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PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA TRANSLUCENT

Grade

Aliphatic or low-colour elastomeric PU for translucent light guides, soft lenses and clear over-mould mock-ups; slightly lower tear strength and higher cost.

High cost $$$$

Values for the TRANSLUCENT condition

Other PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA grades and fills

PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA is listed in 7 conditions; see the grade overview at PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA.

Compare all 7 grades and fillsHide
Grade · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %Hardness
Shore A40
Pick for soft-touch skins, squeezable bulbs and gaskets that must feel like soft silicone.—36009 Shore D
Shore A50
Use where A40 is too floppy but a clearly rubbery, low-modulus part is still wanted.—552012 Shore D
Shore A60
Common choice for grips, bumpers and seals replicating EPDM/TPE over-moulds.—745016 Shore D
TRANSLUCENTThis page
Translucent / water-clear elastomeric grade
Aliphatic or low-colour elastomeric PU for translucent light guides, soft lenses and clear over-mould mock-ups; slightly lower tear strength and higher cost.—840022 Shore D
A70Default
Shore A70
Default all-round rubber-like casting grade: best balance of feel, tear strength and dimensional stability.—938022 Shore D
Shore A80
Choose for stiff seals, wheels, feet and semi-rigid hinges needing high tear resistance.—1434030 Shore D
Shore A90
Upper end of the rubber-like range for tough snap features, rollers and impact pads bordering on rigid PU.—2029038 Shore D

What is PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA TRANSLUCENT?

PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA TRANSLUCENT is PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA in the TRANSLUCENT grade — aliphatic or low-colour elastomeric PU for translucent light guides, soft lenses and clear over-mould mock-ups; slightly lower tear strength and higher cost. PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA TRANSLUCENT has a tensile strength of 8 MPa (1.16 ksi), weaker than 86% of polyurethane grades. Elongation at break is 400% and the elastic modulus is 0.01 GPa (0.001 Msi). PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA TRANSLUCENT has a density of 1.09 g/cm³ (0.0394 lb/in³), lighter than 76% of polyurethane grades. Its glass-transition temperature is -35°C (-31 °F). A70 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; TRANSLUCENT is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 400%, better than 95% of polyurethane grades
  • Good UV / weathering resistance — 50/100, better than 95% of polyurethane grades
  • Forms and bends easily — 88/100, better than 91% of polyurethane grades

Limitations

  • Difficult to machine — 25/100, worse than 90% of polyurethane grades
  • Hard to polish — 25/100, worse than 90% of polyurethane grades
  • Low stiffness — 0.01 GPa (0.001 Msi), worse than 86% of polyurethane grades

PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA TRANSLUCENT properties

Typical room-temperature values for PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA TRANSLUCENT; 19 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among polyurethane grades.

Physical4

PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA TRANSLUCENT has a density of 1.09 g/cm³ (0.0394 lb/in³), lighter than 76% of polyurethane grades. Its glass-transition temperature is -35°C (-31 °F).

Density1.09 g/cm³0.04 lb/in³
Glass Transition (Tg)-35°C-31 °F
Water Absorption (24 h)0.6%
Water Absorption (Saturation)1.8%

Mechanical8

PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA TRANSLUCENT has a tensile strength of 8 MPa (1.16 ksi), weaker than 86% of polyurethane grades. Elongation at break is 400% and the elastic modulus is 0.01 GPa (0.001 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus0.01 GPa0 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.48
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)8 MPa1.2 ksi
Elongation at Break400%
Hardness, Shore A70 Shore A
Hardness, Shore D22 Shore D
Tear Strength22 kN/m126 lbf/in
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)16%

Thermal8

PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA TRANSLUCENT is rated for continuous service to 70°C (158 °F). It conducts heat at 0.19 W/m·K (0.11 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 90% of polyurethane grades. Thermal expansion is 180 µm/m·K (100 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity0.19 W/m·K0.11 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity1,750 J/kg·K0.42 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)180 µm/m·K100 µin/in·°F
Max Service Temperature (continuous)70°C158 °F
Min Service Temperature-30°C-22 °F
Flammability (UL 94)HB (typical, non-FR); elastomeric PU casting resins are not normally UL-listed
Limiting Oxygen Index20%
Max Service Temperature (short-term)110°C230 °F

Electrical5

PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA TRANSLUCENT is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 18 kV/mm (457.2 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹⁰ Ω·m.

