IXPE vs PE Foam Board
Polymer · grade comparison
IXPE and PE Foam Board are both polymer grades. IXPE is the more ductile: elongation 150% versus 80% for PE Foam Board. IXPE is stiffer (0 GPa vs 0 GPa). On the shop floor, IXPE welds better (very good vs good).
IXPEChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
IXPE vs PE Foam Board: 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
Poisson's Ratio
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Hardness, Shore A
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Same in both: Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 0.35 MPa0.05 ksi · Tear Strength 1 kN/m5.7 lbf/in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Same in both: Density 0.03 g/cm³0 lb/in³ · Melting Temperature (Tm) 110°C230 °F · Glass Transition (Tg) -110°C-166 °F
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)
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -60°C-76 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 18%
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Same in both: Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 2×10⁻⁴ · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω
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)
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt 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 Stiffness (E / density)
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Specific Strength (UTS / density) 11 kN·m/kg · 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 | IXPE | PE Foam Board |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
IXPE vs PE Foam Board — frequently asked
What is the difference between IXPE and PE Foam Board?
IXPE and PE Foam Board are both polymer grades. IXPE is the more ductile: elongation 150% versus 80% for PE Foam Board. IXPE is stiffer (0 GPa vs 0 GPa).
Which is cheaper, IXPE or PE Foam Board?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$, standard); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, IXPE or PE Foam Board?
IXPE. Its weldability rates very good (70/100) against good (60/100) for PE Foam Board.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in IXPE and PE Foam Board 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.