PU-Foam-Flexible vs PU-Nylon-like
Polyurethane · grade comparison
PU-Foam-Flexible and PU-Nylon-like are both polyurethane grades. PU-Nylon-like is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) against 0.9 MPa (0.131 ksi) for PU-Foam-Flexible, about 61 times as much. In exchange, PU-Foam-Flexible is the more ductile: elongation 150% versus 25% for PU-Nylon-like. PU-Foam-Flexible is lighter (0.35 g/cm³ vs 1.13 g/cm³ for PU-Nylon-like) and PU-Nylon-like is stiffer (1.9 GPa vs 0.01 GPa). On the shop floor, PU-Nylon-like machines more easily (very good vs fair).
PU-Foam-FlexibleChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PU-Nylon-likeChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
PU-Foam-Flexible vs PU-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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Shear Strength
Hardness, Shore A
Tear Strength
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,600 J/kg·K0.38 BTU/lb·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 80°C176 °F · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Surface Resistivity
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.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Mold Shrinkage
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Polishability
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
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)
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 | PU-Foam-Flexible | PU-Nylon-like |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PU-Foam-Flexible vs PU-Nylon-like — frequently asked
Is PU-Nylon-like stronger than PU-Foam-Flexible?
Yes. PU-Nylon-like has a typical tensile strength of 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) against 0.9 MPa (0.131 ksi) for PU-Foam-Flexible — about 61 times as much.
Which is cheaper, PU-Foam-Flexible or PU-Nylon-like?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, PU-Foam-Flexible or PU-Nylon-like?
PU-Nylon-like. Its machinability rates very good (72/100) against fair (35/100) for PU-Foam-Flexible; for welding the order is PU-Nylon-like first (not recommended, 5/100) then PU-Foam-Flexible (not recommended, 0/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PU-Foam-Flexible and PU-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.