PDLLA vs TPS
Polymer · grade comparison
PDLLA and TPS are both polymer grades. PDLLA is the stronger of the two: yield strength 48 MPa (6.96 ksi) against 6 MPa (0.87 ksi) for TPS, about 8.0 times as much; tensile strength follows at 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) vs 8 MPa (1.16 ksi). In exchange, TPS is the more ductile: elongation 60% versus 5% for PDLLA, and PDLLA is harder (82 Shore D vs 48 Shore D). PDLLA is lighter (1.25 g/cm³ vs 1.32 g/cm³ for TPS) and PDLLA is stiffer (3 GPa vs 0.25 GPa). On the shop floor, PDLLA machines more easily (good vs fair), TPS welds better (65 vs 55 out of 100), and TPS sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than PDLLA (high, $$$$).
PDLLAChoose 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 the part sees heat.
PDLLA 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
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
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Melting Temperature (Tm)
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)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F · Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa 55°C131 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 22%
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
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
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 | PDLLA | TPS |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PDLLA vs TPS — frequently asked
Is PDLLA stronger than TPS?
Yes. PDLLA has a typical yield strength of 48 MPa (6.96 ksi) against 6 MPa (0.87 ksi) for TPS — about 8.0 times as much. Tensile strength is 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) vs 8 MPa (1.16 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PDLLA or TPS?
TPS is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard 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 TPS?
PDLLA. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against fair (40/100) for TPS; for welding the order is TPS first (good, 65/100) then PDLLA (good, 55/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PDLLA 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.