When it comes to traveling, choosing the right kind of suitcase is an important consideration. That’s because you need to pack your belongings in it. It is not a good sight to find your luggage torn apart with clothes hanging from the ripped part, and to avoid this unpleasant situation, make sure that you buy a good suitcase made of good material. You can think about buying a durable suitcase as an investment. So, it is wise to pay more if you want your belongings to remain safe. However, the materials used to make these bags have gone through a lot of changes over the years. Some of them have even become more complex, making it challenging to choose among the appropriate types (i.e ABS vs Polycarbonate).
Luggage bags come from different types of materials. But ABS and polycarbonate are the most common choices for many years. If you are looking for the best luggage material, you have to know about its qualities. In this post, you would get to know about ABS vs polycarbonate including which material to choose for your luggage bag.
Key features of ABS and polycarbonate
Choosing the right material for your luggage is tough. These days, luggage bags come in a variety of designs, materials, etc. Besides, manufacturers produce these bags because of travel use and commercial use along with other considerations.
ABS and polycarbonates are the two popular materials you can find in most luggage brands. Polycarbonate has high impact resistance. It is more flexible than ABS. There is no denying that material makes for a robust suitcase. ABS luggage bags come at cheaper prices. They don’t last for many years.
Polycarbonates
Typically, polycarbonates are thermoplastic polymers that contain carbonate groups within their chemical formulation. The polycarbonates used in engineering consist of tough materials plus they are strong. Some polycarbonates come in certain grades. They are transparent as well.
Polycarbonates are materials that can be thermoformed, molded, and worked on with ease. Polycarbonates have all the important characteristics to make hard case luggage bags. This is why polycarbonate is the most sought-after material to make strong bags. Apart from that, polycarbonates have impact resistance. They have a higher degree of hardness too.
These things make it a strong luggage bag. Also, they are temperature resistant. They have certain self-extinguishing properties too. Polycarbonates have a low weight ratio too.
ABS
ABS is a combination of three types of plastics: acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. In addition, ABS has great impact-resistant abilities, easier processing in making shapes, and glosses properly.
Therefore, it makes for a wider field of applications. These might include tool housings, appliance housings, piping & fittings, etc. In luggage bags, ABS is the lightest material used by many manufacturers.
Consequently, they are cheaper as well. But ABS isn’t stronger than polycarbonate. It isn’t a durable option either. Many manufacturers use ABS along with other materials to make strong suitcases.
8 Factors to consider when choosing ABS vs polycarbonate material for your luggage bag
Here are some important factors to consider when you are buying luggage bags made of ABS or polycarbonate materials.
1. Durability
In terms of durability between these two materials, Polycarbonate is the winner. Luggage bags made of polycarbonate does an amazing job when it comes to durability. In short, they last for many years. ABS luggage bags are left out in the race because they aren’t durable compared to polycarbonate.
When it comes to greater impact resistance, polycarbonate makes a product durable. That way, polycarbonate luggage bags are flexible. It has a greater capability as well. You can push them to their original state. This is important when it is to durability. But this isn’t the case with ABS material.
ABS luggage bags have less impact resistance. When you consider this factor, polycarbonate luggage bags are the most preferable. Hence, if you want your luggage bag to last for many years, opting for a polycarbonate material is better. But it is going to cost you more compared to ABS luggage bags.
2. Pricing
Price plays an important role whenever you buy certain things. In this way, luggage bags aren’t an exception. Pricing becomes an important factor because of the products on the market. Because you have to choose from a variety of luggage bags, having a budget in your mind comes in handy.
When it comes to ABS vs polycarbonate, price plays an important role. Although ABS luggage bags come at affordable prices, it is not the same as polycarbonate bags. Luggage bags made with polycarbonate material comes at a higher price tag than ABS ones.
The price difference might not be the same in all cases. Still, you can find a little difference between these two materials. If you have a limited budget, you can choose an ABS luggage bag. Or else, you can go with a polycarbonate luggage bag if budget isn’t your constraint.
3. Weight
To begin with, ABS weighs lighter than polycarbonate. Now, that’s a deciding factor when it comes to buying luggage bags. Most people opt for a lighter option because it tends to reduce the overall weight after stuffing items into it. As you know, the weight of the material gets added to the total weight of the luggage.
In that case, ABS luggage bags becomes a clear winner. Polycarbonate luggage bags are heavy because of the strong material used to manufacture them. It means that you have to carry the bag. Remember that it would be heavy.
It’s a factor that many people consider when choosing luggage bags. Despite that, it is important to consider the weight of a luggage bag before investing. Make sure that you choose the right material while keeping certain things in your mind.
