PMI Foam vs PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell)
Polymer · grade comparison
PMI Foam and PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) are both polymer grades. PMI Foam is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 2 MPa (0.319 ksi) against 0.55 MPa (0.0798 ksi) for PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell), about 4.0 times as much. In exchange, PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) is the more ductile: elongation 150% versus 3% for PMI Foam. PMI Foam is lighter (0.08 g/cm³ vs 0.1 g/cm³ for PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell)) and PMI Foam is stiffer (0.09 GPa vs 0 GPa). On the shop floor, PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than PMI Foam (high, $$$$).
PMI FoamChoose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell)Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when cost is the deciding factor.
PMI Foam vs PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell): 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.
PMI FoamPVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell)
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Shear Strength
Hardness, Shore A
Tear Strength
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.3
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
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)
Min Service Temperature
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Electrical Resistivity
Volume Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
UV / Weathering Resistance
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Weldability
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Embodied Water
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 0.3 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 | PMI Foam | PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PMI Foam vs PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) — frequently asked
Is PMI Foam stronger than PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell)?
Yes. PMI Foam has a typical tensile strength of 2 MPa (0.319 ksi) against 0.55 MPa (0.0798 ksi) for PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) — about 4.0 times as much.
Which is cheaper, PMI Foam or PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell)?
PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while PMI Foam is high ($$$$). 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, PMI Foam or PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell)?
PMI Foam. Its machinability rates excellent (85/100) against very good (78/100) for PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PMI Foam and PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) 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.