PU-GF-Filled
also PU + Glass Fiber/Microsphere Filler
PU-GF-Filled is a polyurethane casting resin loaded with glass fibre or glass microspheres (GF15 to GF40, plus MIN, AL and other conditions) to raise stiffness and reduce shrinkage in vacuum-cast parts.
Reference datasheet — PU-GF-Filled 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.
Values for the GF30 condition
PU-GF-Filled grades and fills
PU-GF-Filled is supplied in 9 conditions, soft to hard. GF30 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 9 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mineral / talc-filled low-shrink casting grade | Lowest-cost filled option for bulky, non-load-bearing masters and models where shrinkage and cost dominate. | 42 | 2 | 86 Shore D | |
Glass microsphere filled | Pick when isotropic shrinkage, easy machining/sanding and low density matter more than maximum stiffness. | 45 | 4 | 84 Shore D | |
Aluminium/metal-powder filled PU | Choose for metal-look, thermally conductive prototype tooling inserts and heat-sink-like mock-ups. | 45 | 1.5 | 88 Shore D | |
Impact-modified (toughened) filled grade | Pick when snap-fits, living hinges or drop-test survival matter more than stiffness and HDT. | 45 | 14 | 80 Shore D | |
Flame-retardant filled grade | Use for electrical enclosures, rail/aerospace interior mock-ups and any prototype that must pass a flammability check. | 50 | 2 | 86 Shore D | |
15 wt% short glass fibre filled | Mid-stiffness option when parts have thin walls and full 30% fibre loading would make the mix too viscous to fill. | 55 | 3.5 | 85 Shore D | |
GF30Default 30 wt% short glass fibre filled | Default reinforced vacuum-casting grade: best all-round stiffness/HDT/dimensional stability substitute for GF-filled ABS or PA housings. | 60 | 2.5 | 87 Shore D | |
Heat-resistant glass-filled grade | Pick for under-hood, lamp-housing or paint-bake prototypes that must survive 120–150 °C after post-cure. | 65 | 1.5 | 88 Shore D | |
40 wt% glass filled, high-stiffness grade | Use for maximum stiffness/lowest CTE jigs, fixtures and metal-replacement prototypes; brittle and hardest on tools. | 68 | 1.5 | 89 Shore D |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways PU-GF-Filled 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-stabilised (aliphatic) filled grade | Grade option |
What is PU-GF-Filled?
PU-GF-Filled is a polyurethane casting resin loaded with glass fibre or glass microspheres (GF15 to GF40, plus MIN, AL and other conditions) to raise stiffness and reduce shrinkage in vacuum-cast parts. With a density of 1.55, 5.5 GPa elastic modulus, 60 MPa tensile strength, Shore D 87 and service to 100 °C, it suits structural and dimensionally critical prototypes. Elongation is only 2.5 %, so parts are brittle in impact, the filler is abrasive on tooling (machinability score 60) and, as a thermoset, the resin cannot be welded. Choose unfilled PU where toughness or clarity matters. PU-GF-Filled has a density of 1.55 g/cm³ (0.056 lb/in³), heavier than 95% of polyurethane grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 95°C (203 °F). PU-GF-Filled has a tensile strength of 60 MPa (8.7 ksi), stronger than 81% of polyurethane grades. Elongation at break is 2.5% and the elastic modulus is 5.5 GPa (0.798 Msi).
What is PU-GF-Filled used for?
- Structural jigs
- Stiff enclosures
- Dimensional master parts
- Load-bearing prototypes
Advantages
- Stiff — 5.5 GPa (0.798 Msi), better than 100% of polyurethane grades
- Conducts heat well — 0.35 W/m·K (0.202 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 100% of polyurethane grades
- Low moisture uptake — 0.2%, better than 100% of polyurethane grades
- Low, predictable mold shrinkage — 0.15%, better than 92% of polyurethane grades
- High service temperature — 100°C (212 °F), better than 90% of polyurethane grades
Limitations
- Limited ductility — 2.5%, worse than 100% of polyurethane grades
- Heavy — 1.55 g/cm³ (0.056 lb/in³), worse than 95% of polyurethane grades
PU-GF-Filled properties
Typical room-temperature values for PU-GF-Filled-GF30; bars are the position among polyurethane grades.
Physical4
PU-GF-Filled has a density of 1.55 g/cm³ (0.056 lb/in³), heavier than 95% of polyurethane grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 95°C (203 °F).
Mechanical11
PU-GF-Filled has a tensile strength of 60 MPa (8.7 ksi), stronger than 81% of polyurethane grades. Elongation at break is 2.5% and the elastic modulus is 5.5 GPa (0.798 Msi).
Thermal10
PU-GF-Filled is rated for continuous service to 100°C (212 °F). It conducts heat at 0.35 W/m·K (0.202 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 100% of polyurethane grades. Thermal expansion is 45 µm/m·K (25 µin/in·°F).
