PX223
also ABS-like Casting Resin
PX223 is a two-component polyurethane (MDI/polyol) casting resin for vacuum casting into silicone moulds, with cured properties close to injection-moulded ABS: 60 MPa tensile strength, 12 % elongation and Shore D 80.
PX223 grades and fills
PX223 is supplied in 2 conditions, soft to hard.
Compare all 2 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pigmented | Use when the cast part must be through-coloured (typically black) instead of painted; add 1–3 % PU colour paste to component A. | 52 | 58 | 10 | 80 Shore D |
Heat-resistant version with elevated post-cure | Pick when the part must survive short heat exposure (paint bake, under-hood mock-up); needs a post-cure cycle near 100 °C. | 65 | 8 | 82 Shore D |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways PX223 is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
StandardDefault | PX223 as-cast, oven cured | Standard supply |
What is PX223?
PX223 is a two-component polyurethane (MDI/polyol) casting resin for vacuum casting into silicone moulds, with cured properties close to injection-moulded ABS: 60 MPa tensile strength, 12 % elongation and Shore D 80. It is chosen for rapid prototypes and small-batch appearance and assembly parts because it flows well, demoulds after 30-60 min at about 70 °C, and pigments, sands and paints easily. Continuous service is limited to roughly 70 °C, higher with the HT grade, it yellows under prolonged UV exposure, and as a thermoset it cannot be remelted or reprocessed. PX223 has a density of 1.12 g/cm³ (0.0405 lb/in³), lighter than 64% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 80°C (176 °F). PX223 has a tensile strength of 60 MPa (8.7 ksi), stronger than 68% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 2.3 GPa (0.334 Msi).
What is PX223 used for?
- Vacuum casting prototypes
- Small-batch appearance housings
- Assembly and fit-check parts
- Pre-production enclosure samples
- Pigmented colour models
- Painted and vacuum-metallised display parts
- Bridge-tooling parts ahead of injection moulding
Advantages
- Low, predictable mold shrinkage — 0.15%, better than 97% of polymer grades
- Easy to machine — 80/100, better than 84% of polymer grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 70/100, better than 77% of polymer grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 70°C (158 °F), worse than 77% of polymer grades
- Degrades in UV without stabilisers — 25/100, worse than 76% of polymer grades
PX223 properties
Typical room-temperature values in the Standard condition; bars are the position among polymer grades.
Physical3
PX223 has a density of 1.12 g/cm³ (0.0405 lb/in³), lighter than 64% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 80°C (176 °F).
Mechanical9
PX223 has a tensile strength of 60 MPa (8.7 ksi), stronger than 68% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 2.3 GPa (0.334 Msi).
Thermal9
PX223 is rated for continuous service to 70°C (158 °F). It conducts heat at 0.2 W/m·K (0.116 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 56% of polymer grades. Thermal expansion is 90 µm/m·K (50 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
PX223 is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 18 kV/mm (457.2 V/mil).
Chemical & Environmental2
UV resistance is poor.
Sustainability3
Producing a kilogram of PX223 takes about 100 MJ of energy and emits 5 kg of CO₂ — less than 61% of polymer grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability4
PX223's machinability is very good (80/100, better than 84% of polymer grades).
Common Calculations4
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the polymer family
Yield strength against density for every polymer grade FabDigit runs. PX223 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with PX223
Is PX223 easy to machine?
Machines and sands easily with sharp carbide tools and light feeds; use dust extraction and avoid overheating which softens the surface.
Can PX223 be welded?
Thermoset — cannot be welded; join with cyanoacrylate, two-part epoxy or PU adhesive, or cast-in inserts.
Can PX223 be formed, bent or molded?
Degas both components, mix at the datasheet ratio, vacuum-cast into silicone moulds and demould after roughly 30–60 min at 65–70 °C; HT version needs an added high-temperature post-cure.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit's quote engine applies to PX223. Design inside these and the part quotes instantly; outside them it routes to an engineer.
Injection molding
| Mold shrinkage | — |
|---|---|
| Wall thickness | — – — |
| Recommended draft | — |
| Pre-drying | — |
3D printing
| Technologies | SLA |
|---|---|
| Layer height | 50 – 300 µmdefault 100 µm |
| Minimum wall / feature | 1 / 0.5 mm |
| Build envelope | 300 × 300 × 380 mm |
| Supports | Yes |
| Anisotropy | Moderate |
PX223 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| polyol blend (polyether/polyester componamine/tin catalysed, may contain fillers and pigments | 60 – 70 | 65 |
| MDI-based polyisocyanate (component B)aromatic isocyanate prepolymer | 30 – 40 | 35 |
| colour paste / additivesoptional pigment, degassing and release additives | 0 – 3 | 1 |
What surface finishes work on PX223?
Sands and primes readily; standard practice is filler-primer plus 2K PU or acrylic topcoat, and it accepts vacuum metallising or texture paints.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on polymer parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Coating
Injection Molding Coating
Metallization / Functional
Coloring
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to PX223 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- Trade names
- ABS-like Casting Resin
How much does PX223 cost?
PX223 is a standard-cost polymer ($$), cheaper than about 59% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
PX223 — frequently asked
What is PX223 used for?
PX223 is typically used for vacuum casting prototypes, small-batch appearance housings, assembly and fit-check parts, pre-production enclosure samples, pigmented colour models and painted and vacuum-metallised display parts. In short: general-purpose photopolymer resin.
What is the tensile strength of PX223?
PX223 has a typical tensile strength of 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) — stronger than 68% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.
Is PX223 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (80/100, better than 84% of polymer grades). Machines and sands easily with sharp carbide tools and light feeds; use dust extraction and avoid overheating which softens the surface.
Can PX223 be welded?
Thermoset — cannot be welded; join with cyanoacrylate, two-part epoxy or PU adhesive, or cast-in inserts.
What surface finishes work on PX223?
Sands and primes readily; standard practice is filler-primer plus 2K PU or acrylic topcoat, and it accepts vacuum metallising or texture paints.
Can PX223 be formed, bent or molded?
Degas both components, mix at the datasheet ratio, vacuum-cast into silicone moulds and demould after roughly 30–60 min at 65–70 °C; HT version needs an added high-temperature post-cure.
What is the maximum service temperature of PX223?
PX223 is rated for continuous use to about 70°C (158 °F), and briefly to 90°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does PX223 cost?
PX223 is a standard-cost polymer ($$), cheaper than about 59% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in PX223?
Yes — PX223 is available for injection molding and 3D printing with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- PX 223 / PX 223 HT polyurethane vacuum casting resin technical datasheet — Axson Technologies (Sika Advanced Resins) (2019)
- Polyurethanes: Science, Technology, Markets and Trends — Wiley (2014)
- Rigid polyurethane casting resin property ranges — CES EduPack / Ashby material data (2021)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.