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Extem XH1015 vs Vespel SP-1

Polymer · grade comparison

Extem XH1015 and Vespel SP-1 are both polymer grades. Extem XH1015 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) against 86 MPa (12.5 ksi) for Vespel SP-1, about 34% more. Extem XH1015 is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 7.5% for Vespel SP-1. Extem XH1015 is lighter (1.31 g/cm³ vs 1.43 g/cm³ for Vespel SP-1) and Extem XH1015 is stiffer (3.6 GPa vs 2.5 GPa). On the shop floor, Extem XH1015 welds better (fair vs not recommended).

Extem XH1015Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

Vespel SP-1Choose it when the part sees heat.

Extem XH1015 vs Vespel SP-1: properties

Extem XH1015Vespel SP-1

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

3.6 GPa0.52 Msi
2.5 GPa0.36 Msi

Shear Modulus

1.3 GPa0.19 Msi
—

Poisson's Ratio

0.38
0.41

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

115 MPa16.7 ksi
86 MPa12.5 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

115 MPa16.7 ksi
—

Elongation at Break

30%
7.5%

Compressive Strength

160 MPa23.2 ksi
110 MPa16 ksi

Compressive Modulus

3.3 GPa0.48 Msi
2.4 GPa0.35 Msi

Flexural Strength

170 MPa24.7 ksi
110 MPa16 ksi

Flexural Modulus

3.4 GPa0.49 Msi
3.1 GPa0.45 Msi

Shear Strength

90 MPa13.1 ksi
80 MPa11.6 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

2.8 MPa·√m2.5 ksi·√in
—

Izod Impact, Notched

45 J/m0.84 ft·lbf/in
43 J/m0.81 ft·lbf/in

Hardness, Shore D

88 Shore D
90 Shore D

Hardness, Rockwell M

112 HRM
95 HRM

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

1.31 g/cm³0.05 lb/in³
1.43 g/cm³0.05 lb/in³

Glass Transition (Tg)

267°C513 °F
385°C725 °F

Water Absorption (24 h)

0.4%
0.24%

Water Absorption (Saturation)

1.4%
1.2%

Refractive Index

1.67
—

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

0.22 W/m·K0.13 BTU/hr·ft·°F
0.29 W/m·K0.17 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

1,200 J/kg·K0.29 BTU/lb·°F
1,130 J/kg·K0.27 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

47 µm/m·K26.1 µin/in·°F
54 µm/m·K30 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

230°C446 °F
260°C500 °F

Min Service Temperature

-50°C-58 °F
-240°C-400 °F

Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa

262°C504 °F
—

Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa

247°C477 °F
360°C680 °F

Vicat Softening Point (B50)

265°C509 °F
—

Limiting Oxygen Index

50%
53%

Max Service Temperature (short-term)

300°C572 °F
482°C900 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Resistivity

1×10¹⁵ Ω·m3.94×10²² µΩ·in
1×10¹³ Ω·m3.94×10²⁰ µΩ·in

Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)

3.2
3.55

Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)

0.004
0.0034

Volume Resistivity

1×10¹⁷ Ω·cm
1×10¹⁵ Ω·cm

Surface Resistivity

1×10¹⁶ Ω
—

Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)

175 V
—

Same in both: Dielectric Strength 22 kV/mm559 V/mil

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

88 / 100
80 / 100

UV / Weathering Resistance

40 / 100
70 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Weldability

35 / 100
5 / 100

Formability (cold)

30 / 100
10 / 100

Polishability

70 / 100
60 / 100

Mold Shrinkage

0.6%
—

Melt Flow Rate

15 g/10 min
—

Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)

400°C752 °F
—

Mold Temperature (typ.)

200°C392 °F
—

Same in both: Machinability 55 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

260 MJ/kg111,780 BTU/lb
300 MJ/kg128,977 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

13 kg CO₂/kg
16 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

350 L/kg41.9 gal/lb
—

Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 0%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

88 kN·m/kg
60 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

2.7 MN·m/kg
1.7 MN·m/kg

Thermal Diffusivity

0.1 mm²/s
0.2 mm²/s

Same in both: 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.

0.1110100123Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleExtem XH1015

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityExtem XH1015Vespel SP-1
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

Extem XH1015 vs Vespel SP-1 — frequently asked

Is Extem XH1015 stronger than Vespel SP-1?

Yes. Extem XH1015 has a typical tensile strength of 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) against 86 MPa (12.5 ksi) for Vespel SP-1 — about 34% more.

Which is cheaper, Extem XH1015 or Vespel SP-1?

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 welds better, Extem XH1015 or Vespel SP-1?

Extem XH1015. Its weldability rates fair (35/100) against not recommended (5/100) for Vespel SP-1.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Extem XH1015 and Vespel SP-1 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.