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ABS-Like vs PP-Like

Polyurethane · grade comparison

ABS-Like and PP-Like are both polyurethane grades, both rigid pu. ABS-Like is the stronger of the two: yield strength 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) against 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) for PP-Like, about 50% more; tensile strength follows at 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) vs 36 MPa (5.22 ksi). In exchange, PP-Like is the more ductile: elongation 40% versus 12% for ABS-Like. ABS-Like is stiffer (2.2 GPa vs 1.3 GPa) and ABS-Like runs hotter in service (55°C vs 50°C continuous).

ABS-LikeChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.

PP-LikeChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

ABS-Like vs PP-Like: properties

ABS-LikePP-Like

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

2.2 GPa0.32 Msi
1.3 GPa0.19 Msi

Shear Modulus

0.8 GPa0.12 Msi
0.46 GPa0.07 Msi

Bulk Modulus

3 GPa0.48 Msi
2 GPa0.35 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.39
0.4

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

52 MPa7.5 ksi
36 MPa5.2 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

45 MPa6.5 ksi
30 MPa4.4 ksi

Elongation at Break

12%
40%

Compressive Strength

78 MPa11.3 ksi
60 MPa8.7 ksi

Compressive Modulus

2.1 GPa0.3 Msi
1.2 GPa0.17 Msi

Flexural Strength

76 MPa11 ksi
52 MPa7.5 ksi

Flexural Modulus

2.2 GPa0.32 Msi
1.4 GPa0.2 Msi

Shear Strength

38 MPa5.5 ksi
30 MPa4.4 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

1.3 MPa·√m1.2 ksi·√in
1.8 MPa·√m1.6 ksi·√in

Izod Impact, Notched

35 J/m0.66 ft·lbf/in
50 J/m0.94 ft·lbf/in

Hardness, Shore D

82 Shore D
78 Shore D

Hardness, Rockwell M

78 HRM
55 HRM

Hardness, Rockwell R

—
100 HRR

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

1.12 g/cm³0.04 lb/in³
1.15 g/cm³0.04 lb/in³

Glass Transition (Tg)

62°C144 °F
55°C131 °F

Water Absorption (Saturation)

1.6%
1.8%

Same in both: Water Absorption (24 h) 0.6% · Refractive Index 1.51

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

90 µm/m·K50 µin/in·°F
120 µm/m·K66.7 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

55°C131 °F
50°C122 °F

Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa

60°C140 °F
55°C131 °F

Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa

50°C122 °F
45°C113 °F

Max Service Temperature (short-term)

75°C167 °F
70°C158 °F

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 0.2 W/m·K0.12 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 1,500 J/kg·K0.36 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 19%

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Dielectric Strength

18 kV/mm457 V/mil
17 kV/mm432 V/mil

Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)

3.4
3.6

Surface Resistivity

1×10¹⁴ Ω
1×10¹⁵ Ω

Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)

—
500 V

Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹² Ω·m3.94×10¹⁹ µΩ·in · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.03 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·cm

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

68 / 100
78 / 100

Same in both: UV / Weathering Resistance 25 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Formability (cold)

5 / 100
8 / 100

Polishability

72 / 100
60 / 100

Mold Shrinkage

0.6%
—

Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)

30°C86 °F
—

Same in both: Machinability 55 / 100 · Weldability 5 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

6.5 kg CO₂/kg
6 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

200 L/kg24 gal/lb
220 L/kg26.4 gal/lb

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 120 MJ/kg51,591 BTU/lb · Typical Recycled Content 0%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

46 kN·m/kg
31 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

2 MN·m/kg
1.1 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

460 kJ/m³
346 kJ/m³

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.

71015203050701.11.21.31.4Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleABS-LikePP-Like

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityABS-LikePP-Like
Default condition——
Relative cost$ Budget$ Budget
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

Both are offered for Urethane casting.

ABS-Like vs PP-Like — frequently asked

Is ABS-Like stronger than PP-Like?

Yes. ABS-Like has a typical yield strength of 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) against 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) for PP-Like — about 50% more. Tensile strength is 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) vs 36 MPa (5.22 ksi).

Which is cheaper, ABS-Like or PP-Like?

Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($, budget); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.

When should I choose ABS-Like over PP-Like?

Pick ABS-Like when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat. Pick PP-Like when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ABS-Like and PP-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.