PHB vs PHBH
Polymer · grade comparison
PHB and PHBH are both polymer grades. PHB is the stronger of the two: yield strength 35 MPa (5.08 ksi) against 18 MPa (2.61 ksi) for PHBH, about 94% more; tensile strength follows at 36 MPa (5.22 ksi) vs 23 MPa (3.34 ksi). In exchange, PHBH is the more ductile: elongation 150% versus 5% for PHB, and PHB is harder (78 Shore D vs 58 Shore D). PHBH is lighter (1.2 g/cm³ vs 1.25 g/cm³ for PHB) and PHB is stiffer (3.5 GPa vs 0.8 GPa). On the shop floor, PHB machines more easily (good vs fair) and PHBH welds better (very good vs fair).
PHBChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
PHBHChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PHB vs PHBH: 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
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Refractive Index
Same in both: Water Absorption (24 h) 0.4% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 1%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
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)
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 0.2 W/m·K0.12 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Limiting Oxygen Index 21%
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹³ Ω·m3.94×10²⁰ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 20 kV/mm508 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 3 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω·cm
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
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Mold Shrinkage 1.5%
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 | PHB | PHBH |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PHB vs PHBH — frequently asked
Is PHB stronger than PHBH?
Yes. PHB has a typical yield strength of 35 MPa (5.08 ksi) against 18 MPa (2.61 ksi) for PHBH — about 94% more. Tensile strength is 36 MPa (5.22 ksi) vs 23 MPa (3.34 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PHB or PHBH?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$, premium); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, PHB or PHBH?
PHB. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (45/100) for PHBH; for welding the order is PHBH first (very good, 70/100) then PHB (fair, 50/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PHB and PHBH 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.