Vectra vs Xydar
Polymer · grade comparison
Vectra and Xydar are both polymer grades. Vectra is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 182 MPa (26.4 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for Xydar, about 40% more. Vectra is the more ductile: elongation 3.4% versus 2.5% for Xydar. Xydar is stiffer (12 GPa vs 10.6 GPa) and Xydar runs hotter in service (240°C vs 200°C continuous).
VectraChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
XydarChoose it when the part sees heat.
Vectra vs Xydar: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Rockwell M
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.35 · Hardness, Shore D 88 Shore D
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Same in both: Density 1.4 g/cm³0.05 lb/in³ · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.03% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 0.1%
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)
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹³ Ω·m3.94×10²⁰ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 35 kV/mm889 V/mil · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.005 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 200 V
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.
Formability (cold)
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Machinability 55 / 100 · Weldability 25 / 100 · Polishability 40 / 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)
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 0.1 mm²/s
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 | Vectra | Xydar |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Vectra vs Xydar — frequently asked
Is Vectra stronger than Xydar?
Yes. Vectra has a typical tensile strength of 182 MPa (26.4 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for Xydar — about 40% more.
Which is cheaper, Vectra or Xydar?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose Vectra over Xydar?
Pick Vectra when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick Xydar when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Vectra and Xydar 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.