4. Usage
Usage is another important factor to consider before buying your luggage bag. Before you buy any product, try to have a clear idea about how to use them. For people who travel a lot, choosing a polycarbonate luggage bag is the best option.
Polycarbonate luggage bags are better for frequent travelers because they are more durable. A polycarbonate luggage bag performs better compared to ABS in the long run. But if you travel occasionally, choosing an ABS luggage bag should be the right decision. No doubt, they are less durable compared to polycarbonate bags.
But you don’t have to worry because the bags won’t damage if you travel less. They can save you a lot of money as well. ABS luggage bags are cheap. What’s more, you don’t have to invest a lot of money. Moreover, bags built with ABS material are good options to carry kids’ luggage.
But if you carry laptops or other delicate items, a polycarbonate luggage bag is the right choice for you. The items are safe. You don’t need to worry about them getting damaged as well. You should know how to put the bags into use before investing.
5. Strength
By now it is clear that polycarbonate material is a better option than ABS in terms of strength. You can carry heavy stuff in luggage bags made from polycarbonate material. But in ABS luggage bags, you can’t carry much stuff because they lack strength.
In short, they aren’t capable of carrying heavier items. It is something that you have to decide based on your need. But things can become different if you don’t need to carry heavy items or pack luggage for your kids. If this is the case, ABS luggage bags are better.
You can save money in addition to being a smart investment. But if you carry heavy stuff, buying an ABS luggage bag might not be the wisest decision. The strength of a luggage bag is an important factor to consider before investing. If this is true, polycarbonate material becomes the winner.
6. Design
When it comes to design, there is nothing much to choose between ABS and polycarbonate luggage bags. Polycarbonate luggage bags come at a high price tag. Thus, chances are that they have better design options for you to choose from.
On the other hand, you can find ABS luggage bags at lower prices. As a result, you won’t have much flexibility in terms of design. Additionally, manufacturers of ABS luggage bags focus more on creating cost-effective bags. So, they pay less attention to the design.
But that doesn’t mean you won’t find attractive designs when buying an ABS luggage bag. Most of the bags come with a decent design. You need to consider this factor before buying a luggage bag.
7. Quality
The built quality is an important factor to consider when it is to ABS vs polycarbonate material. The construction of polycarbonate luggage bags is better compared to ABS bags. The built quality of any item plays an important role. Luggage bags aren’t different too.
Luxury luggage bags made with ABS material isn’t bad either. Luggage bag manufacturers produce them for definite reasons. Again, the quality of luggage bags depends on usage as well. If this is true, you have to make your choice wisely. When you are buying for kids, ABS material should be fine.
If you have a low budget in mind, you can save money by choosing ABS material. Do you want high-quality material while having the right budget for it? If so, polycarbonate material is a better option.
8. Color
No wonder, color has nothing to do when it comes to the performance of luggage bags. They play a key role in the overall looks of the bag. When it comes to polycarbonate luggage bags, you can find that you have many color options to choose from.
The colors on polycarbonate material look great. Companies don’t think twice to improve their looks. Companies don’t seem to invest much in ABS bags in terms of different color options. It means you don’t get too many color options to choose from.
If you want a strong yet good-looking luggage bag, polycarbonate luggage bags should be the right option for you. Furthermore, if you find a good look including an amazing design on an ABS luggage bag, you are free to choose.
ABS vs polycarbonate luggage bags: Which one is better for you?
Travelers indeed find it extremely challenging to find the right piece of luggage bag. With so many factors to consider such as durability, price, weight, etc., it is daunting to get the right one for your needs. The situation becomes harder when you have to choose between ABS and polycarbonate luggage bags.
Now, which one is better for your needs? ABS is a kind of sturdy plastic that you can find in hard-sided luggage bags. Although it is lightweight, it is durable. Because of that, many travelers love them because they help avoid extra baggage charges. Luggage bags with ABS are susceptible to scratches compared to polycarbonate luggage bags.
When it comes to polycarbonate materials, they are a different type of thermoplastic known to provide better shatter resistance. Because of its unique characteristic, the material is used to build bullet-proof windows, riot shields, etc. But when it comes to making luggage bags, polycarbonate is known for its durability.
Polycarbonates can withstand more wear compared to ABS. It makes a great choice for travelers who are always on the move. They want something different from the mainstream. Polycarbonate luggage bags are safe from rough baggage handlers as well.
It depends on your preference when it is to choose between ABS and polycarbonate luggage bags. If you need an affordable, lightweight luggage bag that can’t resist minor scratches, ABS is the right material for you. But if you want a durable luggage bag that can withstand wear to some extent, choose polycarbonate luggage bags.
