PU-PMMA-like
PU-PMMA-like is a high-clarity, rigid two-component polyurethane casting resin (PX223 Clear) formulated to approximate the optical and gloss properties of cast acrylic in vacuum-cast prototypes.
Reference datasheet — PU-PMMA-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-PMMA-like grades and fills
PU-PMMA-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 / tough clear | Choose for snap-fits, thin walls or drop-tested transparent housings where full optical clarity is not required. | 42 | 50 | 35 | 76 Shore D |
Mineral-filled rigid grade | Use for large flat opaque panels where dimensional stability matters more than transparency. | 45 | 2.5 | ||
Flame-retardant casting grade | Specify for electrical enclosure or lighting prototypes needing a flame rating; clarity is usually lost. | 50 | 55 | 6 | 85 Shore D |
Tinted / pigmented | Use for smoked lenses, coloured light guides or self-coloured show parts, avoiding paint on transparent geometry. | 55 | 62 | 9 | 83 Shore D |
Heat-resistant clear | Use for lamp lenses or parts near heat sources needing HDT above ~90 °C; slightly more brittle. | 66 | 70 | 5 | 86 Shore D |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways PU-PMMA-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 |
|---|---|---|
ClearDefault | Clear / Natural | Grade option |
UV | UV-stabilized clear | Grade option |
What is PU-PMMA-like?
PU-PMMA-like is a high-clarity, rigid two-component polyurethane casting resin (PX223 Clear) formulated to approximate the optical and gloss properties of cast acrylic in vacuum-cast prototypes. It is used for lens and lighting models where surface gloss and transparency matter, with 65 MPa tensile strength, 10 % elongation and Shore D 83 hardness. As a thermoset it cannot be heat-welded, and service temperature is limited to about 70 °C, so it suits appearance and fit checks rather than long-term thermal duty. Clear, UV, HT, IM, TINT, FR and MIN conditions are on file; the nearest alternative is PU-PC-like when higher toughness is needed. PU-PMMA-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-PMMA-like has a yield strength of 58 MPa (8.41 ksi) and a tensile strength of 65 MPa (9.43 ksi) — stronger than 100% of polyurethane grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 2.5 GPa (0.363 Msi).
What is PU-PMMA-like used for?
- Lens prototypes
- Display cases
- Signage models
- Optical demonstration parts
Advantages
- High strength — 58 MPa (8.41 ksi), better than 100% of polyurethane grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 85/100, better than 98% of polyurethane grades
- Good UV / weathering resistance — 55/100, better than 95% of polyurethane grades
- Low, predictable mold shrinkage — 0.15%, better than 92% of polyurethane grades
- Easy to machine — 75/100, better than 83% of polyurethane grades
PU-PMMA-like properties
Typical room-temperature values; bars are the position among polyurethane grades.
Physical6
PU-PMMA-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-PMMA-like has a yield strength of 58 MPa (8.41 ksi) and a tensile strength of 65 MPa (9.43 ksi) — stronger than 100% of polyurethane grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 2.5 GPa (0.363 Msi).
Thermal11
PU-PMMA-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).
Electrical6
PU-PMMA-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 (70/100), worse than 74% of polyurethane grades. UV resistance is good.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of PU-PMMA-like takes about 105 MJ of energy and emits 5.2 kg of CO₂ — more than 64% of polyurethane grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability7
PU-PMMA-like's machinability is very good (75/100, better than 83% of polyurethane grades); weldability not recommended (5/100); 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-PMMA-like is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with PU-PMMA-like
Is PU-PMMA-like easy to machine?
Machines and drills easily with sharp carbide and low feed pressure; avoid heat build-up and stress-crazing near clear surfaces, and support thin walls to prevent chipping.
Can PU-PMMA-like be welded?
Thermoset — cannot be heat-welded; join with cyanoacrylate, two-part PU or acrylic-based structural adhesive.
Can PU-PMMA-like be formed, bent or molded?
Degas both components, vacuum-cast into a silicone mould at 25–40 °C resin temperature, demould after 20–60 min and oven post-cure 60–75 °C for 2–4 h to reach full Tg and clarity.
PU-PMMA-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 (HDI/IPDI-basedaliphatic chemistry chosen for non-yellowing clarity | 40 – 55 | 48 |
| catalyst (organometallic/amine) | 0.01 – 0.5 | 0.1 |
| UV absorber + HALSpresent in UV-stabilized variant | 0 – 1.5 | 0.5 |
| degassing / flow additive | 0 – 1 | 0.3 |
| pigment paste or mineral fillervariant-dependent; zero in clear default | 0 – 40 | 0 |
| polyol blend (polyester/polyether polyoltypical mix ratio 100:90–100:110 by weight | ≥ 45 (balance) |
What surface finishes work on PU-PMMA-like?
Sand progressively to 2000–3000 grit then buff, or apply a clear PU/acrylic topcoat for optical gloss; can be dyed in the mix, vapour-polished only with caution, and takes primer/paint well.
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to PU-PMMA-like in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- Also called
- Acrylic Simulation Resin
How much does PU-PMMA-like cost?
PU-PMMA-like is a high-cost polyurethane ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
PU-PMMA-like — frequently asked
What is PU-PMMA-like used for?
PU-PMMA-like is typically used for lens prototypes, display cases, signage models and optical demonstration parts. In short: highest-gloss clear PU; acrylic look, no tooling; rigid transparent prototype resin.
What is the yield strength of PU-PMMA-like?
PU-PMMA-like has a typical yield strength of 58 MPa (8.41 ksi) and a tensile strength of 65 MPa (9.43 ksi) — stronger than 100% of polyurethane grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is PU-PMMA-like easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (75/100, better than 83% of polyurethane grades). Machines and drills easily with sharp carbide and low feed pressure; avoid heat build-up and stress-crazing near clear surfaces, and support thin walls to prevent chipping.
Can PU-PMMA-like be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated not recommended (5/100). Thermoset — cannot be heat-welded; join with cyanoacrylate, two-part PU or acrylic-based structural adhesive.
What surface finishes work on PU-PMMA-like?
Sand progressively to 2000–3000 grit then buff, or apply a clear PU/acrylic topcoat for optical gloss; can be dyed in the mix, vapour-polished only with caution, and takes primer/paint well.
Can PU-PMMA-like be formed, bent or molded?
Degas both components, vacuum-cast into a silicone mould at 25–40 °C resin temperature, demould after 20–60 min and oven post-cure 60–75 °C for 2–4 h to reach full Tg and clarity.
What is the maximum service temperature of PU-PMMA-like?
PU-PMMA-like is rated for continuous use to about 70°C (158 °F), and briefly to 100°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does PU-PMMA-like cost?
PU-PMMA-like is a high-cost polyurethane ($$$$), 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
- PX223 / PX223HT clear polyurethane casting resin technical data — Axson Technologies (Sika) (2020)
- UPX 8400 / clear vacuum-casting PU resin data sheets — Huntsman Advanced Materials (2019)
- Hei-Cast series polyurethane casting resins — H&K / Hei-Cast (2021)
- ISO 527 / ISO 178 / ISO 75 plastics test methods — ISO (2019)
- Engineered Materials Handbook Vol. 2: Engineering Plastics — ASM International (1988)
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.