DAP vs PF
Polymer · grade comparison
DAP and PF are both polymer grades. DAP is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) against 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) for PF, about 6% more. PF is lighter (1.4 g/cm³ vs 1.8 g/cm³ for DAP) and DAP is stiffer (10.5 GPa vs 7 GPa). On the shop floor, PF machines more easily (good vs fair) and PF sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than DAP (high, $$$$).
DAPChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
PFChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part is machined in volume.
DAP vs PF: 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)
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Rockwell M
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Compressive Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Same in both: Elongation at Break 0.6% · Compressive Strength 200 MPa29 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Same in both: Glass Transition (Tg) 160°C320 °F
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
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Limiting Oxygen Index 32%
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
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Weldability 0 / 100
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)
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 | DAP | PF |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
DAP vs PF — frequently asked
Is DAP stronger than PF?
Yes. DAP has a typical tensile strength of 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) against 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) for PF — about 6% more.
Which is cheaper, DAP or PF?
PF 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, DAP or PF?
PF. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against fair (40/100) for DAP.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in DAP and PF 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.