LDPE vs LLDPE
Polymer · grade comparison
LDPE and LLDPE are both polymer grades. LLDPE is the stronger of the two: yield strength 11 MPa (1.6 ksi) against 10 MPa (1.45 ksi) for LDPE, about 10% more; tensile strength follows at 25 MPa (3.63 ksi) vs 11 MPa (1.6 ksi). LLDPE is the more ductile: elongation 700% versus 450% for LDPE, and LLDPE is harder (50 Shore D vs 47 Shore D). LLDPE is stiffer (0.25 GPa vs 0.22 GPa) and LLDPE runs hotter in service (80°C vs 70°C continuous). On the shop floor, LLDPE machines more easily (good vs fair).
LLDPEChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
LDPE vs LLDPE: 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)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Shore D
Tear Strength
Hardness, Rockwell R
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.45 · Izod Impact, Notched 800 J/m15 ft·lbf/in · Hardness, Shore A 93 Shore A
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Light Transmission
Same in both: Glass Transition (Tg) -110°C-166 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.01% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 0.02% · Refractive Index 1.51
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
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)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 0.33 W/m·K0.19 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Same in both: Dielectric Strength 25 kV/mm635 V/mil · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 3×10⁻⁴ · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600 V
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
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Formability (cold) 90 / 100 · Polishability 30 / 100 · Melt Flow Rate 2 g/10 min
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
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 | LDPE | LLDPE |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Injection molding | Yes | — |
| Default condition | Unfilled | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $ Budget |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
| Chrome Plating (Plastic) | Yes | — |
| EMI Shielding Coating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Soft Touch Coating | Yes | — |
| Spray Painting | Yes | — |
| UV Coating | Yes | — |
LDPE vs LLDPE — frequently asked
Is LLDPE stronger than LDPE?
Yes. LLDPE has a typical yield strength of 11 MPa (1.6 ksi) against 10 MPa (1.45 ksi) for LDPE — about 10% more. Tensile strength is 25 MPa (3.63 ksi) vs 11 MPa (1.6 ksi).
Which is cheaper, LDPE or LLDPE?
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, LDPE or LLDPE?
LLDPE. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (45/100) for LDPE; for welding the order is LDPE first (excellent, 95/100) then LLDPE (excellent, 90/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in LDPE and LLDPE 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.