LCP vs PPS
Polymer · grade comparison
LCP and PPS are both polymer grades, both high performance plastic. LCP is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) against 78 MPa (11.3 ksi) for PPS, about 144% more. In exchange, PPS is the more ductile: elongation 5% versus 2% for LCP. PPS is lighter (1.35 g/cm³ vs 1.61 g/cm³ for LCP) and LCP is stiffer (15 GPa vs 3.8 GPa). On the shop floor, PPS machines more easily (good vs fair).
LCPChoose it when strength drives the design.
PPSChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
LCP vs PPS: 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)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Rockwell M
Shear Modulus
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Compressive Modulus
Hardness, Rockwell R
Same in both: Hardness, Shore D 88 Shore D
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Same in both: Melting Temperature (Tm) 280°C536 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.03%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Min Service Temperature
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 220°C428 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
UV / Weathering Resistance
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 92 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Embodied Water
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
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 | LCP | PPS |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | — | Yes |
| Sheet metal | — | Yes |
| Default condition | GF30 | Unfilled |
| Relative cost | $$$$$ Specialty | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | — | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | — | Ra 0.8 µm |
| Painting | — | Yes |
Both are offered for Injection molding. They share 5 finishes: Chrome Plating (Plastic), EMI Shielding Coating, Soft Touch Coating, Spray Painting, UV Coating.
LCP vs PPS — frequently asked
Is LCP stronger than PPS?
Yes. LCP has a typical tensile strength of 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) against 78 MPa (11.3 ksi) for PPS — about 144% more.
Which is cheaper, LCP or PPS?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$$, specialty); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, LCP or PPS?
PPS. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against fair (50/100) for LCP; for welding the order is PPS first (poor, 30/100) then LCP (poor, 25/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in LCP and PPS 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.