PDLA vs TPS
Polymer · grade comparison
PDLA and TPS are both polymer grades. PDLA is the stronger of the two: yield strength 58 MPa (8.41 ksi) against 6 MPa (0.87 ksi) for TPS, about 9.7 times as much; tensile strength follows at 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) vs 8 MPa (1.16 ksi). In exchange, TPS is the more ductile: elongation 60% versus 4% for PDLA, and PDLA is harder (83 Shore D vs 48 Shore D). PDLA is lighter (1.25 g/cm³ vs 1.32 g/cm³ for TPS) and PDLA is stiffer (3.3 GPa vs 0.25 GPa). On the shop floor, PDLA machines more easily (good vs fair) and TPS sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than PDLA (high, $$$$).
PDLAChoose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
TPSChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when cost is the deciding factor.
PDLA vs TPS: 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
Bulk 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
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Hardness, Shore A
Tear Strength
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)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 50°C122 °F · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: UV / Weathering Resistance 35 / 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.)
Same in both: Mold Temperature (typ.) 30°C86 °F
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 | PDLA | TPS |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PDLA vs TPS — frequently asked
Is PDLA stronger than TPS?
Yes. PDLA has a typical yield strength of 58 MPa (8.41 ksi) against 6 MPa (0.87 ksi) for TPS — about 9.7 times as much. Tensile strength is 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) vs 8 MPa (1.16 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PDLA or TPS?
TPS is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while PDLA is high ($$$$). 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, PDLA or TPS?
PDLA. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against fair (40/100) for TPS; for welding the order is TPS first (good, 65/100) then PDLA (good, 60/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PDLA and TPS 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.