PDLLA vs PHB
Polymer · grade comparison
PDLLA and PHB are both polymer grades. PDLLA is the stronger of the two: yield strength 48 MPa (6.96 ksi) against 35 MPa (5.08 ksi) for PHB, about 37% more; tensile strength follows at 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) vs 36 MPa (5.22 ksi). PHB is stiffer (3.5 GPa vs 3 GPa) and PHB runs hotter in service (100°C vs 45°C continuous). On the shop floor, PDLLA forms better (fair vs poor) and PHB sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than PDLLA (high, $$$$).
PDLLAChoose it when strength drives the design.
PHBChoose it when the part sees heat, or when cost is the deciding factor.
PDLLA vs PHB: 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)
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Same in both: Elongation at Break 5% · Flexural Modulus 3.3 GPa0.48 Msi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Light Transmission
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Same in both: Density 1.25 g/cm³0.05 lb/in³ · Refractive Index 1.46
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
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,500 J/kg·K0.36 BTU/lb·°F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Same in both: Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 3
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.)
Same in both: Melt Flow Rate 10 g/10 min
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.2 kg CO₂/kg · 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 | PDLLA | PHB |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PDLLA vs PHB — frequently asked
Is PDLLA stronger than PHB?
Yes. PDLLA has a typical yield strength of 48 MPa (6.96 ksi) against 35 MPa (5.08 ksi) for PHB — about 37% more. Tensile strength is 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) vs 36 MPa (5.22 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PDLLA or PHB?
PHB is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while PDLLA is high ($$$$). 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, PDLLA or PHB?
PDLLA, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 60/100 against 55/100 for PHB; for welding the order is PDLLA first (good, 55/100) then PHB (fair, 50/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PDLLA and PHB 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.