DAP vs SMC
Polymer · grade comparison
DAP and SMC are both polymer grades. SMC is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) against 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) for DAP, about 36% more. SMC is the more ductile: elongation 1.5% versus 0.6% for DAP. DAP runs hotter in service (180°C vs 130°C continuous) and DAP conducts heat better (0.5 W/m·K vs 0.25 W/m·K). On the shop floor, DAP machines more easily (fair vs poor) and SMC sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than DAP (high, $$$$).
DAPChoose it when the part sees heat, or when the part is machined in volume.
SMCChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
DAP vs SMC: 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
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Rockwell M
Shear Modulus
Compressive Modulus
Shear Strength
Same in both: Flexural Modulus 11 GPa1.6 Msi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Same in both: Water Absorption (24 h) 0.2%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 25 µm/m·K13.9 µin/in·°F
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
Same in both: UV / Weathering Resistance 55 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Mold Shrinkage
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Polishability 45 / 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 | SMC |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
DAP vs SMC — frequently asked
Is SMC stronger than DAP?
Yes. SMC has a typical tensile strength of 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) against 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) for DAP — about 36% more.
Which is cheaper, DAP or SMC?
SMC 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 SMC?
DAP. Its machinability rates fair (40/100) against poor (30/100) for SMC; for welding the order is SMC first (not recommended, 5/100) then DAP (not recommended, 0/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in DAP and SMC 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.