LDPE vs PE100
Polymer · grade comparison
LDPE and PE100 are both polymer grades. PE100 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 24 MPa (3.48 ksi) against 10 MPa (1.45 ksi) for LDPE, about 140% more; tensile strength follows at 33 MPa (4.79 ksi) vs 11 MPa (1.6 ksi). PE100 is the more ductile: elongation 700% versus 450% for LDPE, and PE100 is harder (62 Shore D vs 47 Shore D). LDPE is lighter (0.92 g/cm³ vs 0.96 g/cm³ for PE100) and PE100 is stiffer (1 GPa vs 0.22 GPa). On the shop floor, PE100 machines more easily (good vs fair).
LDPEChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part sees heat.
PE100Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
LDPE vs PE100: 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)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore A
Hardness, Shore D
Tear Strength
Hardness, Rockwell R
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.45
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Same in both: Glass Transition (Tg) -110°C-166 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.01%
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)
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: Limiting Oxygen Index 18%
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: 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
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Weldability 95 / 100 · Mold Shrinkage 2.5% · Mold Temperature (typ.) 30°C86 °F
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)
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 | PE100 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 PE100 — frequently asked
Is PE100 stronger than LDPE?
Yes. PE100 has a typical yield strength of 24 MPa (3.48 ksi) against 10 MPa (1.45 ksi) for LDPE — about 140% more. Tensile strength is 33 MPa (4.79 ksi) vs 11 MPa (1.6 ksi).
Which is cheaper, LDPE or PE100?
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 PE100?
PE100. Its machinability rates good (58/100) against fair (45/100) for LDPE.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in LDPE and PE100 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.