SMC vs Vinyl Ester
Polymer · grade comparison
SMC and Vinyl Ester are both polymer grades. Vinyl Ester is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 84 MPa (12.2 ksi) against 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) for SMC, about 12% more. Vinyl Ester is the more ductile: elongation 5.5% versus 1.5% for SMC. Vinyl Ester is lighter (1.13 g/cm³ vs 1.85 g/cm³ for SMC) and SMC is stiffer (11 GPa vs 3.3 GPa). On the shop floor, Vinyl Ester machines more easily (good vs poor).
SMCChoose it when the part sees heat.
Vinyl EsterChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
SMC vs Vinyl Ester: 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Rockwell M
Bulk Modulus
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Shore D
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
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)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Same in both: Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.02
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
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Weldability 5 / 100 · Formability (cold) 5 / 100
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)
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 | SMC | Vinyl Ester |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
SMC vs Vinyl Ester — frequently asked
Is Vinyl Ester stronger than SMC?
Yes. Vinyl Ester has a typical tensile strength of 84 MPa (12.2 ksi) against 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) for SMC — about 12% more.
Which is cheaper, SMC or Vinyl Ester?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$, standard); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, SMC or Vinyl Ester?
Vinyl Ester. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against poor (30/100) for SMC.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in SMC and Vinyl Ester 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.