EPDM Foam vs POE Foam
Polymer · grade comparison
EPDM Foam and POE Foam are both polymer grades. POE Foam is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 2 MPa (0.261 ksi) against 0.55 MPa (0.0798 ksi) for EPDM Foam, about 3.3 times as much. POE Foam is the more ductile: elongation 220% versus 160% for EPDM Foam. EPDM Foam is lighter (0.1 g/cm³ vs 0.15 g/cm³ for POE Foam) and POE Foam is stiffer (0.01 GPa vs 0 GPa). On the shop floor, EPDM Foam machines more easily (excellent vs good) and POE Foam welds better (good vs poor).
EPDM FoamChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part sees heat.
POE FoamChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
EPDM Foam vs POE 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Hardness, Shore A
Tear Strength
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Compressive Modulus
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.15
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Water Absorption (24 h)
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Same in both: Glass Transition (Tg) -52°C-62 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 200 µm/m·K111 µin/in·°F · Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °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.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 5%
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 | POE Foam |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
EPDM Foam vs POE Foam — frequently asked
Is POE Foam stronger than EPDM Foam?
Yes. POE Foam has a typical tensile strength of 2 MPa (0.261 ksi) against 0.55 MPa (0.0798 ksi) for EPDM Foam — about 3.3 times as much.
Which is cheaper, EPDM Foam or POE Foam?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$, premium); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, EPDM Foam or POE Foam?
EPDM Foam. Its machinability rates excellent (85/100) against good (60/100) for POE Foam; for welding the order is POE Foam first (good, 55/100) then EPDM Foam (poor, 20/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in EPDM Foam and POE 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.