BMC vs DAP
Polymer · grade comparison
BMC and DAP are both polymer grades. DAP is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) against 42 MPa (6.09 ksi) for BMC, about 31% more. DAP is the more ductile: elongation 0.6% versus 0.5% for BMC. DAP runs hotter in service (180°C vs 150°C continuous) and BMC conducts heat better (0.6 W/m·K vs 0.5 W/m·K). On the shop floor, BMC sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than DAP (high, $$$$).
BMCChoose it when cost is the deciding factor.
DAPChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
BMC vs DAP: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Rockwell M
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Same in both: Water Absorption (Saturation) 0.6%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 25 µm/m·K13.9 µin/in·°F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
UV / Weathering Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Mold Temperature (typ.) 160°C320 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 0%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 0.3 mm²/s · Thermal Shock Resistance Index 0
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every polymer grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | BMC | DAP |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
BMC vs DAP — frequently asked
Is DAP stronger than BMC?
Yes. DAP has a typical tensile strength of 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) against 42 MPa (6.09 ksi) for BMC — about 31% more.
Which is cheaper, BMC or DAP?
BMC is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while DAP is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, BMC or DAP?
DAP, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 40/100 against 35/100 for BMC.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in BMC and DAP side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.