ABS-Like vs GF Nylon-Like
Polyurethane · grade comparison
ABS-Like and GF Nylon-Like are both polyurethane grades, both rigid pu. GF Nylon-Like is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) against 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) for ABS-Like, about 15% more. In exchange, ABS-Like is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 5% for GF Nylon-Like. ABS-Like is lighter (1.12 g/cm³ vs 1.4 g/cm³ for GF Nylon-Like) and GF Nylon-Like is stiffer (4 GPa vs 2.2 GPa). On the shop floor, ABS-Like sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than GF Nylon-Like (standard, $$).
ABS-LikeChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
GF Nylon-LikeChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
ABS-Like vs GF Nylon-Like: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polyurethane 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 polyurethane 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)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M
Hardness, Rockwell R
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹² Ω·m3.94×10¹⁹ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 18 kV/mm457 V/mil · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.03 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·cm
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: UV / Weathering Resistance 25 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Machinability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 0%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 0
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every polyurethane grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | ABS-Like | GF Nylon-Like |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both are offered for Urethane casting.
ABS-Like vs GF Nylon-Like — frequently asked
Is GF Nylon-Like stronger than ABS-Like?
Yes. GF Nylon-Like has a typical tensile strength of 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) against 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) for ABS-Like — about 15% more.
Which is cheaper, ABS-Like or GF Nylon-Like?
ABS-Like is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while GF Nylon-Like is standard ($$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
When should I choose ABS-Like over GF Nylon-Like?
Pick ABS-Like when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint. Pick GF Nylon-Like when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ABS-Like and GF Nylon-Like 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.