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EPS 100 vs XPS 300

Polymer · grade comparison

EPS 100 and XPS 300 are both polymer grades. XPS 300 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 0.45 MPa (0.0653 ksi) against 0.25 MPa (0.0363 ksi) for EPS 100, about 80% more. XPS 300 is the more ductile: elongation 3% versus 1.8% for EPS 100. EPS 100 is lighter (0.02 g/cm³ vs 0.04 g/cm³ for XPS 300) and XPS 300 is stiffer (0.02 GPa vs 0.01 GPa). On the shop floor, EPS 100 welds better (25 vs 15 out of 100).

EPS 100Choose it when weight is the constraint, or when it will be welded.

XPS 300Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

EPS 100 vs XPS 300: properties

EPS 100XPS 300

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

0.01 GPa9.43×10⁻⁴ Msi
0.02 GPa0 Msi

Shear Modulus

0 GPa3.63×10⁻⁴ Msi
—

Poisson's Ratio

0.1
0.3

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

0.25 MPa0.04 ksi
0.45 MPa0.07 ksi

Elongation at Break

1.8%
3%

Compressive Strength

0.1 MPa0.01 ksi
0.32 MPa0.05 ksi

Compressive Modulus

0.01 GPa8.7×10⁻⁴ Msi
0.01 GPa0 Msi

Flexural Strength

0.18 MPa0.03 ksi
0.55 MPa0.08 ksi

Flexural Modulus

0.01 GPa8.7×10⁻⁴ Msi
0.01 GPa0 Msi

Shear Strength

0.13 MPa0.02 ksi
0.25 MPa0.04 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

—
0.3 MPa0.04 ksi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

0.02 g/cm³7.59×10⁻⁴ lb/in³
0.04 g/cm³0 lb/in³

Water Absorption (24 h)

1%
0.2%

Water Absorption (Saturation)

3%
0.5%

Same in both: Glass Transition (Tg) 100°C212 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

0.04 W/m·K0.02 BTU/hr·ft·°F
0.03 W/m·K0.02 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

1,400 J/kg·K0.33 BTU/lb·°F
1,450 J/kg·K0.35 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

65 µm/m·K36.1 µin/in·°F
70 µm/m·K38.9 µin/in·°F

Limiting Oxygen Index

24%
25%

Vicat Softening Point (B50)

—
95°C203 °F

Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 75°C167 °F · Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °F · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 85°C185 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)

1.05
1.07

Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·cm

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

55 / 100
85 / 100

UV / Weathering Resistance

12 / 100
15 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

95 / 100
92 / 100

Weldability

25 / 100
15 / 100

Formability (cold)

15 / 100
10 / 100

Mold Shrinkage

1%
—

Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)

—
190°C374 °F

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

3.3 kg CO₂/kg
3.2 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

150 L/kg18 gal/lb
130 L/kg15.6 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

5%
15%

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 100 MJ/kg42,992 BTU/lb

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

12 kN·m/kg
13 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

0.3 MN·m/kg
0.4 MN·m/kg

Thermal Diffusivity

1.2 mm²/s
0.7 mm²/s

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.

0.1110100123Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleXPS 300

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityEPS 100XPS 300
Default condition——
Relative cost$$ Standard$$ Standard
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

EPS 100 vs XPS 300 — frequently asked

Is XPS 300 stronger than EPS 100?

Yes. XPS 300 has a typical tensile strength of 0.45 MPa (0.0653 ksi) against 0.25 MPa (0.0363 ksi) for EPS 100 — about 80% more.

Which is cheaper, EPS 100 or XPS 300?

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 welds better, EPS 100 or XPS 300?

EPS 100. Its weldability rates poor (25/100) against poor (15/100) for XPS 300.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in EPS 100 and XPS 300 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.