EPS 150 vs XPS 500
Polymer · grade comparison
EPS 150 and XPS 500 are both polymer grades. XPS 500 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 0.55 MPa (0.0798 ksi) against 0.3 MPa (0.0435 ksi) for EPS 150, about 83% more. XPS 500 is the more ductile: elongation 3% versus 2% for EPS 150. EPS 150 is lighter (0.03 g/cm³ vs 0.05 g/cm³ for XPS 500) and XPS 500 is stiffer (0.03 GPa vs 0.01 GPa). On the shop floor, EPS 150 welds better (fair vs not recommended).
EPS 150Choose it when weight is the constraint, or when it will be welded.
XPS 500Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
EPS 150 vs XPS 500: 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)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Hardness, Shore D
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Same in both: Glass Transition (Tg) 100°C212 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
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 · Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °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.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Machinability 88 / 100
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 Stiffness (E / density)
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Specific Strength (UTS / density) 11 kN·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 | XPS 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
EPS 150 vs XPS 500 — frequently asked
Is XPS 500 stronger than EPS 150?
Yes. XPS 500 has a typical tensile strength of 0.55 MPa (0.0798 ksi) against 0.3 MPa (0.0435 ksi) for EPS 150 — about 83% more.
Which is cheaper, EPS 150 or XPS 500?
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 XPS 500?
EPS 150. Its weldability rates fair (40/100) against not recommended (10/100) for XPS 500.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in EPS 150 and XPS 500 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.