EPE vs LDPE
Polymer · grade comparison
EPE and LDPE are both polymer grades. LDPE is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 11 MPa (1.6 ksi) against 0.25 MPa (0.0363 ksi) for EPE, about 44 times as much. LDPE is the more ductile: elongation 450% versus 90% for EPE. EPE is lighter (0.03 g/cm³ vs 0.92 g/cm³ for LDPE) and LDPE is stiffer (0.22 GPa vs 0 GPa). On the shop floor, EPE machines more easily (excellent vs fair), LDPE welds better (excellent vs very good), and LDPE sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than EPE (standard, $$).
EPEChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part is machined in volume.
LDPEChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
EPE vs LDPE: 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Tear Strength
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore A
Hardness, Shore D
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Same in both: Melting Temperature (Tm) 110°C230 °F · Glass Transition (Tg) -110°C-166 °F
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
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Same in both: Limiting Oxygen Index 18% · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 90°C194 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Surface Resistivity
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 3×10⁻⁴ · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ 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
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Formability (cold) 90 / 100 · Melt Flow Rate 2 g/10 min
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 10%
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 | EPE | LDPE |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet metal | — | Yes |
| Injection molding | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | Unfilled |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $ Budget |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
| Chrome Plating (Plastic) | — | Yes |
| EMI Shielding Coating | — | Yes |
| Painting | — | Yes |
| Soft Touch Coating | — | Yes |
| Spray Painting | — | Yes |
| UV Coating | — | Yes |
EPE vs LDPE — frequently asked
Is LDPE stronger than EPE?
Yes. LDPE has a typical tensile strength of 11 MPa (1.6 ksi) against 0.25 MPa (0.0363 ksi) for EPE — about 44 times as much.
Which is cheaper, EPE or LDPE?
LDPE is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while EPE is standard ($$). 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, EPE or LDPE?
EPE. Its machinability rates excellent (85/100) against fair (45/100) for LDPE; for welding the order is LDPE first (excellent, 95/100) then EPE (very good, 70/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in EPE and LDPE 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.