EPS 150 vs Phenolic Foam
Polymer · grade comparison
EPS 150 and Phenolic Foam are both polymer grades. EPS 150 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 0.3 MPa (0.0435 ksi) against 0.15 MPa (0.0218 ksi) for Phenolic Foam, about 100% more. EPS 150 is lighter (0.03 g/cm³ vs 0.05 g/cm³ for Phenolic Foam) and Phenolic Foam is stiffer (0.01 GPa vs 0.01 GPa). On the shop floor, EPS 150 welds better (fair vs not recommended) and EPS 150 forms better (poor vs not recommended).
EPS 150Choose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
Phenolic FoamChoose it when the part sees heat.
EPS 150 vs Phenolic 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
Shear Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Same in both: Elongation at Break 2% · Compressive Strength 0.16 MPa0.02 ksi · Compressive Modulus 0.01 GPa0 Msi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,400 J/kg·K0.33 BTU/lb·°F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume 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)
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 95 MJ/kg40,843 BTU/lb
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 0.3 MN·m/kg · 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 | EPS 150 | Phenolic Foam |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
EPS 150 vs Phenolic Foam — frequently asked
Is EPS 150 stronger than Phenolic Foam?
Yes. EPS 150 has a typical tensile strength of 0.3 MPa (0.0435 ksi) against 0.15 MPa (0.0218 ksi) for Phenolic Foam — about 100% more.
Which is cheaper, EPS 150 or Phenolic 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 welds better, EPS 150 or Phenolic Foam?
EPS 150. Its weldability rates fair (40/100) against not recommended (1/100) for Phenolic Foam.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in EPS 150 and Phenolic 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.