Comparison

TPU 85A Filament vs Polycarbonate

A side-by-side comparison of Thermoplastic Polyurethane 85A Filament 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
Very 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
30-40 MPa
60 – 70 MPa
Elongation at Break
400-600 %
100 – 150 %
Impact Strength (Izod)
High (Not typically measured in standard Izod due to deformation)
600 – 900 J/m
Flexural Strength
90 – 100 MPa
Hardness (Rockwell M)
70

Thermal

Glass Transition Temperature
-45 to -25 °C
147 °C
Melting Point
N/A (thermoplastic, 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
Mechanically Recyclable (limited)
Recyclable
Recycling Code
7 (Other)
7
Carbon Footprint
Moderate
~5 kg CO₂e / kg
Bio-based Content
0 – 50 % (bio grades)