PCL vs PET
Polymer · grade comparison
PCL and PET are both polymer grades. PET is the stronger of the two: yield strength 80 MPa (11.6 ksi) against 13 MPa (1.89 ksi) for PCL, about 6.2 times as much; tensile strength follows at 82 MPa (11.9 ksi) vs 22 MPa (3.19 ksi). In exchange, PCL is the more ductile: elongation 600% versus 20% for PET, and PET is harder (85 Shore D vs 53 Shore D). PCL is lighter (1.15 g/cm³ vs 1.39 g/cm³ for PET) and PET is stiffer (3.1 GPa vs 0.35 GPa). On the shop floor, PET machines more easily (very good vs poor), PCL welds better (excellent vs fair), and PET sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than PCL (premium, $$$).
PCLChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PETChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
PCL vs PET: 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
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Rockwell M
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
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Surface Resistivity
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
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
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Mold Shrinkage 2%
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Embodied Water
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 | PCL | PET |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | — | Yes |
| Sheet metal | — | Yes |
| Injection molding | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | Unfilled |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | — | Ra 0.8 µm |
| Chrome Plating (Plastic) | — | Yes |
| EMI Shielding Coating | — | Yes |
| Painting | — | Yes |
| Soft Touch Coating | — | Yes |
| Spray Painting | — | Yes |
| UV Coating | — | Yes |
PCL vs PET — frequently asked
Is PET stronger than PCL?
Yes. PET has a typical yield strength of 80 MPa (11.6 ksi) against 13 MPa (1.89 ksi) for PCL — about 6.2 times as much. Tensile strength is 82 MPa (11.9 ksi) vs 22 MPa (3.19 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PCL or PET?
PET 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, PCL or PET?
PET. Its machinability rates very good (78/100) against poor (25/100) for PCL; for welding the order is PCL first (excellent, 90/100) then PET (fair, 45/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PCL and PET 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.