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PHBH vs PHBV

Polymer · grade comparison

PHBH and PHBV are both polymer grades. PHBV is the stronger of the two: yield strength 25 MPa (3.63 ksi) against 18 MPa (2.61 ksi) for PHBH, about 39% more; tensile strength follows at 27 MPa (3.92 ksi) vs 23 MPa (3.34 ksi). In exchange, PHBH is the more ductile: elongation 150% versus 8% for PHBV, and PHBV is harder (75 Shore D vs 58 Shore D). PHBH is lighter (1.2 g/cm³ vs 1.25 g/cm³ for PHBV) and PHBV is stiffer (1.8 GPa vs 0.8 GPa). On the shop floor, PHBV machines more easily (good vs fair) and PHBH welds better (very good vs good).

PHBHChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.

PHBVChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.

PHBH vs PHBV: properties

PHBHPHBV

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

0.8 GPa0.12 Msi
1.8 GPa0.26 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.4
0.35

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

23 MPa3.3 ksi
27 MPa3.9 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

18 MPa2.6 ksi
25 MPa3.6 ksi

Elongation at Break

150%
8%

Flexural Strength

25 MPa3.6 ksi
42 MPa6.1 ksi

Flexural Modulus

0.85 GPa0.12 Msi
2 GPa0.29 Msi

Izod Impact, Notched

60 J/m1.1 ft·lbf/in
40 J/m0.75 ft·lbf/in

Hardness, Shore D

58 Shore D
75 Shore D

Hardness, Rockwell R

90 HRR
95 HRR

Shear Modulus

—
0.65 GPa0.09 Msi

Compressive Strength

—
45 MPa6.5 ksi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

1.2 g/cm³0.04 lb/in³
1.25 g/cm³0.05 lb/in³

Melting Temperature (Tm)

140°C284 °F
155°C311 °F

Glass Transition (Tg)

1°C34 °F
2°C36 °F

Refractive Index

—
1.5

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.

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

120 µm/m·K66.7 µin/in·°F
100 µm/m·K55.6 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

80°C176 °F
95°C203 °F

Min Service Temperature

-20°C-4 °F
-30°C-22 °F

Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa

100°C212 °F
110°C230 °F

Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa

55°C131 °F
60°C140 °F

Vicat Softening Point (B50)

95°C203 °F
140°C284 °F

Max Service Temperature (short-term)

110°C230 °F
120°C248 °F

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 0.2 W/m·K0.12 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 1,600 J/kg·K0.38 BTU/lb·°F · Limiting Oxygen Index 21%

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Dielectric Strength

20 kV/mm508 V/mil
22 kV/mm559 V/mil

Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)

0.02
0.01

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

35 / 100
40 / 100

Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 60 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

45 / 100
55 / 100

Weldability

70 / 100
55 / 100

Formability (cold)

60 / 100
35 / 100

Polishability

40 / 100
45 / 100

Mold Shrinkage

1.5%
1.4%

Melt Flow Rate

8 g/10 min
10 g/10 min

Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)

160°C320 °F
170°C338 °F

Mold Temperature (typ.)

50°C122 °F
55°C131 °F

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

2 kg CO₂/kg
2.5 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

350 L/kg41.9 gal/lb
400 L/kg47.9 gal/lb

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 55 MJ/kg23,646 BTU/lb · Typical Recycled Content 0%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

19 kN·m/kg
22 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

0.7 MN·m/kg
1.4 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

203 kJ/m³
174 kJ/m³

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.

0.1110100123Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scalePHBVPHBH

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityPHBHPHBV
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$ Premium$$$ Premium
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

PHBH vs PHBV — frequently asked

Is PHBV stronger than PHBH?

Yes. PHBV has a typical yield strength of 25 MPa (3.63 ksi) against 18 MPa (2.61 ksi) for PHBH — about 39% more. Tensile strength is 27 MPa (3.92 ksi) vs 23 MPa (3.34 ksi).

Which is cheaper, PHBH 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 is easier to machine, PHBH or PHBV?

PHBV. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (45/100) for PHBH; for welding the order is PHBH first (very good, 70/100) then PHBV (good, 55/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PHBH 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.