FVMQ vs VMQ
Silicone · grade comparison
FVMQ and VMQ are both silicone grades. FVMQ is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 9 MPa (1.23 ksi) against 8 MPa (1.16 ksi) for VMQ, about 6% more. In exchange, VMQ is the more ductile: elongation 350% versus 250% for FVMQ, and VMQ is harder (20 Shore D vs 15 Shore D). VMQ is lighter (1.2 g/cm³ vs 1.45 g/cm³ for FVMQ). On the shop floor, VMQ sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than FVMQ (high, $$$$).
FVMQChoose it when strength drives the design.
VMQChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
FVMQ vs VMQ: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all silicone 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 silicone 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.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Hardness, Shore D
Tear Strength
Bulk Modulus
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 0.01 GPa7.25×10⁻⁴ Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.49 · Hardness, Shore A 60 Shore A · Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C) 20%
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)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 200°C392 °F · Min Service Temperature -60°C-76 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600 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
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Weldability
Polishability
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Machinability 25 / 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)
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 0 MN·m/kg · Thermal Diffusivity 0.1 mm²/s
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every silicone grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | FVMQ | VMQ |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
FVMQ vs VMQ — frequently asked
Is FVMQ stronger than VMQ?
Yes. FVMQ has a typical tensile strength of 9 MPa (1.23 ksi) against 8 MPa (1.16 ksi) for VMQ — about 6% more.
Which is cheaper, FVMQ or VMQ?
VMQ is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while FVMQ is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
When should I choose FVMQ over VMQ?
Pick FVMQ when strength drives the design. Pick VMQ when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in FVMQ and VMQ 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.