ePTFE vs PFA
Polymer · grade comparison
ePTFE and PFA are both polymer grades. PFA is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) against 15 MPa (2.18 ksi) for ePTFE, about 100% more. PFA is the more ductile: elongation 330% versus 200% for ePTFE, and PFA is harder (60 Shore D vs 35 Shore D). EPTFE is lighter (0.7 g/cm³ vs 2.15 g/cm³ for PFA) and PFA is stiffer (0.6 GPa vs 0.2 GPa). On the shop floor, PFA welds better (very good vs poor) and ePTFE sits in a lower cost tier (high, $$$$) than PFA (specialty, $$$$$).
ePTFEChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when cost is the deciding factor.
PFAChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ePTFE vs PFA: 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
Hardness, Shore D
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore A
Hardness, Rockwell R
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Min Service Temperature
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 260°C500 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 95%
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·m3.94×10²³ µΩ·in · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 2×10⁻⁴ · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁸ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁷ Ω
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)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Machinability 55 / 100 · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 370°C698 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 250 MJ/kg107,481 BTU/lb · Typical Recycled Content 0%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 0.3 MN·m/kg · Thermal Diffusivity 0.1 mm²/s · 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 | ePTFE | PFA |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | — | Yes |
| Sheet metal | — | Yes |
| Injection molding | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | High Purity (Semiconductor) |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | — | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | — | Ra 0.8 µm |
| Chrome Plating (Plastic) | — | Yes |
| EMI Shielding Coating | — | Yes |
| Painting | — | Yes |
| Soft Touch Coating | — | Yes |
| Spray Painting | — | Yes |
| UV Coating | — | Yes |
ePTFE vs PFA — frequently asked
Is PFA stronger than ePTFE?
Yes. PFA has a typical tensile strength of 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) against 15 MPa (2.18 ksi) for ePTFE — about 100% more.
Which is cheaper, ePTFE or PFA?
ePTFE is the lower-cost material: it sits in the high tier ($$$$) while PFA is specialty ($$$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which welds better, ePTFE or PFA?
PFA. Its weldability rates very good (78/100) against poor (20/100) for ePTFE.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ePTFE and PFA 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.