HMWPE vs MDPE
Polymer · grade comparison
HMWPE and MDPE are both polymer grades. HMWPE is the stronger of the two: yield strength 24 MPa (3.48 ksi) against 19 MPa (2.76 ksi) for MDPE, about 26% more; tensile strength follows at 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) vs 24 MPa (3.48 ksi). HMWPE is harder — 65 Shore D against 58 Shore D for MDPE — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. HMWPE is stiffer (0.95 GPa vs 0.75 GPa) and HMWPE runs hotter in service (80°C vs 65°C continuous).
HMWPEChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
HMWPE vs MDPE: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.44 · Elongation at Break 700%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Same in both: 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)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,900 J/kg·K0.45 BTU/lb·°F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Strength
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 2.3 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 3×10⁻⁴ · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: UV / Weathering Resistance 25 / 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.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 78 MJ/kg33,534 BTU/lb
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 0.2 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 | HMWPE | MDPE |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $ Budget |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
HMWPE vs MDPE — frequently asked
Is HMWPE stronger than MDPE?
Yes. HMWPE has a typical yield strength of 24 MPa (3.48 ksi) against 19 MPa (2.76 ksi) for MDPE — about 26% more. Tensile strength is 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) vs 24 MPa (3.48 ksi).
Which is cheaper, HMWPE or MDPE?
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, HMWPE or MDPE?
HMWPE, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 62/100 against 55/100 for MDPE.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in HMWPE and MDPE 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.