UHMW-PE vs VLDPE
Polymer · grade comparison
UHMW-PE and VLDPE are both polymer grades. UHMW-PE is the stronger of the two: yield strength 21 MPa (3.05 ksi) against 6 MPa (0.87 ksi) for VLDPE, about 3.5 times as much; tensile strength follows at 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) vs 16 MPa (2.32 ksi). In exchange, VLDPE is the more ductile: elongation 750% versus 350% for UHMW-PE, and UHMW-PE is harder (64 Shore D vs 38 Shore D). VLDPE is lighter (0.9 g/cm³ vs 0.94 g/cm³ for UHMW-PE) and UHMW-PE is stiffer (0.72 GPa vs 0.06 GPa). On the shop floor, UHMW-PE machines more easily (very good vs poor), VLDPE welds better (excellent vs poor), and VLDPE sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than UHMW-PE (standard, $$).
UHMW-PEChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
VLDPEChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
UHMW-PE vs VLDPE: 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
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 R
Hardness, Shore A
Tear Strength
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.46
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Same in both: Water Absorption (24 h) 0.01%
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)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 3×10⁻⁴ · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
UV / Weathering Resistance
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 90 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Melt Flow Rate
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Polishability 25 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Same in both: Embodied Water 100 L/kg12 gal/lb · 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 | UHMW-PE | VLDPE |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Injection molding | Yes | — |
| Default condition | FDA | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $ Budget |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | — |
| Chrome Plating (Plastic) | Yes | — |
| EMI Shielding Coating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Soft Touch Coating | Yes | — |
| Spray Painting | Yes | — |
| UV Coating | Yes | — |
UHMW-PE vs VLDPE — frequently asked
Is UHMW-PE stronger than VLDPE?
Yes. UHMW-PE has a typical yield strength of 21 MPa (3.05 ksi) against 6 MPa (0.87 ksi) for VLDPE — about 3.5 times as much. Tensile strength is 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) vs 16 MPa (2.32 ksi).
Which is cheaper, UHMW-PE or VLDPE?
VLDPE is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while UHMW-PE is standard ($$). 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, UHMW-PE or VLDPE?
UHMW-PE. Its machinability rates very good (75/100) against poor (25/100) for VLDPE; for welding the order is VLDPE first (excellent, 92/100) then UHMW-PE (poor, 15/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in UHMW-PE and VLDPE 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.