PU-ABS-like
PU-ABS-like is a two-part polyurethane casting system (for example PX223 or PX5210) formulated to mimic the stiffness, impact resistance and surface finish of injection-molded ABS, and it is the most widely used vacuum-casting resin family for functional prototypes.
Reference datasheet — PU-ABS-like is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
PU-ABS-like grades and fills
PU-ABS-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Impact-modified (PP/ABS-tough) casting grade | Softer, higher-elongation formulation for living hinges, clip-on covers and drop-test parts where brittleness of the standard grade fails. | 30 | 42 | 45 | 75 Shore D |
Flame-retardant ABS-like | Filled/halogen- or phosphorus-modified version for electrical enclosures and appliance prototypes that must pass a V-0 style burn test. | 45 | 48 | 6 | 84 Shore D |
Mineral / glass-filled stiffened ABS-like | Aluminium-trihydrate, talc or milled-glass loaded system for stiffer, more dimensionally stable and lower-shrinkage large castings. | 45 | 2.5 | 87 Shore D | |
Pigmented / black-tinted casting grade | Same base resin with 1–3 % PU colour paste added to the polyol side when the part must be through-coloured instead of painted. | 54 | 58 | 10 | 82 Shore D |
Heat-resistant ABS-like | Choose when the prototype sees under-hood, lamp, or paint-bake temperatures above ~80 °C; requires a full 80–100 °C post-cure. | 68 | 6 | 85 Shore D |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways PU-ABS-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 |
|---|---|---|
UV | Light-stable / low-yellowing (aliphatic) ABS-like | Grade option |
STDDefault | Standard unfilled ABS-like | Standard supply |
What is PU-ABS-like?
PU-ABS-like is a two-part polyurethane casting system (for example PX223 or PX5210) formulated to mimic the stiffness, impact resistance and surface finish of injection-molded ABS, and it is the most widely used vacuum-casting resin family for functional prototypes. Cast parts give 60 MPa tensile strength, 12% elongation, Shore D 82 hardness and 1.1 g/cm³ density, and machine well (score 80) after post-cure. Service temperature is limited to about 70 °C in the standard grade, and the thermoset chemistry cannot be re-melted or heat welded; HT, FR, UV and filled variants extend temperature, flammability and weathering performance, with machined ABS or injection molding the alternatives above a few hundred parts. PU-ABS-like has a density of 1.1 g/cm³ (0.0397 lb/in³), lighter than 71% of polyurethane grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 75°C (167 °F). PU-ABS-like has a yield strength of 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) and a tensile strength of 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) — stronger than 89% of polyurethane grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 2.2 GPa (0.319 Msi).
What is PU-ABS-like used for?
- Prototype housings
- Snap-fit enclosures
- Functional test parts
- Low-volume bridge production
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 80/100, better than 90% of polyurethane grades
- High strength — 55 MPa (7.98 ksi), better than 89% of polyurethane grades
PU-ABS-like properties
Typical room-temperature values; bars are the position among polyurethane grades.
Physical4
PU-ABS-like has a density of 1.1 g/cm³ (0.0397 lb/in³), lighter than 71% of polyurethane grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 75°C (167 °F).
Mechanical12
PU-ABS-like has a yield strength of 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) and a tensile strength of 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) — stronger than 89% of polyurethane grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 2.2 GPa (0.319 Msi).
Thermal10
PU-ABS-like 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 60% of polyurethane grades. Thermal expansion is 90 µm/m·K (50 µin/in·°F).
Electrical5
PU-ABS-like 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 PU-ABS-like takes about 105 MJ of energy and emits 5.5 kg of CO₂ — more than 64% of polyurethane grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability4
PU-ABS-like's machinability is very good (80/100, better than 90% of polyurethane grades).
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. PU-ABS-like is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with PU-ABS-like
Is PU-ABS-like easy to machine?
Machines and drills easily with sharp HSS/carbide tools and light feeds; keep speeds moderate to avoid local heating and gumming, and always machine after full post-cure.
Can PU-ABS-like be welded?
Thermoset — cannot be heat welded; join by 2K PU/epoxy adhesive, cyanoacrylate or mechanical fasteners and heat-set inserts.
Can PU-ABS-like be formed, bent or molded?
Degas both components, mix 1:1 under vacuum, pour into a 40 °C silicone mould, demould after 20–40 min and post-cure 2–4 h at 70–80 °C for full HDT and dimensional stability.
PU-ABS-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 |
|---|---|---|
| MDI-based polyisocyanate (A-side prepolyaromatic MDI in standard grades; aliphatic HDI/IPDI in UV-stable grades | 40 – 55 | 50 |
| catalyst / defoamer / UV & colour additi | 0.1 – 3 | 1.5 |
| mineral or glass filler0 in the default unfilled grade; 20–40 % in FILL/FR variants | 0 – 40 | 0 |
| polyol blend (polyester/polyether + chaiB-side; mix ratio typically 1:1 by weight | ≥ 40 (balance) |
What surface finishes work on PU-ABS-like?
Sands, primes and paints extremely well (PU/2K primer), takes vacuum metallising, pad printing and soft-touch coats; no anodising or plating without a conductive base coat.
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to PU-ABS-like in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- Also called
- ABS Simulation Resin
How much does PU-ABS-like cost?
PU-ABS-like is a high-cost polyurethane ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
PU-ABS-like — frequently asked
What is PU-ABS-like used for?
PU-ABS-like is typically used for prototype housings, snap-fit enclosures, functional test parts and low-volume bridge production. In short: closest cast ABS substitute; best-finishing prototype resin; 70 °C service ceiling.
What is the yield strength of PU-ABS-like?
PU-ABS-like has a typical yield strength of 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) and a tensile strength of 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) — stronger than 89% of polyurethane grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is PU-ABS-like easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (80/100, better than 90% of polyurethane grades). Machines and drills easily with sharp HSS/carbide tools and light feeds; keep speeds moderate to avoid local heating and gumming, and always machine after full post-cure.
Can PU-ABS-like be welded?
Thermoset — cannot be heat welded; join by 2K PU/epoxy adhesive, cyanoacrylate or mechanical fasteners and heat-set inserts.
What surface finishes work on PU-ABS-like?
Sands, primes and paints extremely well (PU/2K primer), takes vacuum metallising, pad printing and soft-touch coats; no anodising or plating without a conductive base coat.
Can PU-ABS-like be formed, bent or molded?
Degas both components, mix 1:1 under vacuum, pour into a 40 °C silicone mould, demould after 20–40 min and post-cure 2–4 h at 70–80 °C for full HDT and dimensional stability.
What is the maximum service temperature of PU-ABS-like?
PU-ABS-like is rated for continuous use to about 70°C (158 °F), and briefly to 95°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does PU-ABS-like cost?
PU-ABS-like is a high-cost polyurethane ($$$$), pricier than about 78% 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.
Sources
- PX 223 / UPX 8400 vacuum casting polyurethane technical data — Axson Technologies (Sika) (2021)
- Hei-Cast 8150 series two-component urethane resin data sheet — Sanyu Rec (2020)
- Biresin U / rigid polyurethane casting systems — Sika Advanced Resins (2022)
- Polyurethane Handbook (properties of rigid cast elastomer/plastic systems) — Hanser (1994)
- ISO 527 / ISO 178 / ISO 75 test methods referenced by casting-resin datasheets — ISO (2019)
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.