PVC-M vs PVC-O
Polymer · grade comparison
PVC-M and PVC-O are both polymer grades. PVC-O is the stronger of the two: yield strength 58 MPa (8.41 ksi) against 44 MPa (6.38 ksi) for PVC-M, about 32% more; tensile strength follows at 78 MPa (11.3 ksi) vs 47 MPa (6.82 ksi). In exchange, PVC-M is the more ductile: elongation 100% versus 90% for PVC-O. PVC-O is stiffer (3.8 GPa vs 2.7 GPa) and PVC-M runs hotter in service (60°C vs 45°C continuous). On the shop floor, PVC-M welds better (very good vs poor) and PVC-M sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than PVC-O (standard, $$).
PVC-MChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
PVC-OChoose it when strength drives the design.
PVC-M vs PVC-O: 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
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M
Hardness, Rockwell R
Same in both: Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 4.5 MPa·√m4.1 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Same in both: Density 1.4 g/cm³0.05 lb/in³
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
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
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 0.16 W/m·K0.09 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Surface Resistivity
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹³ Ω·m3.94×10²⁰ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 25 kV/mm635 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 3.1 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω·cm
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.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
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 | PVC-M | PVC-O |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PVC-M vs PVC-O — frequently asked
Is PVC-O stronger than PVC-M?
Yes. PVC-O has a typical yield strength of 58 MPa (8.41 ksi) against 44 MPa (6.38 ksi) for PVC-M — about 32% more. Tensile strength is 78 MPa (11.3 ksi) vs 47 MPa (6.82 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PVC-M or PVC-O?
PVC-M is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while PVC-O 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, PVC-M or PVC-O?
PVC-M, by a small margin. Both rate very good for machinability — 78/100 against 70/100 for PVC-O; for welding the order is PVC-M first (very good, 80/100) then PVC-O (poor, 25/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PVC-M and PVC-O 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.