PI Foam vs PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core)
Polymer · grade comparison
PI Foam and PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core) are both polymer grades. PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core) is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 3 MPa (0.363 ksi) against 0.06 MPa (0.0087 ksi) for PI Foam, about 42 times as much. In exchange, PI Foam is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 10% for PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core). PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core) is stiffer (0.1 GPa vs 3×10⁻⁴ GPa) and PI Foam runs hotter in service (300°C vs 70°C continuous). On the shop floor, PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core) machines more easily (excellent vs good) and PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core) welds better (poor vs not recommended).
PI FoamChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core)Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
PI Foam vs PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core): 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.
PI FoamPVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core)
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Tear Strength
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Shear Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Glass Transition (Tg)
Density
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
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)
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 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 | PI Foam | PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core) |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PI Foam vs PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core) — frequently asked
Is PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core) stronger than PI Foam?
Yes. PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core) has a typical tensile strength of 3 MPa (0.363 ksi) against 0.06 MPa (0.0087 ksi) for PI Foam — about 42 times as much.
Which is cheaper, PI Foam or PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core)?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, PI Foam or PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core)?
PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core). Its machinability rates excellent (90/100) against good (55/100) for PI Foam; for welding the order is PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core) first (poor, 15/100) then PI Foam (not recommended, 5/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PI Foam and PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core) 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.