PFA vs THV
Polymer · grade comparison
PFA and THV are both polymer grades. PFA is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) against 25 MPa (3.63 ksi) for THV, about 20% more. In exchange, THV is the more ductile: elongation 500% versus 330% for PFA, and PFA is harder (60 Shore D vs 54 Shore D). THV is lighter (1.97 g/cm³ vs 2.15 g/cm³ for PFA) and PFA is stiffer (0.6 GPa vs 0.2 GPa). On the shop floor, PFA machines more easily (good vs fair) and THV sits in a lower cost tier (high, $$$$) than PFA (specialty, $$$$$).
PFAChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
THVChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PFA vs THV: 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
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore A
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Same in both: Light Transmission 92%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
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 1,100 J/kg·K0.26 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 130 µm/m·K72.2 µin/in·°F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Dielectric Strength 25 kV/mm635 V/mil · 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
Melt Flow Rate
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)
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 | PFA | THV |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Injection molding | Yes | — |
| Default condition | High Purity (Semiconductor) | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$$ Specialty | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | — |
| Chrome Plating (Plastic) | Yes | — |
| EMI Shielding Coating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Soft Touch Coating | Yes | — |
| Spray Painting | Yes | — |
| UV Coating | Yes | — |
PFA vs THV — frequently asked
Is PFA stronger than THV?
Yes. PFA has a typical tensile strength of 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) against 25 MPa (3.63 ksi) for THV — about 20% more.
Which is cheaper, PFA or THV?
THV is the lower-cost material: it sits in the high tier ($$$$) while PFA is specialty ($$$$$). 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, PFA or THV?
PFA. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (45/100) for THV; for welding the order is THV first (excellent, 85/100) then PFA (very good, 78/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PFA and THV 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.