PC vs RTPU
Polymer · grade comparison
PC and RTPU are both polymer grades. PC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 63 MPa (9.14 ksi) against 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) for RTPU, about 21% more; tensile strength follows at 68 MPa (9.86 ksi) vs 58 MPa (8.41 ksi). In exchange, RTPU is the more ductile: elongation 140% versus 110% for PC, and PC is harder (84 Shore D vs 78 Shore D). PC is stiffer (2.4 GPa vs 2.1 GPa) and PC runs hotter in service (120°C vs 80°C continuous). On the shop floor, PC machines more easily (65 vs 55 out of 100) and PC sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than RTPU (premium, $$$).
PCChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
RTPUChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
PC vs RTPU: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M
Hardness, Rockwell R
Same in both: Izod Impact, Notched 800 J/m15 ft·lbf/in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Same in both: Density 1.2 g/cm³0.04 lb/in³
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 0.2 W/m·K0.12 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
UV / Weathering Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Weldability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 0.1 mm²/s · Thermal Shock Resistance Index 0
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every polymer grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | PC | RTPU |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Injection molding | Yes | — |
| 3D printing | Yes | — |
| Default condition | Unfilled | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | — |
| Chrome Plating (Plastic) | Yes | — |
| Conductive Coating | Yes | — |
| Dyeing (Nylon) | Yes | — |
| EMI Shielding Coating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Primer Coating | Yes | — |
| Soft Touch Coating | Yes | — |
| Spray Painting | Yes | — |
| Tinted Coating | Yes | — |
| UV Coating | Yes | — |
| Vacuum Metallization | Yes | — |
| Waterproof Coating | Yes | — |
PC vs RTPU — frequently asked
Is PC stronger than RTPU?
Yes. PC has a typical yield strength of 63 MPa (9.14 ksi) against 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) for RTPU — about 21% more. Tensile strength is 68 MPa (9.86 ksi) vs 58 MPa (8.41 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PC or RTPU?
PC is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while RTPU is premium ($$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, PC or RTPU?
PC, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 65/100 against 55/100 for RTPU.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PC and RTPU side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.