Comparison
SLS TPU Powder vs Polycarbonate
A side-by-side comparison of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Powder for Selective Laser Sintering and Polycarbonate.
Physical
Density
1.18-1.23 g/cm³
1.20 g/cm³
Water Absorption (24h)
0.6-1.1 %
0.15 %
Transparency
Translucent to Opaque
Transparent (88% light transmission)
Shrinkage
Low (0.0-0.3%)
0.5 – 0.8 %
Mechanical
Young's Modulus
0.02-0.1 GPa (at low strain)
2.3 – 2.4 GPa
Tensile Strength
30-45 MPa
60 – 70 MPa
Elongation at Break
350-550 %
100 – 150 %
Impact Strength (Izod)
High (deforms)
600 – 900 J/m
Flexural Strength
—
90 – 100 MPa
Hardness (Rockwell M)
—
70
Thermal
Glass Transition Temperature
-40 to -20 °C
147 °C
Melting Point
N/A (softens)
—
Continuous Service Temperature
50-70 °C
115 – 130 °C
Heat Deflection Temperature
N/A (deforms)
130 – 140 °C
Thermal Conductivity
—
0.20 W/m·K
CTE
—
65 – 70 × 10⁻⁶ /K
Electrical
Dielectric Constant
4.2-4.7
2.9 – 3.0
Volume Resistivity
10⁹-10¹¹ Ω·cm
10¹⁶ Ω·cm
Dielectric Strength
8-13 MV/m
15 kV/mm
Chemical resistance
Acids
Good resistance
—
Bases
Good resistance
Poor
Solvents
Resistant to oils and greases. Attacked by strong polar solvents.
—
UV Resistance
Good
Poor (unless coated)
Acids (dilute)
—
Good
Alcohols
—
Fair
Oils
—
Good
Gasoline
—
Fair
Acetone
—
Poor (attacks)
Sustainability
Recyclability
Recyclable (within SLS process, often 50% recycled)
Recyclable
Recycling Code
7 (Other)
7
Carbon Footprint
Moderate
~5 kg CO₂e / kg
Bio-based Content
—
0 – 50 % (bio grades)