EPDM vs Silicone
Polymer · grade comparison
EPDM and Silicone are both polymer grades. EPDM is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 12 MPa (1.74 ksi) against 8 MPa (1.16 ksi) for Silicone, about 50% more. In exchange, Silicone is the more ductile: elongation 500% versus 400% for EPDM. EPDM is stiffer (0.01 GPa vs 0 GPa) and Silicone runs hotter in service (200°C vs 120°C continuous). On the shop floor, EPDM machines more easily (30 vs 20 out of 100) and EPDM sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than Silicone (premium, $$$).
EPDMChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
SiliconeChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
EPDM vs Silicone: 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
Same in both: Tear Strength 25 kN/m143 lbf/in · Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C) 20%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Same in both: Density 1.15 g/cm³0.04 lb/in³
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 3 · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600 V
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)
Polishability
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: 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)
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 0 MN·m/kg · Thermal Diffusivity 0.1 mm²/s · Thermal Shock Resistance Index 3
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 | Silicone |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Solid | Medical Grade |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$$ Premium |
| 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 Silicone — frequently asked
Is EPDM stronger than Silicone?
Yes. EPDM has a typical tensile strength of 12 MPa (1.74 ksi) against 8 MPa (1.16 ksi) for Silicone — about 50% more.
Which is cheaper, EPDM or Silicone?
EPDM is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while Silicone is premium ($$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, EPDM or Silicone?
EPDM, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 30/100 against 20/100 for Silicone; for welding the order is Silicone first (poor, 20/100) then EPDM (poor, 15/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in EPDM and Silicone 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.