PBSA vs PHB
Polymer · grade comparison
PBSA and PHB are both polymer grades. PHB is the stronger of the two: yield strength 35 MPa (5.08 ksi) against 13 MPa (1.89 ksi) for PBSA, about 169% more; tensile strength follows at 36 MPa (5.22 ksi) vs 22 MPa (3.19 ksi). In exchange, PBSA is the more ductile: elongation 700% versus 5% for PHB, and PHB is harder (78 Shore D vs 45 Shore D). PHB is stiffer (3.5 GPa vs 0.22 GPa) and PHB runs hotter in service (100°C vs 55°C continuous). On the shop floor, PHB machines more easily (good vs poor), PBSA welds better (excellent vs fair), and PBSA sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than PHB (premium, $$$).
PBSAChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
PHBChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
PBSA vs PHB: 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)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore A
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Tear Strength
Compressive Strength
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Same in both: Water Absorption (24 h) 0.4%
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
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 0.2 W/m·K0.12 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Limiting Oxygen Index 21%
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Same in both: Dielectric Strength 20 kV/mm508 V/mil
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: Typical Recycled Content 0%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 0.1 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 | PBSA | PHB |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PBSA vs PHB — frequently asked
Is PHB stronger than PBSA?
Yes. PHB has a typical yield strength of 35 MPa (5.08 ksi) against 13 MPa (1.89 ksi) for PBSA — about 169% more. Tensile strength is 36 MPa (5.22 ksi) vs 22 MPa (3.19 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PBSA or PHB?
PBSA is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while PHB is premium ($$$). 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, PBSA or PHB?
PHB. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against poor (25/100) for PBSA; for welding the order is PBSA first (excellent, 88/100) then PHB (fair, 50/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PBSA and PHB 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.