EPDM vs EVA Foam
Polymer · grade comparison
EPDM and EVA Foam are both polymer grades. EPDM is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 12 MPa (1.74 ksi) against 1 MPa (0.145 ksi) for EVA Foam, about 12 times as much. EPDM is the more ductile: elongation 400% versus 200% for EVA Foam. EVA Foam is lighter (0.06 g/cm³ vs 1.15 g/cm³ for EPDM) and EPDM is stiffer (0.01 GPa vs 0.01 GPa). On the shop floor, EVA Foam machines more easily (excellent vs poor) and EVA Foam welds better (very good vs poor).
EPDMChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
EVA FoamChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part is machined in volume.
EPDM vs EVA 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
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Hardness, Shore A
Hardness, Shore D
Tear Strength
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Shear Strength
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Same in both: Water Absorption (24 h) 0.5%
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)
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 180 µm/m·K100 µin/in·°F · Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹² Ω·m3.94×10¹⁹ µΩ·in · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·cm
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
Polishability
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Melt Flow Rate
Same in both: Formability (cold) 90 / 100 · Mold Shrinkage 2.5%
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
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
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 | EVA Foam |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Solid | Closed Cell |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both are offered for Injection molding. Both take the same 5 finishes: Chrome Plating (Plastic), EMI Shielding Coating, Soft Touch Coating, Spray Painting, UV Coating.
EPDM vs EVA Foam — frequently asked
Is EPDM stronger than EVA Foam?
Yes. EPDM has a typical tensile strength of 12 MPa (1.74 ksi) against 1 MPa (0.145 ksi) for EVA Foam — about 12 times as much.
Which is cheaper, EPDM or EVA Foam?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$, standard); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, EPDM or EVA Foam?
EVA Foam. Its machinability rates excellent (85/100) against poor (30/100) for EPDM; for welding the order is EVA Foam first (very good, 70/100) then EPDM (poor, 15/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in EPDM and EVA 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.