PCL vs PLA
Polymer · grade comparison
PCL and PLA are both polymer grades. PLA is the stronger of the two: yield strength 48 MPa (6.96 ksi) against 13 MPa (1.89 ksi) for PCL, about 3.7 times as much; tensile strength follows at 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) vs 22 MPa (3.19 ksi). In exchange, PCL is the more ductile: elongation 600% versus 5% for PLA, and PLA is harder (83 Shore D vs 53 Shore D). PCL is lighter (1.15 g/cm³ vs 1.24 g/cm³ for PLA) and PLA is stiffer (3.4 GPa vs 0.35 GPa). On the shop floor, PLA machines more easily (good vs poor), PCL welds better (excellent vs very good), and PLA sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than PCL (premium, $$$).
PCLChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PLAChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
PCL vs PLA: 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 R
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Same in both: Water Absorption (Saturation) 1%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
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: Specific Heat Capacity 1,800 J/kg·K0.43 BTU/lb·°F · Limiting Oxygen Index 20%
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Volume Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 3
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
UV / Weathering Resistance
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 55 / 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)
Typical Recycled Content
Embodied Water
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 | PCL | PLA |
|---|---|---|
| 3D printing | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | Standard |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $ Budget |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
| Conductive Coating | — | Yes |
| Dyeing (Nylon) | — | Yes |
| EMI Shielding Coating | — | Yes |
| Painting | — | Yes |
| Primer Coating | — | Yes |
| Soft Touch Coating | — | Yes |
| Tinted Coating | — | Yes |
| UV Coating | — | Yes |
| Vacuum Metallization | — | Yes |
| Waterproof Coating | — | Yes |
PCL vs PLA — frequently asked
Is PLA stronger than PCL?
Yes. PLA has a typical yield strength of 48 MPa (6.96 ksi) against 13 MPa (1.89 ksi) for PCL — about 3.7 times as much. Tensile strength is 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) vs 22 MPa (3.19 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PCL or PLA?
PLA is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget 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 PLA?
PLA. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against poor (25/100) for PCL; for welding the order is PCL first (excellent, 90/100) then PLA (very good, 70/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PCL and PLA 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.