EPP Foam vs EVA Foam
Polymer · grade comparison
EPP Foam and EVA Foam are both polymer grades. EVA Foam is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 1 MPa (0.145 ksi) against 0.5 MPa (0.0725 ksi) for EPP Foam, about 100% more. EVA Foam is the more ductile: elongation 200% versus 15% for EPP Foam. EPP Foam is lighter (0.05 g/cm³ vs 0.06 g/cm³ for EVA Foam) and EPP Foam is stiffer (0.01 GPa vs 0.01 GPa). On the shop floor, EVA Foam machines more easily (excellent vs good) and EVA Foam welds better (very good vs fair).
EPP FoamChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part sees heat.
EVA FoamChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
EPP Foam 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Tear Strength
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Hardness, Shore A
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
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
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Same in both: Limiting Oxygen Index 18%
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
UV / Weathering Resistance
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 90 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 130 L/kg15.6 gal/lb
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 | EPP Foam | EVA Foam |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Closed Cell | 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.
EPP Foam vs EVA Foam — frequently asked
Is EVA Foam stronger than EPP Foam?
Yes. EVA Foam has a typical tensile strength of 1 MPa (0.145 ksi) against 0.5 MPa (0.0725 ksi) for EPP Foam — about 100% more.
Which is cheaper, EPP Foam 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, EPP Foam or EVA Foam?
EVA Foam. Its machinability rates excellent (85/100) against good (60/100) for EPP Foam; for welding the order is EVA Foam first (very good, 70/100) then EPP Foam (fair, 45/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in EPP Foam 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.