PVC-O vs PVDC
Polymer · grade comparison
PVC-O and PVDC are both polymer grades. PVC-O is the stronger of the two: yield strength 58 MPa (8.41 ksi) against 18 MPa (2.61 ksi) for PVDC, about 3.2 times as much; tensile strength follows at 78 MPa (11.3 ksi) vs 34 MPa (4.93 ksi). PVC-O is the more ductile: elongation 90% versus 80% for PVDC, and PVC-O is harder (82 Shore D vs 65 Shore D). PVC-O is lighter (1.4 g/cm³ vs 1.68 g/cm³ for PVDC) and PVC-O is stiffer (3.8 GPa vs 0.5 GPa). On the shop floor, PVC-O machines more easily (very good vs poor), PVDC welds better (excellent vs poor), and PVC-O sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than PVDC (premium, $$$).
PVC-OChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
PVDCChoose it when the part sees heat, or when it will be welded.
PVC-O vs PVDC: 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Tear Strength
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Melting Temperature (Tm)
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
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (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
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Shrinkage
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 0%
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-O | PVDC |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PVC-O vs PVDC — frequently asked
Is PVC-O stronger than PVDC?
Yes. PVC-O has a typical yield strength of 58 MPa (8.41 ksi) against 18 MPa (2.61 ksi) for PVDC — about 3.2 times as much. Tensile strength is 78 MPa (11.3 ksi) vs 34 MPa (4.93 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PVC-O or PVDC?
PVC-O is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while PVDC is premium ($$$). 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-O or PVDC?
PVC-O. Its machinability rates very good (70/100) against poor (30/100) for PVDC; for welding the order is PVDC first (excellent, 85/100) then PVC-O (poor, 25/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PVC-O and PVDC 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.