ABS-Like FR
ABS-Like FR is a two-component polyurethane casting/prototyping resin formulated with halogen-free (phosphorus) or brominated flame retardants so that cured parts reach UL 94 V-0 while mimicking the stiffness, Shore D hardness and appearance of injection-moulded ABS.
Values for the NAT-V0 condition
ABS-Like FR grades and fills
ABS-Like FR is supplied in 5 conditions, soft to hard. NAT-V0 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 5 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Black pigmented, UL 94 V-0 | Pick when parts ship unpainted in black and still need a V-0 rating; carbon black also improves surface UV tolerance. | 44 | 49 | 8 | 83 Shore D |
Impact-modified, lower FR load, UL 94 V-2 | Choose when snap-fits and drop performance matter more than a full V-0 rating. | 44 | 25 | 78 Shore D | |
Mineral/glass-filled FR, stiffened | Use for flat, dimensionally stable FR panels and brackets where stiffness and low shrink beat toughness. | 45 | 3 | 87 Shore D | |
NAT-V0Default Natural/ivory ABS-like, halogen-free FR, UL 94 V-0 | Default balanced grade: paint-ready ivory/off-white castings that must pass UL 94 V-0 at 3 mm. | 50 | 9 | 82 Shore D | |
Heat-resistant FR grade | Pick for FR housings that see soldering-adjacent heat, hot-air ageing or automotive under-hood soak tests. | 58 | 4 |
What is ABS-Like FR?
ABS-Like FR is a two-component polyurethane casting/prototyping resin formulated with halogen-free (phosphorus) or brominated flame retardants so that cured parts reach UL 94 V-0 while mimicking the stiffness, Shore D hardness and appearance of injection-moulded ABS. It is chosen for vacuum-cast or urethane-cast enclosures, connector bodies and appliance housings that must pass a burn test at prototype or low-volume stage without cutting steel tooling. Limits are modest heat resistance (HDT ≈ 60–80 °C), notch sensitivity and lower impact than true ABS, poor UV/weathering stability without pigment, and thermoset behaviour (no re-melting or welding). ABS-Like FR has a density of 1.17 g/cm³ (0.0423 lb/in³), heavier than 81% of polyurethane grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 80°C (176 °F). ABS-Like FR has a yield strength of 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) and a tensile strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) — weaker than 61% of polyurethane grades. Elongation at break is 9% and the elastic modulus is 2.3 GPa (0.334 Msi).
What is ABS-Like FR used for?
- Battery enclosures
- aircraft interiors
- electronics
Advantages
- Low, predictable mold shrinkage — 0.15%, better than 92% of polyurethane grades
- Easy to machine — 75/100, better than 83% of polyurethane grades
ABS-Like FR properties
Typical room-temperature values for ABS-Like FR-NAT-V0; bars are the position among polyurethane grades.
Physical4
ABS-Like FR has a density of 1.17 g/cm³ (0.0423 lb/in³), heavier than 81% of polyurethane grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 80°C (176 °F).
Mechanical12
ABS-Like FR has a yield strength of 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) and a tensile strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) — weaker than 61% of polyurethane grades. Elongation at break is 9% and the elastic modulus is 2.3 GPa (0.334 Msi).
Thermal11
ABS-Like FR is rated for continuous service to 70°C (158 °F). It conducts heat at 0.22 W/m·K (0.127 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 83% of polyurethane grades. Thermal expansion is 80 µm/m·K (44.4 µin/in·°F).
Electrical7
ABS-Like FR is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 18 kV/mm (457.2 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹² Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (75/100), better than 58% of polyurethane grades. UV resistance is poor.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ABS-Like FR takes about 100 MJ of energy and emits 5.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 83% of polyurethane grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability6
ABS-Like FR's machinability is very good (75/100, better than 83% of polyurethane grades); weldability not recommended (10/100); formability not recommended (5/100).
Common Calculations5
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 polyurethane family
Yield strength against density for every polyurethane grade FabDigit runs. ABS-Like FR is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with ABS-Like FR
Is ABS-Like FR easy to machine?
