CSM vs EVA Foam
Polymer · grade comparison
CSM and EVA Foam are both polymer grades. CSM is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 16 MPa (2.32 ksi) against 1 MPa (0.145 ksi) for EVA Foam, about 16 times as much. CSM is the more ductile: elongation 320% versus 200% for EVA Foam. EVA Foam is lighter (0.06 g/cm³ vs 1.35 g/cm³ for CSM) and CSM is stiffer (0.01 GPa vs 0.01 GPa). On the shop floor, EVA Foam machines more easily (excellent vs fair) and EVA Foam sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than CSM (premium, $$$).
CSMChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
EVA FoamChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part is machined in volume.
CSM vs EVA Foam: 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
Hardness, Shore A
Hardness, Shore D
Tear Strength
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Shear Strength
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 180 µm/m·K100 µin/in·°F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·cm
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)
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Polishability
Melt Flow Rate
Same in both: Mold Shrinkage 2.5%
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Embodied Water
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
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 | EVA Foam |
|---|---|---|
| Injection molding | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | Closed Cell |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
| Chrome Plating (Plastic) | — | Yes |
| EMI Shielding Coating | — | Yes |
| Soft Touch Coating | — | Yes |
| Spray Painting | — | Yes |
| UV Coating | — | Yes |
CSM vs EVA Foam — frequently asked
Is CSM stronger than EVA Foam?
Yes. CSM has a typical tensile strength of 16 MPa (2.32 ksi) against 1 MPa (0.145 ksi) for EVA Foam — about 16 times as much.
Which is cheaper, CSM or EVA Foam?
EVA Foam is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while CSM is premium ($$$). 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 EVA Foam?
EVA Foam. Its machinability rates excellent (85/100) against fair (35/100) for CSM; for welding the order is EVA Foam first (very good, 70/100) then CSM (good, 65/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CSM and EVA Foam 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.