Electrical Resistivity1×10¹⁰ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁷ µΩ·in
Dielectric Strength18 kV/mm457 V/mil
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)5
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)0.05
Volume Resistivity1×10¹² Ω·cm

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is good (68/100), worse than 92% of polyurethane grades. UV resistance is fair.

Corrosion ResistanceGood68/100
UV / Weathering ResistanceFair50/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryGood against water, dilute acids/alkalis, aliphatic oils, greases and fuels; attacked or swollen by ketones, esters, chlorinated solvents and concentrated acids; ester-based systems hydrolyse in hot humid service, ether-based systems are more hydrolysis-stable but less oil-resistant.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA TRANSLUCENT takes about 105 MJ of energy and emits 4.6 kg of CO₂ — more than 64% of polyurethane grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)105 MJ/kg45,142 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)4.6 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water250 L/kg30 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content0%

Manufacturability6

PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA TRANSLUCENT's machinability is poor (25/100, worse than 90% of polyurethane grades); weldability not recommended (0/100); formability excellent (88/100).

MachinabilityPoor25/100
WeldabilityNot recommended0/100
Formability (cold)Excellent88/100
PolishabilityPoor25/100
Mold Shrinkage0.4%
Mold Temperature (typ.)65°C149 °F

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA TRANSLUCENT

Is PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA easy to machine?

Trim flash with sharp blades or die-cut; milling/drilling smears and tears — freeze or use cryogenic/waterjet cutting for clean edges.

Can PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA be welded?

Thermoset — not weldable; join by PU adhesive, cyanoacrylate or two-shot casting against a previously cured shot.

Can PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA be formed, bent or molded?

Degas both components, mix 1:1-type ratios by weight, vacuum-cast into silicone tools at 60–70 °C; short pot life (2–5 min) and moisture sensitivity demand dry, pre-warmed moulds and post-cure of 4–16 h.

What surface finishes work on PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA?

Colour is best pigmented in the resin; surfaces take the silicone tool texture directly, and only flexible/PU-based paints or flock adhere reliably — no plating or anodising.

PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA 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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
isocyanate prepolymer (MDI/TDI based)component A35 – 5545
chain extender (diol/diamine)1 – 63
catalyst, pigment, UV stabiliser, defoam0.5 – 32
polyol (polyether or polyester)component B; polyester = higher strength/oil resistance, polyether = better hydrolysis resistance≥ 40 (balance)—

PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA TRANSLUCENT — frequently asked

What is PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA TRANSLUCENT used for?

PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA TRANSLUCENT is typically used for soft-touch grips, gaskets/seals prototypes, overmold simulation and wearable device housings. In short: softest PU casting range; simulates silicone overmoulds; shore 40A–90A on demand.

What is the tensile strength of PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA TRANSLUCENT?

PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA TRANSLUCENT has a typical tensile strength of 8 MPa (1.16 ksi) — weaker than 86% of polyurethane grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.

Is PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA TRANSLUCENT easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated poor (25/100, worse than 90% of polyurethane grades). Trim flash with sharp blades or die-cut; milling/drilling smears and tears — freeze or use cryogenic/waterjet cutting for clean edges.

Can PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA TRANSLUCENT be welded?

Not readily — weldability is rated not recommended (0/100). Thermoset — not weldable; join by PU adhesive, cyanoacrylate or two-shot casting against a previously cured shot.

What surface finishes work on PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA TRANSLUCENT?

Colour is best pigmented in the resin; surfaces take the silicone tool texture directly, and only flexible/PU-based paints or flock adhere reliably — no plating or anodising.

Can PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA TRANSLUCENT be formed, bent or molded?

Degas both components, mix 1:1-type ratios by weight, vacuum-cast into silicone tools at 60–70 °C; short pot life (2–5 min) and moisture sensitivity demand dry, pre-warmed moulds and post-cure of 4–16 h.

What is the maximum service temperature of PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA TRANSLUCENT?

PU-Rubber-like-ShoreA TRANSLUCENT is rated for continuous use to about 70°C (158 °F), and briefly to 110°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

Sources

  1. Axson UP/PX vacuum casting elastomeric polyurethane data sheets — Axson Technologies / Sika (2021)
  2. Hei-Cast polyurethane casting resin series technical data — H&K / Hei-Cast (2020)
  3. Smooth-On urethane rubber (Vytaflex / Simpact) technical bulletins — Smooth-On Inc. (2023)
  4. Engineered Materials Handbook Vol. 2: Engineering Plastics (polyurethane elastomers) — ASM International (1988)
  5. ASTM D2240 / D412 / D624 — durometer hardness, tension and tear of rubber — ASTM (2021)

Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.