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PC-Like vs PP-Like

Polyurethane · grade comparison

PC-Like and PP-Like are both polyurethane grades, both rigid pu. PC-Like is the stronger of the two: yield strength 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) against 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) for PP-Like, about 73% more; tensile strength follows at 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) vs 36 MPa (5.22 ksi). In exchange, PP-Like is the more ductile: elongation 40% versus 9% for PC-Like, and PC-Like is harder (85 Shore D vs 78 Shore D). PC-Like is stiffer (2.7 GPa vs 1.3 GPa) and PC-Like runs hotter in service (60°C vs 50°C continuous). On the shop floor, PP-Like sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than PC-Like (standard, $$).

PC-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, or when cost is the deciding factor.

PC-Like vs PP-Like: properties

PC-LikePP-Like

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

2.7 GPa0.39 Msi
1.3 GPa0.19 Msi

Shear Modulus

1 GPa0.15 Msi
0.46 GPa0.07 Msi

Bulk Modulus

4 GPa0.55 Msi
2 GPa0.35 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.38
0.4

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

60 MPa8.7 ksi
36 MPa5.2 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

52 MPa7.5 ksi
30 MPa4.4 ksi

Elongation at Break

9%
40%

Compressive Strength

95 MPa13.8 ksi
60 MPa8.7 ksi

Compressive Modulus

2.5 GPa0.36 Msi
1.2 GPa0.17 Msi

Flexural Strength

92 MPa13.3 ksi
52 MPa7.5 ksi

Flexural Modulus

2.6 GPa0.38 Msi
1.4 GPa0.2 Msi

Shear Strength

40 MPa5.8 ksi
30 MPa4.4 ksi

Izod Impact, Notched

22 J/m0.41 ft·lbf/in
50 J/m0.94 ft·lbf/in

Hardness, Shore D

85 Shore D
78 Shore D

Hardness, Rockwell M

88 HRM
55 HRM

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

—
1.8 MPa·√m1.6 ksi·√in

Hardness, Rockwell R

—
100 HRR

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

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

Glass Transition (Tg)

70°C158 °F
55°C131 °F

Water Absorption (24 h)

0.4%
0.6%

Water Absorption (Saturation)

1.2%
1.8%

Light Transmission

87%
—

Same in both: Refractive Index 1.51

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

0.21 W/m·K0.12 BTU/hr·ft·°F
0.2 W/m·K0.12 BTU/hr·ft·°F

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)

60°C140 °F
50°C122 °F

Min Service Temperature

-30°C-22 °F
-20°C-4 °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

Limiting Oxygen Index

20%
19%

Max Service Temperature (short-term)

85°C185 °F
70°C158 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,500 J/kg·K0.36 BTU/lb·°F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

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 · Dielectric Strength 17 kV/mm432 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

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.

Machinability

58 / 100
55 / 100

Weldability

8 / 100
5 / 100

Formability (cold)

5 / 100
8 / 100

Polishability

78 / 100
60 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

115 MJ/kg49,441 BTU/lb
120 MJ/kg51,591 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

5.6 kg CO₂/kg
6 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb
220 L/kg26.4 gal/lb

Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 0%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

52 kN·m/kg
31 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

2.3 MN·m/kg
1.1 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

501 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 scalePC-LikePP-Like

Manufacturing and finishing

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

Both are offered for Urethane casting.

PC-Like vs PP-Like — frequently asked

Is PC-Like stronger than PP-Like?

Yes. PC-Like has a typical yield strength of 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) against 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) for PP-Like — about 73% more. Tensile strength is 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) vs 36 MPa (5.22 ksi).

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

PP-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 PC-Like over PP-Like?

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

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PC-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.