | PET (Polyester) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 10350 | ISO 10350 |
Mechanical properties
| Property | ABS | PET (Polyester) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 38–50 | 55–80 | MPa |
| yield_strength | 40–48 | 50–60 | MPa |
| elongation | 10–30 | 30–80 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
ABS and PET (Polyester) have significantly different compositions (0% overlap). These materials are not interchangeable and serve different application areas.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ABS the same as PET (Polyester)?
ABS and PET (Polyester) have a 0% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace ABS with PET (Polyester)?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (0% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between ABS and PET (Polyester)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. ABS is a Polymers grade, while PET (Polyester) is a Polymers grade.
Related Comparisons
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Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.