LDPE vs mLLDPE
Polymer · grade comparison
LDPE and mLLDPE are both polymer grades. mLLDPE is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) against 11 MPa (1.6 ksi) for LDPE, about 173% more. mLLDPE is the more ductile: elongation 750% versus 450% for LDPE. MLLDPE is stiffer (0.25 GPa vs 0.22 GPa). On the shop floor, LDPE sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than mLLDPE (standard, $$).
LDPEChoose it when cost is the deciding factor.
mLLDPEChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
LDPE vs mLLDPE: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore A
Hardness, Shore D
Tear Strength
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 2 GPa0.26 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.45 · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 10 MPa1.5 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Light Transmission
Same in both: 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.
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)
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 0.33 W/m·K0.19 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 2,100 J/kg·K0.5 BTU/lb·°F · Limiting Oxygen Index 18%
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in · 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
UV / Weathering Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Polishability 30 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 80 MJ/kg34,394 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 | LDPE | mLLDPE |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Injection molding | Yes | — |
| Default condition | Unfilled | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $$ Standard |
| 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 mLLDPE — frequently asked
Is mLLDPE stronger than LDPE?
Yes. mLLDPE has a typical tensile strength of 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) against 11 MPa (1.6 ksi) for LDPE — about 173% more.
Which is cheaper, LDPE or mLLDPE?
LDPE is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while mLLDPE is standard ($$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, LDPE or mLLDPE?
mLLDPE, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 50/100 against 45/100 for LDPE; for welding the order is LDPE first (excellent, 95/100) then mLLDPE (excellent, 90/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in LDPE and mLLDPE 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.