PHBH vs PLLA
Polymer · grade comparison
PHBH and PLLA are both polymer grades. PLLA is the stronger of the two: yield strength 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) against 18 MPa (2.61 ksi) for PHBH, about 3.3 times as much; tensile strength follows at 62 MPa (8.99 ksi) vs 23 MPa (3.34 ksi). In exchange, PHBH is the more ductile: elongation 150% versus 4% for PLLA, and PLLA is harder (83 Shore D vs 58 Shore D). PHBH is lighter (1.2 g/cm³ vs 1.26 g/cm³ for PLLA) and PLLA is stiffer (3.5 GPa vs 0.8 GPa). On the shop floor, PLLA machines more easily (good vs fair).
PHBHChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PLLAChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
PHBH vs PLLA: 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
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
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 Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F · Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa 55°C131 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 3
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
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Melt Flow Rate 8 g/10 min
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 | PHBH | PLLA |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PHBH vs PLLA — frequently asked
Is PLLA stronger than PHBH?
Yes. PLLA has a typical yield strength of 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) against 18 MPa (2.61 ksi) for PHBH — about 3.3 times as much. Tensile strength is 62 MPa (8.99 ksi) vs 23 MPa (3.34 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PHBH or PLLA?
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 PLLA?
PLLA. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against fair (45/100) for PHBH; for welding the order is PLLA first (very good, 75/100) then PHBH (very good, 70/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PHBH and PLLA 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.