PP-C vs TPO
Polymer · grade comparison
PP-C and TPO are both polymer grades. PP-C is the stronger of the two: yield strength 25 MPa (3.63 ksi) against 12 MPa (1.74 ksi) for TPO, about 108% more; tensile strength follows at 26 MPa (3.77 ksi) vs 15 MPa (2.18 ksi). In exchange, TPO is the more ductile: elongation 400% versus 350% for PP-C, and PP-C is harder (67 Shore D vs 45 Shore D). PP-C is stiffer (1.1 GPa vs 0.6 GPa). On the shop floor, PP-C machines more easily (good vs fair) and PP-C sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than TPO (standard, $$).
PP-CChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
TPOChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
PP-C vs TPO: 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
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Hardness, Shore A
Tear Strength
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Same in both: Water Absorption (24 h) 0.02%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 0.2 W/m·K0.12 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 1,900 J/kg·K0.45 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 110 µm/m·K61.1 µin/in·°F · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 120°C248 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 25 kV/mm635 V/mil · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
UV / Weathering Resistance
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 90 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Mold Temperature (typ.) 40°C104 °F
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)
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 | PP-C | TPO |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PP-C vs TPO — frequently asked
Is PP-C stronger than TPO?
Yes. PP-C has a typical yield strength of 25 MPa (3.63 ksi) against 12 MPa (1.74 ksi) for TPO — about 108% more. Tensile strength is 26 MPa (3.77 ksi) vs 15 MPa (2.18 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PP-C or TPO?
PP-C is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while TPO is standard ($$). 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, PP-C or TPO?
PP-C. Its machinability rates good (65/100) against fair (50/100) for TPO; for welding the order is PP-C first (excellent, 88/100) then TPO (very good, 80/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PP-C and TPO 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.