Torlon 4203 vs Ultem 2300
Polymer · grade comparison
Torlon 4203 and Ultem 2300 are both polymer grades. Torlon 4203 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 185 MPa (26.8 ksi) against 169 MPa (24.5 ksi) for Ultem 2300, about 9% more; tensile strength follows at 192 MPa (27.8 ksi) vs 169 MPa (24.5 ksi). Torlon 4203 is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 3% for Ultem 2300. Torlon 4203 is lighter (1.42 g/cm³ vs 1.51 g/cm³ for Ultem 2300) and Ultem 2300 is stiffer (9 GPa vs 4.5 GPa). On the shop floor, Ultem 2300 welds better (fair vs not recommended).
Torlon 4203Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ultem 2300Choose it when it will be welded.
Torlon 4203 vs Ultem 2300: 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
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Rockwell M
Shear Modulus
Same in both: Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 3.5 MPa·√m3.2 ksi·√in · Hardness, Shore D 90 Shore D
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
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)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,000 J/kg·K0.24 BTU/lb·°F
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
Same in both: UV / Weathering Resistance 45 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Melt Flow Rate
Same in both: Machinability 55 / 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)
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 2300 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Torlon 4203 vs Ultem 2300 — frequently asked
Is Torlon 4203 stronger than Ultem 2300?
Yes. Torlon 4203 has a typical yield strength of 185 MPa (26.8 ksi) against 169 MPa (24.5 ksi) for Ultem 2300 — about 9% more. Tensile strength is 192 MPa (27.8 ksi) vs 169 MPa (24.5 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Torlon 4203 or Ultem 2300?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, Torlon 4203 or Ultem 2300?
Ultem 2300. Its weldability rates fair (45/100) against not recommended (3/100) for Torlon 4203.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Torlon 4203 and Ultem 2300 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.