JIS A9511 EPS vs Phenolic Foam
Polymer · grade comparison
JIS A9511 EPS and Phenolic Foam are both polymer grades. JIS A9511 EPS is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 0.2 MPa (0.029 ksi) against 0.15 MPa (0.0218 ksi) for Phenolic Foam, about 33% more. In exchange, Phenolic Foam is the more ductile: elongation 2% versus 1.5% for JIS A9511 EPS. JIS A9511 EPS is lighter (0.02 g/cm³ vs 0.05 g/cm³ for Phenolic Foam) and Phenolic Foam is stiffer (0.01 GPa vs 0.01 GPa). On the shop floor, JIS A9511 EPS welds better (poor vs not recommended).
JIS A9511 EPSChoose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
Phenolic FoamChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
JIS A9511 EPS vs Phenolic Foam: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
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
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,400 J/kg·K0.33 BTU/lb·°F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
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.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Mold Shrinkage
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Machinability 90 / 100
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)
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 0.3 MN·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 | JIS A9511 EPS | Phenolic Foam |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
JIS A9511 EPS vs Phenolic Foam — frequently asked
Is JIS A9511 EPS stronger than Phenolic Foam?
Yes. JIS A9511 EPS has a typical tensile strength of 0.2 MPa (0.029 ksi) against 0.15 MPa (0.0218 ksi) for Phenolic Foam — about 33% more.
Which is cheaper, JIS A9511 EPS or Phenolic Foam?
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, JIS A9511 EPS or Phenolic Foam?
JIS A9511 EPS. Its weldability rates poor (30/100) against not recommended (1/100) for Phenolic Foam.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in JIS A9511 EPS and Phenolic Foam 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.