CSM vs ECO
Polymer · grade comparison
CSM and ECO are both polymer grades. CSM is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 16 MPa (2.32 ksi) against 12 MPa (1.74 ksi) for ECO, about 33% more. CSM is the more ductile: elongation 320% versus 250% for ECO. CSM is stiffer (0.01 GPa vs 0.01 GPa). On the shop floor, CSM machines more easily (fair vs poor), CSM welds better (good vs not recommended), and CSM sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than ECO (high, $$$$).
CSMChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
CSM vs ECO: 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Tear Strength
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Same in both: Hardness, Shore A 70 Shore A · Hardness, Shore D 22 Shore D
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Min Service Temperature
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,600 J/kg·K0.38 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 180 µm/m·K100 µin/in·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 125°C257 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
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
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Formability (cold) 85 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 0%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 0 MN·m/kg · Thermal Diffusivity 0.1 mm²/s
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 | CSM | ECO |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
CSM vs ECO — frequently asked
Is CSM stronger than ECO?
Yes. CSM has a typical tensile strength of 16 MPa (2.32 ksi) against 12 MPa (1.74 ksi) for ECO — about 33% more.
Which is cheaper, CSM or ECO?
CSM is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while ECO 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, CSM or ECO?
CSM. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (25/100) for ECO; for welding the order is CSM first (good, 65/100) then ECO (not recommended, 10/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CSM and ECO 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.