PHB vs PHBV
Polymer · grade comparison
PHB and PHBV are both polymer grades. PHB is the stronger of the two: yield strength 35 MPa (5.08 ksi) against 25 MPa (3.63 ksi) for PHBV, about 40% more; tensile strength follows at 36 MPa (5.22 ksi) vs 27 MPa (3.92 ksi). In exchange, PHBV is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 5% for PHB. PHB is stiffer (3.5 GPa vs 1.8 GPa).
PHBChoose it when strength drives the design.
PHBVChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
PHB vs PHBV: 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
Shear Modulus
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Refractive Index
Same in both: Density 1.25 g/cm³0.05 lb/in³ · 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)
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 · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 21%
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Strength
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹³ Ω·m3.94×10²⁰ µΩ·in · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 3 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω·cm
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
UV / Weathering Resistance
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Machinability 55 / 100 · Melt Flow Rate 10 g/10 min · Mold Temperature (typ.) 55°C131 °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 | PHB | PHBV |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PHB vs PHBV — frequently asked
Is PHB stronger than PHBV?
Yes. PHB has a typical yield strength of 35 MPa (5.08 ksi) against 25 MPa (3.63 ksi) for PHBV — about 40% more. Tensile strength is 36 MPa (5.22 ksi) vs 27 MPa (3.92 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PHB or PHBV?
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 welds better, PHB or PHBV?
PHBV. Its weldability rates good (55/100) against fair (50/100) for PHB.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PHB and PHBV 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.