Electrical7
PU-GF-Filled is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 18 kV/mm (457.2 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹¹ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (80/100), better than 82% of polyurethane grades. UV resistance is poor.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of PU-GF-Filled takes about 90 MJ of energy and emits 5 kg of CO₂ — less than 100% of polyurethane grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability6
PU-GF-Filled's machinability is good (60/100, better than 52% of polyurethane grades); weldability not recommended (5/100); formability not recommended (5/100).
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 polyurethane family
Yield strength against density for every polyurethane grade FabDigit runs. PU-GF-Filled is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with PU-GF-Filled
Is PU-GF-Filled easy to machine?
Machines and drills cleanly with sharp carbide or PCD tooling at high speed and light feed; glass filler is abrasive and dusty, so use vacuum extraction and expect fast HSS wear.
Can PU-GF-Filled be welded?
Thermoset — cannot be welded; join with 2K epoxy/PU adhesives, cyanoacrylate or self-tapping screws into cast bosses.
Can PU-GF-Filled be formed, bent or molded?
Gravity/vacuum cast into silicone moulds at 40–70 °C after vacuum de-gassing; filler settles, so stir immediately before pouring, keep pot life (2–5 min) in mind and post-cure 2–4 h at 70–80 °C for full HDT and low shrinkage.
PU-GF-Filled 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 (polyether/polyester polyol blendhydroxyl component; carries filler, catalyst, pigment | 30 – 50 | 40 |
| isocyanate (MDI/prepolymer, side B)aromatic MDI standard; aliphatic (HDI/IPDI) in UV grade | 25 – 40 | 30 |
| glass fiberchopped/milled E-glass in GF grades | 0 – 40 | 30 |
| glass microspheressolid or hollow beads in GF-MS grade instead of fibre | 0 – 30 | 0 |
| mineral filler (talc/CaCO3/aluminium powMIN and AL variants | 0 – 45 | 0 |
| additives (catalyst, pigment, defoamer, FR grade contains phosphorus/ATH flame retardants | 0.5 – 15 | 2 |
What surface finishes work on PU-GF-Filled?
Sands and primes readily; fill pinholes, then use 2K PU or acrylic paint, soft-touch coatings or vacuum metallising — glass fibre can print through on high-gloss surfaces, so a filler-primer coat is recommended.
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to PU-GF-Filled in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- Trade names
- PU + Glass Fiber/Microsphere Filler
- Also called
- Reinforced PU Casting Resin
How much does PU-GF-Filled cost?
PU-GF-Filled 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-GF-Filled — frequently asked
What is PU-GF-Filled used for?
PU-GF-Filled is typically used for structural jigs, stiff enclosures, dimensional master parts and load-bearing prototypes. In short: stiffest PU casting resin; lowest-shrinkage cast PU; glass-filled structural prototypes.
What is the tensile strength of PU-GF-Filled?
PU-GF-Filled has a typical tensile strength of 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) — stronger than 81% of polyurethane grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 9 listed tempers.
Is PU-GF-Filled easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (60/100, better than 52% of polyurethane grades). Machines and drills cleanly with sharp carbide or PCD tooling at high speed and light feed; glass filler is abrasive and dusty, so use vacuum extraction and expect fast HSS wear.
Can PU-GF-Filled be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated not recommended (5/100). Thermoset — cannot be welded; join with 2K epoxy/PU adhesives, cyanoacrylate or self-tapping screws into cast bosses.
What surface finishes work on PU-GF-Filled?
Sands and primes readily; fill pinholes, then use 2K PU or acrylic paint, soft-touch coatings or vacuum metallising — glass fibre can print through on high-gloss surfaces, so a filler-primer coat is recommended.
Can PU-GF-Filled be formed, bent or molded?
Gravity/vacuum cast into silicone moulds at 40–70 °C after vacuum de-gassing; filler settles, so stir immediately before pouring, keep pot life (2–5 min) in mind and post-cure 2–4 h at 70–80 °C for full HDT and low shrinkage.
What is the maximum service temperature of PU-GF-Filled?
PU-GF-Filled is rated for continuous use to about 100°C (212 °F), and briefly to 130°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does PU-GF-Filled cost?
PU-GF-Filled 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
- UPX 8400 / PX 522HT filled polyurethane casting resins — Sika Axson (2022)
- RenCast / Renshape vacuum casting polyurethane systems — Huntsman Advanced Materials (2021)
- Hei-Cast 8400 series two-part urethane casting resins — Sanyu Rec / H&K (2020)
- Filled and glass-reinforced urethane casting systems — Innovative Polymers (2021)
- ISO 527 / ISO 178 / ISO 75 / ISO 868 plastics test methods — ISO (2019)
- Polyurethanes: Science, Technology, Markets and Trends — Wiley (2014)
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.