PC-Like
PC-Like is a urethane-acrylate photopolymer for SLA/DLP/LCD printing whose cured stiffness, 60 MPa tensile strength and semi-transparent appearance approach injection-moulded polycarbonate.
PC-Like grades and fills
PC-Like is supplied in 5 conditions, soft to hard.
Compare all 5 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
As-printed / green state | State straight off the printer after wash — use only for visual mock-ups; strength and Tg are well below cured values and creep is severe. | 30 | 36 | 12 | 76 Shore D |
Impact-modified / high-elongation PC-like | Pick when snap-fits, clips or drop resistance matter and you can trade stiffness and HDT for elongation. | 38 | 46 | 32 | 79 Shore D |
FR V-0 | Use for electrical enclosures, rail/aero interior mock-ups and any part that must pass UL 94 V-0 at 1.5 mm. | 49 | 55 | 6 | 86 Shore D |
Opaque white/grey pigmented PC-like | Pigmented version for painted or as-printed appearance models where clarity is not needed and surfaces should hide layer lines. | 50 | 58 | 8 | 85 Shore D |
High heat-deflection PC-like | For hot-air/flow fixtures, lamp housings and mold-trial inserts needing HDT well above 100 °C; noticeably more brittle. | 66 | 4 | 87 Shore D |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways PC-Like is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
STDDefault | Standard clear PC-like, fully post-cured | Standard supply |
What is PC-Like?
PC-Like is a urethane-acrylate photopolymer for SLA/DLP/LCD printing whose cured stiffness, 60 MPa tensile strength and semi-transparent appearance approach injection-moulded polycarbonate. It suits appearance parts, clear lamp covers and light guides, assembly checks and small-batch functional prototypes. Unlike real PC it is a thermoset: toughness and notched impact are much lower, elongation is 9 % at Shore D 82–85, heat resistance is only 50–70 °C outside the HT condition, and UV or damp heat cause yellowing and property loss. All values assume full UV plus thermal post-cure; green parts are roughly one third weaker. PC-Like has a density of 1.16 g/cm³ (0.0419 lb/in³), heavier than 74% of polyurethane grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 70°C (158 °F). PC-Like has a yield strength of 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) and a tensile strength of 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) — stronger than 78% of polyurethane grades. Elongation at break is 9% and the elastic modulus is 2.7 GPa (0.392 Msi).
What is PC-Like used for?
- Impact guards
- Functional housings
- Clear lamp covers and light guides
- Assembly and fit verification parts
- Small-batch functional prototypes
- Machine guards and windows
Advantages
- Stiff — 2.7 GPa (0.392 Msi), better than 90% of polyurethane grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 78/100, better than 88% of polyurethane grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 60°C (140 °F), worse than 90% of polyurethane grades
PC-Like properties
Typical room-temperature values; bars are the position among polyurethane grades.
Physical6
PC-Like has a density of 1.16 g/cm³ (0.0419 lb/in³), heavier than 74% of polyurethane grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 70°C (158 °F).
Mechanical15
PC-Like has a yield strength of 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) and a tensile strength of 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) — stronger than 78% of polyurethane grades. Elongation at break is 9% and the elastic modulus is 2.7 GPa (0.392 Msi).
Thermal10
PC-Like is rated for continuous service to 60°C (140 °F). It conducts heat at 0.21 W/m·K (0.121 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 74% of polyurethane grades. Thermal expansion is 90 µm/m·K (50 µin/in·°F).
Electrical6
PC-Like is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 17 kV/mm (431.8 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹² Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (68/100), worse than 92% of polyurethane grades. UV resistance is poor.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of PC-Like takes about 115 MJ of energy and emits 5.6 kg of CO₂ — more than 88% of polyurethane grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability4
PC-Like's machinability is good (58/100, worse than 52% of polyurethane grades); weldability not recommended (8/100); 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. PC-Like is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with PC-Like
Is PC-Like easy to machine?
Drills, taps and mills cleanly with sharp carbide and light feed, but run dry-ish and slow — heat above Tg smears the surface and edges chip.
Can PC-Like be welded?
Not weldable; join with cyanoacrylate, two-part epoxy or by re-curing fresh resin at the joint under UV.
Can PC-Like be formed, bent or molded?
Vat photopolymerisation only — print at 25–100 µm layers, drain and wash in IPA/TPM, then UV post-cure with heat (typically 60–80 °C, 15–60 min) to reach datasheet properties; allow 0.15–0.5 % cure shrinkage and support thin walls to limit warp.
PC-Like 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 |
|---|---|---|
| aliphatic urethane acrylate oligomermain network former, gives PC-like stiffness/toughness balance | 30 – 60 | 45 |
| epoxy/oxetane cationic resinpresent in hybrid free-radical/cationic SLA formulations | 0 – 25 | 10 |
| photoinitiator405 nm or 355 nm sensitised | 1 – 4 | 2.5 |
| additives (UV absorber, pigment, stabilivariant dependent; FR grades add phosphorus/mineral flame retardant | 0.5 – 6 | 3 |
| acrylate/methacrylate reactive diluent mviscosity control and crosslink density | ≥ 25 (balance) |
What surface finishes work on PC-Like?
Sand 400→2000 grit and either clear-coat or vapour-polish-free lacquer for optical clarity; primers and 2K automotive paint adhere well, and clear parts should get a UV-blocking topcoat to slow yellowing.
How much does PC-Like cost?
PC-Like is a standard-cost polyurethane ($$), cheaper than about 82% 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.
PC-Like — frequently asked
What is PC-Like used for?
PC-Like is typically used for impact guards, functional housings, clear lamp covers and light guides, assembly and fit verification parts, small-batch functional prototypes and machine guards and windows. In short: highest impact of the rigid PUs; PC-like stiffness.
What is the yield strength of PC-Like?
PC-Like has a typical yield strength of 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) and a tensile strength of 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) — stronger than 78% of polyurethane grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is PC-Like easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (58/100, worse than 52% of polyurethane grades). Drills, taps and mills cleanly with sharp carbide and light feed, but run dry-ish and slow — heat above Tg smears the surface and edges chip.
Can PC-Like be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated not recommended (8/100). Not weldable; join with cyanoacrylate, two-part epoxy or by re-curing fresh resin at the joint under UV.
What surface finishes work on PC-Like?
Sand 400→2000 grit and either clear-coat or vapour-polish-free lacquer for optical clarity; primers and 2K automotive paint adhere well, and clear parts should get a UV-blocking topcoat to slow yellowing.
Can PC-Like be formed, bent or molded?
Vat photopolymerisation only — print at 25–100 µm layers, drain and wash in IPA/TPM, then UV post-cure with heat (typically 60–80 °C, 15–60 min) to reach datasheet properties; allow 0.15–0.5 % cure shrinkage and support thin walls to limit warp.
What is the maximum service temperature of PC-Like?
PC-Like is rated for continuous use to about 60°C (140 °F), and briefly to 85°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does PC-Like cost?
PC-Like is a standard-cost polyurethane ($$), cheaper than about 82% 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 PC-Like?
Yes — PC-Like is available for urethane casting with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- Accura 60 (PC-like SLA material) technical data — 3D Systems (2022)
- Somos WaterShed XC 11122 / Somos EvoLVe 128 data sheets — Covestro (DSM Somos) (2021)
- Clear / Tough / High Temp resin data sheets — Formlabs (2023)
- ASTM D638 / D790 / D256 / D648 test methods for plastics — ASTM International (2022)
- ISO 527, ISO 75, UL 94 — ISO / UL (2020)
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.