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EPDM vs Poron

Polymer · grade comparison

EPDM and Poron 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 Poron, about 12 times as much. EPDM is the more ductile: elongation 400% versus 150% for Poron. Poron is lighter (0.32 g/cm³ vs 1.15 g/cm³ for EPDM) and EPDM is stiffer (0.01 GPa vs 0 GPa). On the shop floor, Poron machines more easily (very good vs poor).

EPDMChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

PoronChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part is machined in volume.

EPDM vs Poron: properties

EPDMPoron

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

0.01 GPa8.7×10⁻⁴ Msi
0 GPa2.18×10⁻⁴ Msi

Shear Modulus

0 GPa2.9×10⁻⁴ Msi
—

Bulk Modulus

2 GPa0.29 Msi
—

Poisson's Ratio

0.5
0.3

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

12 MPa1.7 ksi
1 MPa0.15 ksi

Elongation at Break

400%
150%

Hardness, Shore A

70 Shore A
20 Shore A

Hardness, Shore D

22 Shore D
—

Tear Strength

25 kN/m143 lbf/in
2 kN/m8.6 lbf/in

Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)

20%
5%

Compressive Strength

—
0.07 MPa0.01 ksi

Compressive Modulus

—
8×10⁻⁴ GPa1.16×10⁻⁴ Msi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

1.15 g/cm³0.04 lb/in³
0.32 g/cm³0.01 lb/in³

Glass Transition (Tg)

-55°C-67 °F
-35°C-31 °F

Water Absorption (24 h)

0.5%
3%

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

0.3 W/m·K0.17 BTU/hr·ft·°F
0.06 W/m·K0.03 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

2,000 J/kg·K0.48 BTU/lb·°F
1,700 J/kg·K0.41 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

180 µm/m·K100 µin/in·°F
—

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

120°C248 °F
90°C194 °F

Min Service Temperature

-50°C-58 °F
-40°C-40 °F

Limiting Oxygen Index

19%
—

Max Service Temperature (short-term)

160°C320 °F
120°C248 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Resistivity

1×10¹² Ω·m3.94×10¹⁹ µΩ·in
—

Dielectric Strength

25 kV/mm635 V/mil
—

Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)

3
1.7

Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)

0.007
—

Volume Resistivity

1×10¹⁴ Ω·cm
1×10¹³ Ω·cm

Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)

600 V
—

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

85 / 100
70 / 100

UV / Weathering Resistance

95 / 100
40 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

30 / 100
80 / 100

Weldability

15 / 100
—

Polishability

20 / 100
—

Mold Shrinkage

2.5%
—

Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)

100°C212 °F
—

Mold Temperature (typ.)

175°C347 °F
—

Same in both: Formability (cold) 90 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

95 MJ/kg40,843 BTU/lb
100 MJ/kg42,992 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

4 kg CO₂/kg
5 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

150 L/kg18 gal/lb
—

Typical Recycled Content

5%
0%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

10 kN·m/kg
3 kN·m/kg

Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 0 MN·m/kg · Thermal Diffusivity 0.1 mm²/s

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.

0.1110100123Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleEPDMPoron

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityEPDMPoron
Default conditionSolidStandard
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 Poron — frequently asked

Is EPDM stronger than Poron?

Yes. EPDM has a typical tensile strength of 12 MPa (1.74 ksi) against 1 MPa (0.145 ksi) for Poron — about 12 times as much.

Which is cheaper, EPDM or Poron?

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 Poron?

Poron. Its machinability rates very good (80/100) against poor (30/100) for EPDM.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in EPDM and Poron 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.