PVC-U vs PVDC
Polymer · grade comparison
PVC-U and PVDC are both polymer grades. PVC-U is the stronger of the two: yield strength 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) against 18 MPa (2.61 ksi) for PVDC, about 189% more; tensile strength follows at 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) vs 34 MPa (4.93 ksi). In exchange, PVDC is the more ductile: elongation 80% versus 25% for PVC-U, and PVC-U is harder (82 Shore D vs 65 Shore D). PVC-U is lighter (1.42 g/cm³ vs 1.68 g/cm³ for PVDC) and PVC-U is stiffer (3 GPa vs 0.5 GPa). On the shop floor, PVC-U machines more easily (very good vs poor) and PVC-U sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than PVDC (premium, $$$).
PVC-UChoose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
PVDCChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
PVC-U 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
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
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M
Hardness, Rockwell R
Tear Strength
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Light Transmission
Same in both: Water Absorption (24 h) 0.05%
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
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)
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-U | PVDC |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PVC-U vs PVDC — frequently asked
Is PVC-U stronger than PVDC?
Yes. PVC-U has a typical yield strength of 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) against 18 MPa (2.61 ksi) for PVDC — about 189% more. Tensile strength is 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) vs 34 MPa (4.93 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PVC-U or PVDC?
PVC-U 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-U or PVDC?
PVC-U. Its machinability rates very good (80/100) against poor (30/100) for PVDC; for welding the order is PVC-U first (excellent, 90/100) then PVDC (excellent, 85/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PVC-U 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.