Machines and drills easily with sharp carbide and air blow; FR/mineral fillers dull tools and the dust should be extracted — avoid heat build-up above ~80 °C to prevent gumming.
Can ABS-Like FR be welded?
Thermoset: cannot be heat-welded; join with 2-part epoxy or PU adhesive, or design FR-rated inserts/screw bosses.
Can ABS-Like FR be formed, bent or molded?
Degas both components, cast into silicone tools at 40–70 °C under vacuum, demould in 20–60 min and post-cure 2–4 h at 70–80 °C; keep wall thickness ≥2 mm for reliable V-0 and mind the short pot life of FR-loaded resin.
ABS-Like FR 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 |
|---|---|---|
| polyether/polyester polyol (A-side)with catalyst, defoamer and pigment | 40 – 55 | 46 |
| MDI / MDI-prepolymer isocyanate (B-side)aromatic isocyanate hardener | 30 – 45 | 38 |
| phosphorus flame retardant (RDP/TCP-typehalogen-free systems; some grades use brominated FR + Sb2O3 | 4 – 14 | 9 |
| aluminium trihydrate / mineral fillersmoke suppressant / char former | 0 – 12 | 5 |
| pigment + additivesTiO2 or carbon black, wetting agents | 0.5 – 3 | 2 |
What surface finishes work on ABS-Like FR?
Sands, primers and paints well (including EMI shielding paint); no plating without a conductive base coat, and light UV yellowing means top-coating for exterior use.
How much does ABS-Like FR cost?
ABS-Like FR is a standard-cost polyurethane ($$), cheaper than about 81% 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.
ABS-Like FR — frequently asked
What is ABS-Like FR used for?
ABS-Like FR is typically used for battery enclosures, aircraft interiors and electronics. In short: flame-retardant rigid PU (UL94 V-0 capable).
What is the yield strength of ABS-Like FR?
ABS-Like FR has a typical yield strength of 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) and a tensile strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) — weaker than 61% of polyurethane grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is ABS-Like FR easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (75/100, better than 83% of polyurethane grades). Machines and drills easily with sharp carbide and air blow; FR/mineral fillers dull tools and the dust should be extracted — avoid heat build-up above ~80 °C to prevent gumming.
Can ABS-Like FR be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated not recommended (10/100). Thermoset: cannot be heat-welded; join with 2-part epoxy or PU adhesive, or design FR-rated inserts/screw bosses.
What surface finishes work on ABS-Like FR?
Sands, primers and paints well (including EMI shielding paint); no plating without a conductive base coat, and light UV yellowing means top-coating for exterior use.
Can ABS-Like FR be formed, bent or molded?
Degas both components, cast into silicone tools at 40–70 °C under vacuum, demould in 20–60 min and post-cure 2–4 h at 70–80 °C; keep wall thickness ≥2 mm for reliable V-0 and mind the short pot life of FR-loaded resin.
What is the maximum service temperature of ABS-Like FR?
ABS-Like FR is rated for continuous use to about 70°C (158 °F), and briefly to 100°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between ABS-Like FR NAT-V0 and ABS-Like FR BK-V0?
NAT-V0 is the default condition — default balanced grade: paint-ready ivory/off-white castings that must pass UL 94 V-0 at 3 mm. BK-V0: pick when parts ship unpainted in black and still need a V-0 rating; carbon black also improves surface UV tolerance. Yield strength is 45 MPa in NAT-V0 versus 44 MPa in BK-V0.
How much does ABS-Like FR cost?
ABS-Like FR is a standard-cost polyurethane ($$), cheaper than about 81% 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 ABS-Like FR?
Yes — ABS-Like FR is available for urethane casting with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- UL 94 — Tests for Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances — UL Solutions (2023)
- ISO 527-2 / ISO 178 / ISO 75-2 plastics test methods — ISO (2019)
- Vacuum-casting flame-retardant polyurethane resin datasheets (ABS-like FR class) — Hei-Cast / Axson / Huntsman-type suppliers (2024)
- Rigid polyurethane casting resin property ranges — CAMPUS / CES-type material databases (2024)
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.