CPVC 4120 vs PVC-M
Polymer · grade comparison
CPVC 4120 and PVC-M are both polymer grades. CPVC 4120 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) against 44 MPa (6.38 ksi) for PVC-M, about 18% more; tensile strength follows at 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) vs 47 MPa (6.82 ksi). In exchange, PVC-M is the more ductile: elongation 100% versus 25% for CPVC 4120. PVC-M is lighter (1.4 g/cm³ vs 1.53 g/cm³ for CPVC 4120) and CPVC 4120 is stiffer (3 GPa vs 2.7 GPa). On the shop floor, PVC-M welds better (80 vs 70 out of 100) and PVC-M sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than CPVC 4120 (standard, $$).
CPVC 4120Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
PVC-MChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
CPVC 4120 vs PVC-M: 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)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Hardness, Rockwell M
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 4 GPa0.61 Msi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹³ Ω·m3.94×10²⁰ µΩ·in · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600 V
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)
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Polishability 50 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 0.1 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 | CPVC 4120 | PVC-M |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $ Budget |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
CPVC 4120 vs PVC-M — frequently asked
Is CPVC 4120 stronger than PVC-M?
Yes. CPVC 4120 has a typical yield strength of 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) against 44 MPa (6.38 ksi) for PVC-M — about 18% more. Tensile strength is 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) vs 47 MPa (6.82 ksi).
Which is cheaper, CPVC 4120 or PVC-M?
PVC-M is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while CPVC 4120 is standard ($$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which welds better, CPVC 4120 or PVC-M?
PVC-M. Its weldability rates very good (80/100) against very good (70/100) for CPVC 4120.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CPVC 4120 and PVC-M 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.