PU-Foam-Rigid vs PU-Nylon-like
Polyurethane · grade comparison
PU-Foam-Rigid 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 6 MPa (0.87 ksi) for PU-Foam-Rigid, about 9.2 times as much. PU-Nylon-like is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 4% for PU-Foam-Rigid, and PU-Nylon-like is harder (82 Shore D vs 45 Shore D). PU-Foam-Rigid is lighter (0.3 g/cm³ vs 1.13 g/cm³ for PU-Nylon-like) and PU-Nylon-like is stiffer (1.9 GPa vs 0.18 GPa). On the shop floor, PU-Foam-Rigid machines more easily (excellent vs very good) and PU-Foam-Rigid sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than PU-Nylon-like (high, $$$$).
PU-Foam-RigidChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part is machined in volume.
PU-Nylon-likeChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
PU-Foam-Rigid 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
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
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
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa 70°C158 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 20%
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
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
Polishability
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Weldability
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Formability (cold) 5 / 100 · Mold Shrinkage 0.3%
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)
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: 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-Rigid | PU-Nylon-like |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PU-Foam-Rigid vs PU-Nylon-like — frequently asked
Is PU-Nylon-like stronger than PU-Foam-Rigid?
Yes. PU-Nylon-like has a typical tensile strength of 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) against 6 MPa (0.87 ksi) for PU-Foam-Rigid — about 9.2 times as much.
Which is cheaper, PU-Foam-Rigid or PU-Nylon-like?
PU-Foam-Rigid is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while PU-Nylon-like is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, PU-Foam-Rigid or PU-Nylon-like?
PU-Foam-Rigid. Its machinability rates excellent (88/100) against very good (72/100) for PU-Nylon-like.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PU-Foam-Rigid 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.