EPDM Foam vs IXPE
Polymer · grade comparison
EPDM Foam and IXPE are both polymer grades. EPDM Foam is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 0.55 MPa (0.0798 ksi) against 0.35 MPa (0.0508 ksi) for IXPE, about 57% more. IXPE is lighter (0.03 g/cm³ vs 0.1 g/cm³ for EPDM Foam) and IXPE is stiffer (0 GPa vs 0 GPa). On the shop floor, IXPE welds better (very good vs poor), EPDM Foam forms better (excellent vs very good), and IXPE sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than EPDM Foam (premium, $$$).
EPDM FoamChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
IXPEChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when it will be welded.
EPDM Foam vs IXPE: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Hardness, Shore A
Tear Strength
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.15
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) 200 µm/m·K111 µin/in·°F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Surface 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.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability 85 / 100
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)
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 | EPDM Foam | IXPE |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
EPDM Foam vs IXPE — frequently asked
Is EPDM Foam stronger than IXPE?
Yes. EPDM Foam has a typical tensile strength of 0.55 MPa (0.0798 ksi) against 0.35 MPa (0.0508 ksi) for IXPE — about 57% more.
Which is cheaper, EPDM Foam or IXPE?
IXPE is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while EPDM Foam is premium ($$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which welds better, EPDM Foam or IXPE?
IXPE. Its weldability rates very good (70/100) against poor (20/100) for EPDM Foam.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in EPDM Foam and IXPE 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.