PVC-P vs PVDC
Polymer · grade comparison
PVC-P and PVDC are both polymer grades. PVDC is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 34 MPa (4.93 ksi) against 16 MPa (2.32 ksi) for PVC-P, about 113% more. In exchange, PVC-P is the more ductile: elongation 300% versus 80% for PVDC, and PVDC is harder (65 Shore D vs 30 Shore D). PVC-P is lighter (1.25 g/cm³ vs 1.68 g/cm³ for PVDC) and PVDC is stiffer (0.5 GPa vs 0.03 GPa). On the shop floor, PVC-P sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than PVDC (premium, $$$).
PVC-PChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PVDCChoose it when strength drives the design.
PVC-P 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)
Elongation at Break
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Hardness, Shore A
Hardness, Shore D
Tear Strength
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Rockwell R
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Melting Temperature (Tm)
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
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (short-term) 100°C212 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
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)
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 0.1 mm²/s
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-P | PVDC |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PVC-P vs PVDC — frequently asked
Is PVDC stronger than PVC-P?
Yes. PVDC has a typical tensile strength of 34 MPa (4.93 ksi) against 16 MPa (2.32 ksi) for PVC-P — about 113% more.
Which is cheaper, PVC-P or PVDC?
PVC-P is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget 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-P or PVDC?
PVC-P. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (30/100) for PVDC; for welding the order is PVC-P first (excellent, 90/100) then PVDC (excellent, 85/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PVC-P 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.