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PU-Nylon-like vs PU-PMMA-like

Polyurethane · grade comparison

PU-Nylon-like and PU-PMMA-like are both polyurethane grades. PU-PMMA-like is the stronger of the two: yield strength 58 MPa (8.41 ksi) against 48 MPa (6.96 ksi) for PU-Nylon-like, about 21% more; tensile strength follows at 65 MPa (9.43 ksi) vs 55 MPa (7.98 ksi). In exchange, PU-Nylon-like is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 10% for PU-PMMA-like. PU-PMMA-like is stiffer (2.5 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-PMMA-likeChoose it when strength drives the design.

PU-Nylon-like vs PU-PMMA-like: properties

PU-Nylon-likePU-PMMA-like

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

1.9 GPa0.28 Msi
2.5 GPa0.36 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

55 MPa8 ksi
65 MPa9.4 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

48 MPa7 ksi
58 MPa8.4 ksi

Elongation at Break

25%
10%

Compressive Strength

80 MPa11.6 ksi
85 MPa12.3 ksi

Compressive Modulus

1.8 GPa0.26 Msi
2.4 GPa0.35 Msi

Flexural Strength

75 MPa10.9 ksi
95 MPa13.8 ksi

Flexural Modulus

2 GPa0.29 Msi
2.6 GPa0.38 Msi

Izod Impact, Notched

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

Hardness, Shore D

82 Shore D
83 Shore D

Hardness, Rockwell R

108 HRR
115 HRR

Shear Strength

—
45 MPa6.5 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

—
1.4 MPa·√m1.3 ksi·√in

Hardness, Rockwell M

—
85 HRM

Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.4

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Water Absorption (24 h)

0.4%
0.35%

Water Absorption (Saturation)

1.5%
1.4%

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
78°C172 °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)

—
80°C176 °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 Strength

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

Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)

3.6
3.5

Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)

0.03
0.04

Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹² Ω·m3.94×10¹⁹ µΩ·in · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

72 / 100
70 / 100

UV / Weathering Resistance

25 / 100
55 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

72 / 100
75 / 100

Polishability

65 / 100
85 / 100

Mold Shrinkage

0.3%
0.15%

Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)

50°C122 °F
30°C86 °F

Same in both: Weldability 5 / 100 · 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 Carbon (primary production)

5.5 kg CO₂/kg
5.2 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

250 L/kg30 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)

49 kN·m/kg
58 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

1.7 MN·m/kg
2.2 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

606 kJ/m³
673 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-PMMA-likePU-Nylon-like

Manufacturing and finishing

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

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

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

Yes. PU-PMMA-like has a typical yield strength of 58 MPa (8.41 ksi) against 48 MPa (6.96 ksi) for PU-Nylon-like — about 21% more. Tensile strength is 65 MPa (9.43 ksi) vs 55 MPa (7.98 ksi).

Which is cheaper, PU-Nylon-like or PU-PMMA-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.

When should I choose PU-Nylon-like over PU-PMMA-like?

Pick PU-Nylon-like when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat. Pick PU-PMMA-like when strength drives the design.

Ready to make it?

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