PCTFE vs PTFE
Polymer · grade comparison
PCTFE and PTFE are both polymer grades. PCTFE is the stronger of the two: yield strength 34 MPa (4.93 ksi) against 12 MPa (1.74 ksi) for PTFE, about 183% more; tensile strength follows at 37 MPa (5.37 ksi) vs 30 MPa (4.35 ksi). In exchange, PTFE is the more ductile: elongation 350% versus 110% for PCTFE, and PCTFE is harder (78 Shore D vs 56 Shore D). PCTFE is stiffer (1.5 GPa vs 0.5 GPa) and PTFE runs hotter in service (260°C vs 135°C continuous). On the shop floor, PTFE machines more easily (80 vs 70 out of 100), PCTFE welds better (poor vs not recommended), and PTFE sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than PCTFE (specialty, $$$$$).
PCTFEChoose it when strength drives the design, or when it will be welded.
PTFEChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
PCTFE vs PTFE: 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
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Shear Modulus
Hardness, Shore A
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Refractive Index
Same in both: Water Absorption (Saturation) 0.01%
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)
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Limiting Oxygen Index 95%
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·m3.94×10²³ µΩ·in · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁸ Ω·cm · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600 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.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
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 | PCTFE | PTFE |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Unfilled | Virgin |
| Relative cost | $$$$$ Specialty | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | Ra 0.8 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining, Sheet metal and Injection molding. Both take the same 6 finishes: Chrome Plating (Plastic), EMI Shielding Coating, Painting, Soft Touch Coating, Spray Painting, UV Coating.
PCTFE vs PTFE — frequently asked
Is PCTFE stronger than PTFE?
Yes. PCTFE has a typical yield strength of 34 MPa (4.93 ksi) against 12 MPa (1.74 ksi) for PTFE — about 183% more. Tensile strength is 37 MPa (5.37 ksi) vs 30 MPa (4.35 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PCTFE or PTFE?
PTFE is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while PCTFE is specialty ($$$$$). 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, PCTFE or PTFE?
PTFE, by a small margin. Both rate very good for machinability — 80/100 against 70/100 for PCTFE; for welding the order is PCTFE first (poor, 20/100) then PTFE (not recommended, 10/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PCTFE and PTFE 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.