CPVC vs LDPE
Polymer · grade comparison
CPVC and LDPE are both polymer grades, both corrosion resistant plastic. CPVC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) against 10 MPa (1.45 ksi) for LDPE, about 5.2 times as much; tensile strength follows at 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) vs 11 MPa (1.6 ksi). In exchange, LDPE is the more ductile: elongation 450% versus 25% for CPVC, and CPVC is harder (82 Shore D vs 47 Shore D). LDPE is lighter (0.92 g/cm³ vs 1.54 g/cm³ for CPVC) and CPVC is stiffer (3 GPa vs 0.22 GPa). On the shop floor, CPVC machines more easily (very good vs fair), LDPE welds better (excellent vs good), and LDPE sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than CPVC (standard, $$).
CPVCChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
LDPEChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
CPVC vs LDPE: 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
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Bulk Modulus
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Shore A
Tear Strength
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Light Transmission
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)
Min Service Temperature
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: 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)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Melt Flow Rate
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
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: 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 | LDPE |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Default condition | Unfilled | Unfilled |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $ Budget |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | — |
Both are offered for Sheet metal and Injection molding. Both take the same 6 finishes: Chrome Plating (Plastic), EMI Shielding Coating, Painting, Soft Touch Coating, Spray Painting, UV Coating.
CPVC vs LDPE — frequently asked
Is CPVC stronger than LDPE?
Yes. CPVC has a typical yield strength of 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) against 10 MPa (1.45 ksi) for LDPE — about 5.2 times as much. Tensile strength is 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) vs 11 MPa (1.6 ksi).
Which is cheaper, CPVC or LDPE?
LDPE is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while CPVC 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 is easier to machine, CPVC or LDPE?
CPVC. Its machinability rates very good (75/100) against fair (45/100) for LDPE; for welding the order is LDPE first (excellent, 95/100) then CPVC (good, 65/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CPVC and LDPE 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.