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PU-ABS-like vs PU-PC-like

Polyurethane · grade comparison

PU-ABS-like and PU-PC-like are both polyurethane grades. PU-ABS-like is the stronger of the two: yield strength 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) against 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) for PU-PC-like, about 10% more. On the shop floor, PU-ABS-like machines more easily (very good vs good).

PU-ABS-likeChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.

PU-ABS-like vs PU-PC-like: properties

PU-ABS-likePU-PC-like

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

55 MPa8 ksi
50 MPa7.3 ksi

Compressive Strength

85 MPa12.3 ksi
80 MPa11.6 ksi

Izod Impact, Notched

55 J/m1 ft·lbf/in
45 J/m0.84 ft·lbf/in

Hardness, Rockwell R

105 HRR
110 HRR

Shear Modulus

—
0.8 GPa0.12 Msi

Shear Strength

—
42 MPa6.1 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

—
2 MPa·√m1.8 ksi·√in

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 2.2 GPa0.32 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.4 · Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 60 MPa8.7 ksi · Elongation at Break 12% · Compressive Modulus 2.1 GPa0.3 Msi · Flexural Strength 85 MPa12.3 ksi · Flexural Modulus 2.3 GPa0.33 Msi · Hardness, Shore D 82 Shore D

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

1.1 g/cm³0.04 lb/in³
1.13 g/cm³0.04 lb/in³

Water Absorption (Saturation)

1.3%
1.2%

Refractive Index

—
1.5

Light Transmission

—
88%

Same in both: Glass Transition (Tg) 75°C167 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.35%

Thermal

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

Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa

75°C167 °F
80°C176 °F

Max Service Temperature (short-term)

95°C203 °F
100°C212 °F

Vicat Softening Point (B50)

—
85°C185 °F

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 0.2 W/m·K0.12 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 1,600 J/kg·K0.38 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 90 µm/m·K50 µin/in·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 70°C158 °F · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F · Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa 62°C144 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 20%

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Dielectric Strength

18 kV/mm457 V/mil
20 kV/mm508 V/mil

Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)

3.8
3.5

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

75 / 100
70 / 100

UV / Weathering Resistance

25 / 100
65 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

80 / 100
65 / 100

Polishability

70 / 100
85 / 100

Mold Shrinkage

0.25%
0.15%

Mold Temperature (typ.)

40°C104 °F
65°C149 °F

Weldability

—
0 / 100

Formability (cold)

—
5 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Water

250 L/kg30 gal/lb
400 L/kg47.9 gal/lb

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 105 MJ/kg45,142 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5.5 kg CO₂/kg · Typical Recycled Content 0%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

55 kN·m/kg
53 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

2 MN·m/kg
1.9 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

688 kJ/m³
568 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 scalePU-ABS-likePU-PC-like

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityPU-ABS-likePU-PC-like
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

PU-ABS-like vs PU-PC-like — frequently asked

Is PU-ABS-like stronger than PU-PC-like?

Yes. PU-ABS-like has a typical yield strength of 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) against 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) for PU-PC-like — about 10% more. Tensile strength is 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) vs 60 MPa (8.7 ksi).

Which is cheaper, PU-ABS-like or PU-PC-like?

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

Which is easier to machine, PU-ABS-like or PU-PC-like?

PU-ABS-like. Its machinability rates very good (80/100) against good (65/100) for PU-PC-like.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PU-ABS-like and PU-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.