ETFE vs PVDF
Polymer · grade comparison
ETFE and PVDF are both polymer grades. PVDF is the stronger of the two: yield strength 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) against 22 MPa (3.19 ksi) for ETFE, about 127% more; tensile strength follows at 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) vs 45 MPa (6.53 ksi). In exchange, ETFE is the more ductile: elongation 320% versus 60% for PVDF, and PVDF is harder (78 Shore D vs 73 Shore D). PVDF is stiffer (2.1 GPa vs 0.85 GPa) and ETFE conducts heat better (0.24 W/m·K vs 0.19 W/m·K). On the shop floor, PVDF machines more easily (very good vs good).
ETFEChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
PVDFChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
ETFE vs PVDF: 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
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Shear Strength
Hardness, Rockwell M
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
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 150°C302 °F
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).
UV / Weathering Resistance
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 92 / 100
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 | PVDF |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | — | Yes |
| Sheet metal | — | Yes |
| Injection molding | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | Unfilled |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | — | Ra 0.8 µm |
| Chrome Plating (Plastic) | — | Yes |
| EMI Shielding Coating | — | Yes |
| Painting | — | Yes |
| Soft Touch Coating | — | Yes |
| Spray Painting | — | Yes |
| UV Coating | — | Yes |
ETFE vs PVDF — frequently asked
Is PVDF stronger than ETFE?
Yes. PVDF has a typical yield strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) against 22 MPa (3.19 ksi) for ETFE — about 127% more. Tensile strength is 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) vs 45 MPa (6.53 ksi).
Which is cheaper, ETFE or PVDF?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, ETFE or PVDF?
PVDF. Its machinability rates very good (75/100) against good (62/100) for ETFE; for welding the order is PVDF first (excellent, 88/100) then ETFE (very good, 80/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ETFE and PVDF 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.