PU-PC-like
PU-PC-like is an optically clear, UV-stabilized two-component polyurethane casting resin (PX521, Crystal 501) used in vacuum casting to imitate polycarbonate.
Reference datasheet — PU-PC-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.
Values for the STD-CLEAR condition
PU-PC-like grades and fills
PU-PC-like is supplied in 4 conditions, soft to hard. STD-CLEAR is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 4 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Flame-retardant transparent/translucent grade | Select for electrical enclosures and lighting prototypes that must pass a V-0 style burn check; expect slight haze and lower toughness. | 45 | 52 | 7 | 84 Shore D |
Impact-modified tough transparent grade | Use for drop-test covers, clip features and thin snap-fits where standard clear PU cracks. | 48 | 60 | 76 Shore D | |
STD-CLEARDefault standard transparent, UV-stabilized PC-like PU | Default choice for see-through prototype housings, lenses and light pipes where PC stiffness and clarity are needed at room temperature. | 50 | 60 | 12 | 82 Shore D |
Heat-resistant transparent grade | Pick when the clear part sees warm environments, LED heat or paint-bake / humid-heat testing above 80 °C. | 70 | 6 | 85 Shore D |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways PU-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 |
|---|---|---|
TINT | Tinted / smoke transparent casting grade | Surface finish |
What is PU-PC-like?
PU-PC-like is an optically clear, UV-stabilized two-component polyurethane casting resin (PX521, Crystal 501) used in vacuum casting to imitate polycarbonate. Engineers choose it for see-through prototype covers, lenses and light pipes, with 60 MPa tensile strength, 12 % elongation and Shore D 82 hardness in the standard clear condition. It is a thermoset, so it cannot be welded or reprocessed, and service temperature is limited to about 70 °C. HT, IM, FR-V0 and tinted conditions are on file; for higher heat or true PC properties, use a high-heat PU or machined polycarbonate. PU-PC-like has a density of 1.13 g/cm³ (0.0408 lb/in³), lighter than 55% of polyurethane grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 75°C (167 °F). PU-PC-like has a yield strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) and a tensile strength of 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) — stronger than 67% of polyurethane grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 2.2 GPa (0.319 Msi).
What is PU-PC-like used for?
- Light covers/lenses
- Transparent housings
- Display models
- Fluid sight glasses
Advantages
- Good UV / weathering resistance — 65/100, better than 100% of polyurethane grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 85/100, better than 98% of polyurethane grades
- Low, predictable mold shrinkage — 0.15%, better than 92% of polyurethane grades
PU-PC-like properties
Typical room-temperature values for PU-PC-like-STD-CLEAR; bars are the position among polyurethane grades.
Physical6
PU-PC-like has a density of 1.13 g/cm³ (0.0408 lb/in³), lighter than 55% of polyurethane grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 75°C (167 °F).
Mechanical15
PU-PC-like has a yield strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) and a tensile strength of 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) — stronger than 67% of polyurethane grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 2.2 GPa (0.319 Msi).
Thermal11
PU-PC-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-PC-like is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 20 kV/mm (508 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹² Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (70/100), worse than 74% of polyurethane grades. UV resistance is good.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of PU-PC-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%.
Manufacturability6
PU-PC-like's machinability is good (65/100, better than 62% of polyurethane grades); weldability not recommended (0/100); 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. PU-PC-like is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with PU-PC-like
Is PU-PC-like easy to machine?
Trims, drills and taps easily with sharp carbide and light feeds; keep tools cool and avoid dry sanding to prevent surface haze and heat marks.
Can PU-PC-like be welded?
Thermoset — cannot be welded; join with PU or epoxy adhesives, cyanoacrylate or mechanical inserts.
Can PU-PC-like be formed, bent or molded?
Vacuum-cast into silicone moulds at 30–40 °C mix temperature, degassed to avoid bubbles, demoulded after 20–60 min and post-cured 2–8 h at 60–80 °C; resin is moisture-sensitive so keep components dry and sealed.
PU-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 polyisocyanate prepolymer (HDIcomponent A; aromatic MDI variants yellow faster under UV | 35 – 55 | 45 |
| UV absorber + HALS stabilizer | 0.3 – 1.5 | 0.8 |
| optical brightener / dye (optional)for water-clear or tinted appearance | 0 – 0.5 | 0.05 |
| polyol (polyester/polyether/polycarbonatcomponent B, contains chain extender and catalyst | ≥ 40 (balance) |
What surface finishes work on PU-PC-like?
Sand progressively to 2000 grit and polish or dip/spray with a clear PU lacquer for optical clarity and scratch resistance; hard coating is recommended for touched or outdoor surfaces.
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to PU-PC-like in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- Also called
- Transparent PU Resin
How much does PU-PC-like cost?
PU-PC-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-PC-like — frequently asked
What is PU-PC-like used for?
PU-PC-like is typically used for light covers/lenses, transparent housings, display models and fluid sight glasses. In short: clearest PU casting resin; PC look without tooling; UV-stabilized transparency.
What is the yield strength of PU-PC-like?
PU-PC-like has a typical yield strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) and a tensile strength of 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) — stronger than 67% of polyurethane grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is PU-PC-like easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (65/100, better than 62% of polyurethane grades). Trims, drills and taps easily with sharp carbide and light feeds; keep tools cool and avoid dry sanding to prevent surface haze and heat marks.
Can PU-PC-like be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated not recommended (0/100). Thermoset — cannot be welded; join with PU or epoxy adhesives, cyanoacrylate or mechanical inserts.
What surface finishes work on PU-PC-like?
Sand progressively to 2000 grit and polish or dip/spray with a clear PU lacquer for optical clarity and scratch resistance; hard coating is recommended for touched or outdoor surfaces.
Can PU-PC-like be formed, bent or molded?
Vacuum-cast into silicone moulds at 30–40 °C mix temperature, degassed to avoid bubbles, demoulded after 20–60 min and post-cured 2–8 h at 60–80 °C; resin is moisture-sensitive so keep components dry and sealed.
What is the maximum service temperature of PU-PC-like?
PU-PC-like 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 PU-PC-like STD-CLEAR and PU-PC-like FR-V0?
STD-CLEAR is the default condition — default choice for see-through prototype housings, lenses and light pipes where PC stiffness and clarity are needed at room temperature. FR-V0: select for electrical enclosures and lighting prototypes that must pass a V-0 style burn check; expect slight haze and lower toughness. Yield strength is 50 MPa in STD-CLEAR versus 45 MPa in FR-V0.
How much does PU-PC-like cost?
PU-PC-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 521 / PX 521HT transparent polyurethane casting resin TDS — Axson Technologies (Sika) (2020)
- Hei-Cast / Crystal-series clear vacuum casting PU data sheets — H&K / prototyping resin suppliers (2022)
- Polyurethanes: Science, Technology, Markets and Trends — Wiley (2014)
- ISO 527 / ISO 178 / ISO 75 plastics test methods — 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.