EVA vs Ionomer
Polymer · grade comparison
EVA and Ionomer are both polymer grades. Ionomer is the stronger of the two: yield strength 15 MPa (2.18 ksi) against 7 MPa (1.02 ksi) for EVA, about 114% more; tensile strength follows at 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) vs 17 MPa (2.47 ksi). In exchange, EVA is the more ductile: elongation 780% versus 380% for Ionomer, and Ionomer is harder (60 Shore D vs 32 Shore D). Ionomer is stiffer (0.28 GPa vs 0.05 GPa) and EVA conducts heat better (0.34 W/m·K vs 0.24 W/m·K). On the shop floor, EVA sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than Ionomer (premium, $$$).
EVAChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when cost is the deciding factor.
IonomerChoose it when strength drives the design.
EVA vs Ionomer: 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
Flexural Modulus
Hardness, Shore A
Hardness, Shore D
Tear Strength
Shear Modulus
Flexural Strength
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Rockwell R
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Same in both: Light Transmission 88%
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
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 65°C149 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface 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.
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)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 130 L/kg15.6 gal/lb
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
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 | EVA | Ionomer |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
EVA vs Ionomer — frequently asked
Is Ionomer stronger than EVA?
Yes. Ionomer has a typical yield strength of 15 MPa (2.18 ksi) against 7 MPa (1.02 ksi) for EVA — about 114% more. Tensile strength is 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) vs 17 MPa (2.47 ksi).
Which is cheaper, EVA or Ionomer?
EVA is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while Ionomer is premium ($$$). 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, EVA or Ionomer?
Ionomer, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 30/100 against 25/100 for EVA.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in EVA and Ionomer 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.