LDPE vs PVC
Polymer · grade comparison
LDPE and PVC are both polymer grades, both corrosion resistant plastic. PVC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) against 10 MPa (1.45 ksi) for LDPE, about 5.0 times as much; tensile strength follows at 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) vs 11 MPa (1.6 ksi). In exchange, LDPE is the more ductile: elongation 450% versus 45% for PVC, and PVC is harder (82 Shore D vs 47 Shore D). LDPE is lighter (0.92 g/cm³ vs 1.42 g/cm³ for PVC) and PVC is stiffer (3 GPa vs 0.22 GPa). On the shop floor, PVC machines more easily (excellent vs fair).
LDPEChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PVCChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
LDPE vs PVC: 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
Poisson's Ratio
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
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
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)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
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
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Same in both: Embodied Water 120 L/kg14.4 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 10%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: 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 | PVC |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | — | Yes |
| Default condition | Unfilled | Rigid (Type I) |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $ Budget |
| Min. machined wall | — | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | — | Ra 0.8 µm |
Both are offered for Sheet metal and Injection molding. Both take the same 6 finishes: Chrome Plating (Plastic), EMI Shielding Coating, Painting, Soft Touch Coating, Spray Painting, UV Coating.
LDPE vs PVC — frequently asked
Is PVC stronger than LDPE?
Yes. PVC has a typical yield strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) against 10 MPa (1.45 ksi) for LDPE — about 5.0 times as much. Tensile strength is 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) vs 11 MPa (1.6 ksi).
Which is cheaper, LDPE or PVC?
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 PVC?
PVC. Its machinability rates excellent (85/100) against fair (45/100) for LDPE; for welding the order is LDPE first (excellent, 95/100) then PVC (excellent, 90/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in LDPE and PVC 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.