HDPE vs PVC
Polymer · grade comparison
HDPE 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 26 MPa (3.77 ksi) for HDPE, about 92% more; tensile strength follows at 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) vs 28 MPa (4.06 ksi). In exchange, HDPE is the more ductile: elongation 600% versus 45% for PVC, and PVC is harder (82 Shore D vs 65 Shore D). HDPE is lighter (0.96 g/cm³ vs 1.42 g/cm³ for PVC) and PVC is stiffer (3 GPa vs 1.1 GPa). On the shop floor, PVC machines more easily (excellent vs very good).
HDPEChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PVCChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
HDPE 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
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Same in both: Refractive Index 1.54
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
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
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).
UV / Weathering Resistance
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 90 / 100
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.)
Same in both: Mold Temperature (typ.) 40°C104 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 10%
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 | PVC |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | FDA Compliant | Rigid (Type I) |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $ 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.
HDPE vs PVC — frequently asked
Is PVC stronger than HDPE?
Yes. PVC has a typical yield strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) against 26 MPa (3.77 ksi) for HDPE — about 92% more. Tensile strength is 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) vs 28 MPa (4.06 ksi).
Which is cheaper, HDPE or PVC?
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 PVC?
PVC. Its machinability rates excellent (85/100) against very good (75/100) for HDPE; for welding the order is HDPE first (excellent, 95/100) then PVC (excellent, 90/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in HDPE 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.