FEP vs MFA
Polymer · grade comparison
FEP and MFA are both polymer grades. MFA is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 28 MPa (4.06 ksi) against 23 MPa (3.34 ksi) for FEP, about 22% more. MFA is the more ductile: elongation 400% versus 320% for FEP. MFA is stiffer (0.55 GPa vs 0.48 GPa) and MFA runs hotter in service (240°C vs 200°C continuous). On the shop floor, FEP welds better (80 vs 70 out of 100) and MFA sits in a lower cost tier (high, $$$$) than FEP (specialty, $$$$$).
FEPChoose it when it will be welded.
MFAChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
FEP vs MFA: 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
Shear Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Same in both: Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 13 MPa1.9 ksi · Flexural Modulus 0.6 GPa0.09 Msi
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
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Limiting Oxygen Index 95%
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·m3.94×10²³ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 24 kV/mm610 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 2.1 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁸ Ω·cm · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 98 / 100 · UV / Weathering Resistance 98 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Melt Flow Rate
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Machinability 55 / 100 · Mold Shrinkage 4% · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 350°C662 °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 | FEP | MFA |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Injection molding | Yes | — |
| Default condition | Unfilled | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$$ Specialty | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | — |
| Chrome Plating (Plastic) | Yes | — |
| EMI Shielding Coating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Soft Touch Coating | Yes | — |
| Spray Painting | Yes | — |
| UV Coating | Yes | — |
FEP vs MFA — frequently asked
Is MFA stronger than FEP?
Yes. MFA has a typical tensile strength of 28 MPa (4.06 ksi) against 23 MPa (3.34 ksi) for FEP — about 22% more.
Which is cheaper, FEP or MFA?
MFA is the lower-cost material: it sits in the high tier ($$$$) while FEP is specialty ($$$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which welds better, FEP or MFA?
FEP. Its weldability rates very good (80/100) against very good (70/100) for MFA.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in FEP and MFA 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.