ETFE vs PCTFE
Polymer · grade comparison
ETFE and PCTFE are both polymer grades. PCTFE is the stronger of the two: yield strength 34 MPa (4.93 ksi) against 22 MPa (3.19 ksi) for ETFE, about 55% more. In exchange, ETFE is the more ductile: elongation 320% versus 110% for PCTFE, and PCTFE is harder (78 Shore D vs 73 Shore D). ETFE is lighter (1.73 g/cm³ vs 2.12 g/cm³ for PCTFE) and PCTFE is stiffer (1.5 GPa vs 0.85 GPa). On the shop floor, ETFE welds better (very good vs poor) and ETFE sits in a lower cost tier (high, $$$$) than PCTFE (specialty, $$$$$).
ETFEChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PCTFEChoose it when strength drives the design.
ETFE vs PCTFE: 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)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Flexural Modulus
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Shear Strength
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)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Same in both: Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600 V
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
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Mold Temperature (typ.) 120°C248 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 0%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Same in both: 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 | ETFE | PCTFE |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | — | Yes |
| Sheet metal | — | Yes |
| Injection molding | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | Unfilled |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | — | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | — | Ra 0.8 µm |
| Chrome Plating (Plastic) | — | Yes |
| EMI Shielding Coating | — | Yes |
| Painting | — | Yes |
| Soft Touch Coating | — | Yes |
| Spray Painting | — | Yes |
| UV Coating | — | Yes |
ETFE vs PCTFE — frequently asked
Is PCTFE stronger than ETFE?
Yes. PCTFE has a typical yield strength of 34 MPa (4.93 ksi) against 22 MPa (3.19 ksi) for ETFE — about 55% more. Tensile strength is 37 MPa (5.37 ksi) vs 45 MPa (6.53 ksi).
Which is cheaper, ETFE or PCTFE?
ETFE is the lower-cost material: it sits in the high tier ($$$$) while PCTFE is specialty ($$$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, ETFE or PCTFE?
PCTFE. Its machinability rates very good (70/100) against good (62/100) for ETFE; for welding the order is ETFE first (very good, 80/100) then PCTFE (poor, 20/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ETFE and PCTFE 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.