PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core) vs XPS 300
Polymer · grade comparison
PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core) and XPS 300 are both polymer grades. PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core) is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1 MPa (0.174 ksi) against 0.3 MPa (0.0435 ksi) for XPS 300, about 4.0 times as much; tensile strength follows at 3 MPa (0.363 ksi) vs 0.45 MPa (0.0653 ksi). PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core) is the more ductile: elongation 10% versus 3% for XPS 300. XPS 300 is lighter (0.04 g/cm³ vs 0.08 g/cm³ for PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core)) and PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core) is stiffer (0.1 GPa vs 0.02 GPa). On the shop floor, XPS 300 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core) (high, $$$$).
PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core)Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
XPS 300Choose it when weight is the constraint, or when cost is the deciding factor.
PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core) vs XPS 300: 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.
PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core)XPS 300
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
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
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
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Volume 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
Formability (cold)
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Weldability 15 / 100
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)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: 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 | PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core) | XPS 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core) vs XPS 300 — frequently asked
Is PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core) stronger than XPS 300?
Yes. PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core) has a typical yield strength of 1 MPa (0.174 ksi) against 0.3 MPa (0.0435 ksi) for XPS 300 — about 4.0 times as much. Tensile strength is 3 MPa (0.363 ksi) vs 0.45 MPa (0.0653 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core) or XPS 300?
XPS 300 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core) is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
When should I choose PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core) over XPS 300?
Pick PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core) when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick XPS 300 when weight is the constraint, or when cost is the deciding factor.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PVC Foam (Rigid, Structural Core) and XPS 300 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.