EPP Foam vs Poron
Polymer · grade comparison
EPP Foam and Poron are both polymer grades, both shock absorbing plastic. Poron 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. Poron is the more ductile: elongation 150% versus 15% for EPP Foam. EPP Foam is lighter (0.05 g/cm³ vs 0.32 g/cm³ for Poron) and EPP Foam is stiffer (0.01 GPa vs 0 GPa). On the shop floor, Poron machines more easily (very good vs good).
EPP FoamChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part sees heat.
PoronChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
EPP Foam vs Poron: 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)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 120°C248 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
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
Mold Shrinkage
Mold Temperature (typ.)
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
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 | Poron |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Closed Cell | Standard |
| 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 Poron — frequently asked
Is Poron stronger than EPP Foam?
Yes. Poron 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 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, EPP Foam or Poron?
Poron. Its machinability rates very good (80/100) against good (60/100) for EPP Foam.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in EPP Foam 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.