Comparison
SLS TPU Powder vs PA66
A side-by-side comparison of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Powder for Selective Laser Sintering and Polyamide 6,6 (Nylon).
Physical
Density
1.18-1.23 g/cm³
1.14 g/cm³
Water Absorption (24h)
0.6-1.1 %
1.2 %
Transparency
Translucent to Opaque
Opaque
Shrinkage
Low (0.0-0.3%)
1.5 – 2.0 %
Mechanical
Young's Modulus
0.02-0.1 GPa (at low strain)
3.0 GPa (dry)
Tensile Strength
30-45 MPa
80 MPa
Elongation at Break
350-550 %
60 %
Impact Strength (Izod)
High (deforms)
50 J/m
Flexural Strength
—
110 MPa
Thermal
Glass Transition Temperature
-40 to -20 °C
70 °C
Melting Point
N/A (softens)
255 – 265 °C
Continuous Service Temperature
50-70 °C
100 – 120 °C
Heat Deflection Temperature
N/A (deforms)
75 °C (unfilled)
Electrical
Dielectric Constant
4.2-4.7
4.0
Volume Resistivity
10⁹-10¹¹ Ω·cm
10¹² Ω·cm
Dielectric Strength
8-13 MV/m
—
Chemical resistance
Acids
Good resistance
Poor
Bases
Good resistance
Good
Solvents
Resistant to oils and greases. Attacked by strong polar solvents.
—
UV Resistance
Good
Fair
Alcohols
—
Good
Oils & Fuels
—
Excellent
Sustainability
Recyclability
Recyclable (within SLS process, often 50% recycled)
Recyclable
Recycling Code
7 (Other)
7
Carbon Footprint
Moderate
~7.4 kg CO₂e / kg
Bio-based Content
—
0 – 100 % (bio grades)