Torlon 4203 vs Ultem 1000
Polymer · grade comparison
Torlon 4203 and Ultem 1000 are both polymer grades. Torlon 4203 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 185 MPa (26.8 ksi) against 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) for Ultem 1000, about 76% more; tensile strength follows at 192 MPa (27.8 ksi) vs 105 MPa (15.2 ksi). In exchange, Ultem 1000 is the more ductile: elongation 60% versus 15% for Torlon 4203. Ultem 1000 is lighter (1.27 g/cm³ vs 1.42 g/cm³ for Torlon 4203) and Torlon 4203 is stiffer (4.5 GPa vs 3.2 GPa). On the shop floor, Ultem 1000 machines more easily (65 vs 55 out of 100) and Ultem 1000 welds better (good vs not recommended).
Torlon 4203Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Ultem 1000Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
Torlon 4203 vs Ultem 1000: 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
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Hardness, Rockwell R
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
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
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Surface 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
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Melt Flow Rate
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 0.2 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 | Torlon 4203 | Ultem 1000 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Torlon 4203 vs Ultem 1000 — frequently asked
Is Torlon 4203 stronger than Ultem 1000?
Yes. Torlon 4203 has a typical yield strength of 185 MPa (26.8 ksi) against 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) for Ultem 1000 — about 76% more. Tensile strength is 192 MPa (27.8 ksi) vs 105 MPa (15.2 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Torlon 4203 or Ultem 1000?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, Torlon 4203 or Ultem 1000?
Ultem 1000, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 65/100 against 55/100 for Torlon 4203; for welding the order is Ultem 1000 first (good, 60/100) then Torlon 4203 (not recommended, 3/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Torlon 4203 and Ultem 1000 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.