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PU-Nylon-like vs PU-PC-like

Polyurethane · grade comparison

PU-Nylon-like and PU-PC-like are both polyurethane grades. PU-PC-like is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) against 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) for PU-Nylon-like, about 9% more. In exchange, PU-Nylon-like is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 12% for PU-PC-like. PU-PC-like is stiffer (2.2 GPa vs 1.9 GPa) and PU-Nylon-like runs hotter in service (80°C vs 70°C continuous).

PU-Nylon-likeChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

PU-PC-likeChoose it when strength drives the design.

PU-Nylon-like vs PU-PC-like: properties

PU-Nylon-likePU-PC-like

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

1.9 GPa0.28 Msi
2.2 GPa0.32 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

55 MPa8 ksi
60 MPa8.7 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

48 MPa7 ksi
50 MPa7.3 ksi

Elongation at Break

25%
12%

Compressive Modulus

1.8 GPa0.26 Msi
2.1 GPa0.3 Msi

Flexural Strength

75 MPa10.9 ksi
85 MPa12.3 ksi

Flexural Modulus

2 GPa0.29 Msi
2.3 GPa0.33 Msi

Izod Impact, Notched

60 J/m1.1 ft·lbf/in
45 J/m0.84 ft·lbf/in

Hardness, Rockwell R

108 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: Poisson's Ratio 0.4 · Compressive Strength 80 MPa11.6 ksi · Hardness, Shore D 82 Shore D

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Water Absorption (24 h)

0.4%
0.35%

Water Absorption (Saturation)

1.5%
1.2%

Refractive Index

—
1.5

Light Transmission

—
88%

Same in both: Density 1.13 g/cm³0.04 lb/in³ · Glass Transition (Tg) 75°C167 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

110 µm/m·K61.1 µin/in·°F
90 µm/m·K50 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

80°C176 °F
70°C158 °F

Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa

88°C190 °F
80°C176 °F

Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa

70°C158 °F
62°C144 °F

Max Service Temperature (short-term)

110°C230 °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 · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 20%

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)

3.6
3.5

Surface Resistivity

1×10¹⁴ Ω
—

Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹² Ω·m3.94×10¹⁹ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 20 kV/mm508 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

72 / 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

72 / 100
65 / 100

Weldability

5 / 100
0 / 100

Polishability

65 / 100
85 / 100

Mold Shrinkage

0.3%
0.15%

Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)

50°C122 °F
—

Same in both: Formability (cold) 5 / 100 · Mold Temperature (typ.) 65°C149 °F

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

100 MJ/kg42,992 BTU/lb
105 MJ/kg45,142 BTU/lb

Embodied Water

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

Same in both: 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)

49 kN·m/kg
53 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

1.7 MN·m/kg
1.9 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

606 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-PC-likePU-Nylon-like

Manufacturing and finishing

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

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

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

Yes. PU-PC-like has a typical tensile strength of 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) against 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) for PU-Nylon-like — about 9% more.

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

PU-Nylon-like. Its machinability rates very good (72/100) against good (65/100) for PU-PC-like; for welding the order is PU-Nylon-like first (not recommended, 5/100) then PU-PC-like (not recommended, 0/100).

Ready to make it?

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