PLLA vs TPS
Polymer · grade comparison
PLLA and TPS are both polymer grades. PLLA is the stronger of the two: yield strength 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) against 6 MPa (0.87 ksi) for TPS, about 10 times as much; tensile strength follows at 62 MPa (8.99 ksi) vs 8 MPa (1.16 ksi). In exchange, TPS is the more ductile: elongation 60% versus 4% for PLLA, and PLLA is harder (83 Shore D vs 48 Shore D). PLLA is lighter (1.26 g/cm³ vs 1.32 g/cm³ for TPS) and PLLA is stiffer (3.5 GPa vs 0.25 GPa). On the shop floor, PLLA machines more easily (good vs fair), PLLA welds better (very good vs good), and TPS sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than PLLA (premium, $$$).
PLLAChoose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
TPSChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when cost is the deciding factor.
PLLA vs TPS: 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)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Hardness, Shore A
Tear Strength
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
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
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F · Vicat Softening Point (B50) 60°C140 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface 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)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Melt Flow Rate 8 g/10 min · Mold Temperature (typ.) 30°C86 °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 | PLLA | TPS |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PLLA vs TPS — frequently asked
Is PLLA stronger than TPS?
Yes. PLLA has a typical yield strength of 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) against 6 MPa (0.87 ksi) for TPS — about 10 times as much. Tensile strength is 62 MPa (8.99 ksi) vs 8 MPa (1.16 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PLLA or TPS?
TPS is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while PLLA is premium ($$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, PLLA or TPS?
PLLA. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against fair (40/100) for TPS; for welding the order is PLLA first (very good, 75/100) then TPS (good, 65/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PLLA and TPS 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.