ABS-Like vs PC-Like
Polyurethane · grade comparison
ABS-Like and PC-Like are both polyurethane grades, both rigid pu. PC-Like is the stronger of the two: yield strength 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) against 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) for ABS-Like, about 16% more; tensile strength follows at 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) vs 52 MPa (7.54 ksi). In exchange, ABS-Like is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 9% for PC-Like. ABS-Like is lighter (1.12 g/cm³ vs 1.16 g/cm³ for PC-Like) and PC-Like is stiffer (2.7 GPa vs 2.2 GPa). On the shop floor, ABS-Like sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than PC-Like (standard, $$).
ABS-LikeChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PC-LikeChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
ABS-Like vs PC-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
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Light Transmission
Same in both: Refractive Index 1.51
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,500 J/kg·K0.36 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 90 µm/m·K50 µin/in·°F · Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa 60°C140 °F · Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa 50°C122 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Strength
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹² Ω·m3.94×10¹⁹ µΩ·in · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 3.4 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.03 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 68 / 100 · UV / Weathering Resistance 25 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Formability (cold) 5 / 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)
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 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 | PC-Like |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both are offered for Urethane casting.
ABS-Like vs PC-Like — frequently asked
Is PC-Like stronger than ABS-Like?
Yes. PC-Like has a typical yield strength of 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) against 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) for ABS-Like — about 16% more. Tensile strength is 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) vs 52 MPa (7.54 ksi).
Which is cheaper, ABS-Like or PC-Like?
ABS-Like is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while PC-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 PC-Like?
Pick ABS-Like when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint. Pick PC-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 PC-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.