HDPE vs PE100
Polymer · grade comparison
HDPE and PE100 are both polymer grades. HDPE is the stronger of the two: yield strength 26 MPa (3.77 ksi) against 24 MPa (3.48 ksi) for PE100, about 8% more. In exchange, PE100 is the more ductile: elongation 700% versus 600% for HDPE. HDPE is stiffer (1.1 GPa vs 1 GPa) and HDPE runs hotter in service (80°C vs 60°C continuous). On the shop floor, HDPE machines more easily (very good vs good).
HDPEChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
PE100Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
HDPE vs PE100: 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
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Flexural Modulus
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Same in both: Compressive Strength 22 MPa3.2 ksi · Compressive Modulus 0.9 GPa0.13 Msi · Flexural Strength 27 MPa3.9 ksi · Shear Strength 20 MPa2.9 ksi · Hardness, Rockwell R 55 HRR
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Same in both: Glass Transition (Tg) -110°C-166 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.01%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
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
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,900 J/kg·K0.45 BTU/lb·°F · Limiting Oxygen Index 18%
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Dielectric Strength 24 kV/mm610 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 2.35 · 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
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Weldability 95 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2 kg CO₂/kg
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
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.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | HDPE | PE100 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Injection molding | Yes | — |
| Default condition | FDA Compliant | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $ Budget |
| 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 | — |
HDPE vs PE100 — frequently asked
Is HDPE stronger than PE100?
Yes. HDPE has a typical yield strength of 26 MPa (3.77 ksi) against 24 MPa (3.48 ksi) for PE100 — about 8% more. Tensile strength is 28 MPa (4.06 ksi) vs 33 MPa (4.79 ksi).
Which is cheaper, HDPE or PE100?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($, budget); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, HDPE or PE100?
HDPE. Its machinability rates very good (75/100) against good (58/100) for PE100.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in HDPE and PE100 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.