PC-Medical vs PC-Si
Polymer · grade comparison
PC-Medical and PC-Si are both polymer grades. PC-Medical is the stronger of the two: yield strength 62 MPa (8.99 ksi) against 58 MPa (8.41 ksi) for PC-Si, about 7% more; tensile strength follows at 68 MPa (9.86 ksi) vs 60 MPa (8.7 ksi). PC-Medical is stiffer (2.4 GPa vs 2.2 GPa). On the shop floor, PC-Medical forms better (very good vs good).
PC-MedicalChoose it when strength drives the design.
PC-Medical vs PC-Si: 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M
Hardness, Rockwell R
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 3 GPa0.49 Msi · Shear Strength 40 MPa5.8 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Same in both: Water Absorption (24 h) 0.15% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 0.35%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Min Service Temperature
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 0.2 W/m·K0.12 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 1,200 J/kg·K0.29 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 68 µm/m·K37.8 µin/in·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 115°C239 °F · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 145°C293 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 25 kV/mm635 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 2.9 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.01 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 250 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.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Machinability 60 / 100 · Mold Shrinkage 0.6%
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Same in both: Embodied Water 250 L/kg30 gal/lb · 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 | PC-Medical | PC-Si |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PC-Medical vs PC-Si — frequently asked
Is PC-Medical stronger than PC-Si?
Yes. PC-Medical has a typical yield strength of 62 MPa (8.99 ksi) against 58 MPa (8.41 ksi) for PC-Si — about 7% more. Tensile strength is 68 MPa (9.86 ksi) vs 60 MPa (8.7 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PC-Medical or PC-Si?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$, premium); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, PC-Medical or PC-Si?
PC-Medical. Its weldability rates very good (75/100) against very good (70/100) for PC-Si.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PC-Medical and PC-Si 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.