Comparison

SLS TPU Powder vs ABS

A side-by-side comparison of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Powder for Selective Laser Sintering and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene.

Property

SLS TPU Powder

ABS

Physical

Density

1.18-1.23 g/cm³

1.04 – 1.07 g/cm³

Water Absorption (24h)

0.6-1.1 %

0.20 – 0.45 %

Transparency

Translucent to Opaque

Opaque

Shrinkage

Low (0.0-0.3%)

0.4 – 0.9 %

Specific Gravity

—

1.05

Surface Finish

—

Matte to glossy

Mechanical

Young's Modulus

0.02-0.1 GPa (at low strain)

1.8 – 2.5 GPa

Tensile Strength

30-45 MPa

40 – 50 MPa

Elongation at Break

350-550 %

10 – 50 %

Impact Strength (Izod)

High (deforms)

200 – 400 J/m

Flexural Strength

—

60 – 80 MPa

Hardness (Rockwell R)

—

100 – 115

Thermal

Glass Transition Temperature

-40 to -20 °C

105 °C

Melting Point

N/A (softens)

Amorphous (no true Tm)

Continuous Service Temperature

50-70 °C

70 – 90 °C

Heat Deflection Temperature

N/A (deforms)

85 – 100 °C

Thermal Conductivity

—

0.17 W/m·K

CTE

—

80 – 100 × 10⁻⁶ /K

Electrical

Dielectric Constant

4.2-4.7

2.7 – 3.2

Volume Resistivity

10⁹-10¹¹ Ω·cm

10¹⁶ Ω·cm

Dielectric Strength

8-13 MV/m

15 – 20 kV/mm

Surface Resistivity

—

10¹⁵ Ω

Chemical resistance

Acids

Good resistance

—

Bases

Good resistance

Good

Solvents

Resistant to oils and greases. Attacked by strong polar solvents.

—

UV Resistance

Good

Poor (unless stabilized)

Acids (dilute)

—

Good

Alcohols

—

Good

Oils & Greases

—

Fair

Gasoline

—

Poor

Acetone

—

Attacks / dissolves

Weathering

—

Poor without stabilizers

Sustainability

Recyclability

Recyclable (within SLS process, often 50% recycled)

Recyclable (mechanical)

Recycling Code

7 (Other)

Carbon Footprint

Moderate

~3.1 kg CO₂e / kg

Bio-based Content

—

0 %