FEP vs PVC
Polymer · grade comparison
FEP and PVC are both polymer grades, both corrosion resistant plastic. PVC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) against 13 MPa (1.89 ksi) for FEP, about 3.8 times as much; tensile strength follows at 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) vs 23 MPa (3.34 ksi). In exchange, FEP is the more ductile: elongation 320% versus 45% for PVC, and PVC is harder (82 Shore D vs 56 Shore D). PVC is lighter (1.42 g/cm³ vs 2.15 g/cm³ for FEP) and PVC is stiffer (3 GPa vs 0.48 GPa). On the shop floor, PVC machines more easily (excellent vs good), PVC welds better (excellent vs very good), and PVC sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than FEP (specialty, $$$$$).
FEPChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
PVCChoose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
FEP vs PVC: 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)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Flexural Modulus
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Bulk Modulus
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
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
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
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
Typical Recycled Content
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 | PVC |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Unfilled | Rigid (Type I) |
| Relative cost | $$$$$ Specialty | $ Budget |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | Ra 0.8 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining, Sheet metal and Injection molding. Both take the same 6 finishes: Chrome Plating (Plastic), EMI Shielding Coating, Painting, Soft Touch Coating, Spray Painting, UV Coating.
FEP vs PVC — frequently asked
Is PVC stronger than FEP?
Yes. PVC has a typical yield strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) against 13 MPa (1.89 ksi) for FEP — about 3.8 times as much. Tensile strength is 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) vs 23 MPa (3.34 ksi).
Which is cheaper, FEP or PVC?
PVC is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while FEP is specialty ($$$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, FEP or PVC?
PVC. Its machinability rates excellent (85/100) against good (55/100) for FEP; for welding the order is PVC first (excellent, 90/100) then FEP (very good, 80/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in FEP and PVC 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.