PI vs PPS
Polymer · grade comparison
PI and PPS are both polymer grades, both high performance plastic. PI is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 86 MPa (12.5 ksi) against 78 MPa (11.3 ksi) for PPS, about 10% more. PI is the more ductile: elongation 7.5% versus 5% for PPS. PPS is lighter (1.35 g/cm³ vs 1.43 g/cm³ for PI) and PPS is stiffer (3.8 GPa vs 3 GPa). On the shop floor, PPS welds better (poor vs not recommended).
PIChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
PPSChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when it will be welded.
PI vs PPS: 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
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Rockwell M
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Hardness, Rockwell R
Same in both: Hardness, Shore D 88 Shore D
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Specific Heat Capacity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 0.29 W/m·K0.17 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 52 µm/m·K28.9 µin/in·°F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω
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
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Formability (cold) 15 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 0.2 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 | PI | PPS |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Unfilled | Unfilled |
| Relative cost | $$$$$ Specialty | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | Ra 0.8 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining, Sheet metal and Injection molding. Both take the same 6 finishes: Chrome Plating (Plastic), EMI Shielding Coating, Painting, Soft Touch Coating, Spray Painting, UV Coating.
PI vs PPS — frequently asked
Is PI stronger than PPS?
Yes. PI has a typical tensile strength of 86 MPa (12.5 ksi) against 78 MPa (11.3 ksi) for PPS — about 10% more.
Which is cheaper, PI or PPS?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$$, specialty); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, PI or PPS?
PI, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 65/100 against 60/100 for PPS; for welding the order is PPS first (poor, 30/100) then PI (not recommended, 5/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PI and PPS 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.