PCTFE vs PVDF
Polymer · grade comparison
PCTFE and PVDF are both polymer grades. PVDF is the stronger of the two: yield strength 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) against 34 MPa (4.93 ksi) for PCTFE, about 47% more; tensile strength follows at 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) vs 37 MPa (5.37 ksi). In exchange, PCTFE is the more ductile: elongation 110% versus 60% for PVDF. PVDF is lighter (1.78 g/cm³ vs 2.12 g/cm³ for PCTFE) and PVDF is stiffer (2.1 GPa vs 1.5 GPa). On the shop floor, PVDF welds better (excellent vs poor) and PVDF sits in a lower cost tier (high, $$$$) than PCTFE (specialty, $$$$$).
PCTFEChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
PVDFChoose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
PCTFE vs PVDF: 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, Rockwell R
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Hardness, Rockwell M
Same in both: Hardness, Shore D 78 Shore D
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
Same in both: 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.)
Melt Flow Rate
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 | PVDF |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Unfilled | Unfilled |
| Relative cost | $$$$$ Specialty | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | Ra 0.8 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining, Sheet metal and Injection molding. Both take the same 6 finishes: Chrome Plating (Plastic), EMI Shielding Coating, Painting, Soft Touch Coating, Spray Painting, UV Coating.
PCTFE vs PVDF — frequently asked
Is PVDF stronger than PCTFE?
Yes. PVDF has a typical yield strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) against 34 MPa (4.93 ksi) for PCTFE — about 47% more. Tensile strength is 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) vs 37 MPa (5.37 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PCTFE or PVDF?
PVDF is the lower-cost material: it sits in the high tier ($$$$) while PCTFE is specialty ($$$$$). 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 PVDF?
PVDF, by a small margin. Both rate very good for machinability — 75/100 against 70/100 for PCTFE; for welding the order is PVDF first (excellent, 88/100) then PCTFE (poor, 20/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PCTFE and PVDF 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.