PPS vs PSU
Polymer · grade comparison
PPS and PSU are both polymer grades, both high performance plastic. PPS is the stronger of the two: yield strength 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) against 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) for PSU, about 7% more; tensile strength follows at 78 MPa (11.3 ksi) vs 71 MPa (10.3 ksi). In exchange, PSU is the more ductile: elongation 60% versus 5% for PPS. PSU is lighter (1.24 g/cm³ vs 1.35 g/cm³ for PPS) and PPS is stiffer (3.8 GPa vs 2.5 GPa). On the shop floor, PSU welds better (good vs poor) and PSU sits in a lower cost tier (high, $$$$) than PPS (specialty, $$$$$).
PPSChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
PSUChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PPS vs PSU: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M
Hardness, Rockwell R
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.37
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)
Min Service Temperature
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
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
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Melt Flow Rate
Same in both: Mold Temperature (typ.) 140°C284 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 0.2 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 | PPS | PSU |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Unfilled | Medical Grade |
| Relative cost | $$$$$ Specialty | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | Ra 0.8 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining, Sheet metal and Injection molding. Both take the same 6 finishes: Chrome Plating (Plastic), EMI Shielding Coating, Painting, Soft Touch Coating, Spray Painting, UV Coating.
PPS vs PSU — frequently asked
Is PPS stronger than PSU?
Yes. PPS has a typical yield strength of 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) against 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) for PSU — about 7% more. Tensile strength is 78 MPa (11.3 ksi) vs 71 MPa (10.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PPS or PSU?
PSU is the lower-cost material: it sits in the high tier ($$$$) while PPS is specialty ($$$$$). 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, PPS or PSU?
PSU, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 65/100 against 60/100 for PPS; for welding the order is PSU first (good, 60/100) then PPS (poor, 30/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PPS and PSU 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.