ETFE vs PFA
Polymer · grade comparison
ETFE and PFA are both polymer grades. ETFE is the stronger of the two: yield strength 22 MPa (3.19 ksi) against 14 MPa (2.03 ksi) for PFA, about 57% more; tensile strength follows at 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) vs 30 MPa (4.35 ksi). ETFE is harder — 73 Shore D against 60 Shore D for PFA — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. ETFE is lighter (1.73 g/cm³ vs 2.15 g/cm³ for PFA) and ETFE is stiffer (0.85 GPa vs 0.6 GPa). On the shop floor, ETFE sits in a lower cost tier (high, $$$$) than PFA (specialty, $$$$$).
ETFEChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
PFAChoose it when the part sees heat.
ETFE 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)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Flexural Modulus
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Flexural Strength
Shear Strength
Hardness, Shore A
Same in both: Hardness, Rockwell R 50 HRR
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Refractive Index
Same in both: Water Absorption (Saturation) 0.03% · Light Transmission 92%
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
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: 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.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
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 | PFA |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | — | Yes |
| Sheet metal | — | Yes |
| Injection molding | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | High Purity (Semiconductor) |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | — | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | — | Ra 0.8 µm |
| Chrome Plating (Plastic) | — | Yes |
| EMI Shielding Coating | — | Yes |
| Painting | — | Yes |
| Soft Touch Coating | — | Yes |
| Spray Painting | — | Yes |
| UV Coating | — | Yes |
ETFE vs PFA — frequently asked
Is ETFE stronger than PFA?
Yes. ETFE has a typical yield strength of 22 MPa (3.19 ksi) against 14 MPa (2.03 ksi) for PFA — about 57% more. Tensile strength is 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) vs 30 MPa (4.35 ksi).
Which is cheaper, ETFE or PFA?
ETFE is the lower-cost material: it sits in the high tier ($$$$) while PFA is specialty ($$$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, ETFE or PFA?
ETFE, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 62/100 against 55/100 for PFA.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ETFE 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.