EPDM Foam vs XPP
Polymer · grade comparison
EPDM Foam and XPP are both polymer grades. XPP is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 0.65 MPa (0.0943 ksi) against 0.55 MPa (0.0798 ksi) for EPDM Foam, about 18% more. In exchange, EPDM Foam is the more ductile: elongation 160% versus 25% for XPP. XPP is lighter (0.06 g/cm³ vs 0.1 g/cm³ for EPDM Foam) and XPP is stiffer (0.02 GPa vs 0 GPa). On the shop floor, EPDM Foam machines more easily (excellent vs good) and XPP welds better (very good vs poor).
EPDM FoamChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
XPPChoose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
EPDM Foam vs XPP: 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
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Shear Modulus
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.15 · Tear Strength 2 kN/m9.1 lbf/in
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 Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 0.04 W/m·K0.02 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 1,900 J/kg·K0.45 BTU/lb·°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)
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
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 | XPP |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
EPDM Foam vs XPP — frequently asked
Is XPP stronger than EPDM Foam?
Yes. XPP has a typical tensile strength of 0.65 MPa (0.0943 ksi) against 0.55 MPa (0.0798 ksi) for EPDM Foam — about 18% more.
Which is cheaper, EPDM Foam or XPP?
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 XPP?
EPDM Foam. Its machinability rates excellent (85/100) against good (60/100) for XPP; for welding the order is XPP first (very good, 70/100) then EPDM Foam (poor, 20/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in EPDM Foam and XPP 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.