PBT vs PCL
Polymer · grade comparison
PBT and PCL are both polymer grades. PBT is the stronger of the two: yield strength 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) against 13 MPa (1.89 ksi) for PCL, about 4.2 times as much; tensile strength follows at 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) vs 22 MPa (3.19 ksi). In exchange, PCL is the more ductile: elongation 600% versus 100% for PBT, and PBT is harder (82 Shore D vs 53 Shore D). PCL is lighter (1.15 g/cm³ vs 1.31 g/cm³ for PBT) and PBT is stiffer (2.6 GPa vs 0.35 GPa). On the shop floor, PBT machines more easily (good vs poor), PCL welds better (excellent vs very good), and PBT sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than PCL (premium, $$$).
PBTChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
PCLChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PBT vs PCL: 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 D
Hardness, Rockwell M
Hardness, Rockwell R
Hardness, Shore A
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
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
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: UV / Weathering Resistance 35 / 100
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)
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 0.1 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 | PBT | PCL |
|---|---|---|
| Injection molding | Yes | — |
| Default condition | Unfilled | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
| Chrome Plating (Plastic) | Yes | — |
| EMI Shielding Coating | Yes | — |
| Soft Touch Coating | Yes | — |
| Spray Painting | Yes | — |
| UV Coating | Yes | — |
PBT vs PCL — frequently asked
Is PBT stronger than PCL?
Yes. PBT has a typical yield strength of 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) against 13 MPa (1.89 ksi) for PCL — about 4.2 times as much. Tensile strength is 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) vs 22 MPa (3.19 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PBT or PCL?
PBT is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while PCL is premium ($$$). 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, PBT or PCL?
PBT. Its machinability rates good (68/100) against poor (25/100) for PCL; for welding the order is PCL first (excellent, 90/100) then PBT (very good, 70/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PBT and PCL 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.