PVC
also Sintra, Trovidur
PVC is an amorphous thermoplastic polymerised from vinyl chloride monomer, about 57 % chlorine, which makes it inherently flame-retardant, resistant to acids, alkalis and most inorganic chemicals, and low in raw-material cost.
Values for the Rigid (Type I) condition
PVC grades and fills
PVC is supplied in 4 conditions, soft to hard. Rigid (Type I) is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 4 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Free-foamed / co-extruded rigid PVC board | Low-density closed-cell rigid PVC board for signage, display, model-making and lightweight panels. | 14 | 12 | 48 Shore D | |
plasticized PVC (PVC-P), typical Shore A 80 | Plasticizer-modified PVC for hose, cable jacketing, gaskets, sheeting and RF-welded fabrics. | 15 | 300 | 30 Shore D | |
Impact-modified rigid PVC | Choose when notched impact and low-temperature toughness matter more than stiffness/HDT, e.g. exposed ducting and machine guards. | 42 | 44 | 100 | 78 Shore D |
Rigid (Type I)Default Unplasticized PVC-U, ASTM D1784 cell class 12454 | Standard grey/white unplasticized PVC sheet, pipe and machined parts for chemical tanks, ducting and fixtures. | 52 | 45 | 82 Shore D |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways PVC is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
MED | Medical / food-contact grade PVC | Certification |
Clear | Transparent rigid PVC | Grade option |
UV | UV-stabilized / weatherable rigid PVC | Grade option |
What is PVC?
PVC is an amorphous thermoplastic polymerised from vinyl chloride monomer, about 57 % chlorine, which makes it inherently flame-retardant, resistant to acids, alkalis and most inorganic chemicals, and low in raw-material cost. Rigid grades (UPVC/Type I) give stiff sheet, pipe and profile that solvent-cement and hot-gas weld readily; plasticised flexible PVC serves as cable compound, hose and membrane. Limits are continuous service near 60 °C, low-temperature brittleness, a narrow processing window with decomposition risk, and poor resistance to aromatic, ketone and ester solvents. PVC has a density of 1.42 g/cm³ (0.0513 lb/in³), heavier than 83% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 80°C (176 °F). PVC has a yield strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) and a tensile strength of 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) — stronger than 52% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 45% and the elastic modulus is 3 GPa (0.435 Msi).
What is PVC used for?
- Plumbing and drainage pipe
- Window and door frames
- Chemical tank linings and ducting
- Electrical conduit and cable insulation
- Pipe fittings and valve bodies
- Wall cladding and signage sheet
- Clear machine guards
Advantages
- Readily welded — 90/100, better than 94% of polymer grades
- Low embodied carbon — 2.4 kg CO₂/kg, better than 92% of polymer grades
- Easy to machine — 85/100, better than 88% of polymer grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 90/100, better than 82% of polymer grades
- Low moisture uptake — 0.06%, better than 82% of polymer grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 60°C (140 °F), worse than 87% of polymer grades
- Heavy — 1.42 g/cm³ (0.0513 lb/in³), worse than 83% of polymer grades
- Poor heat conductor — 0.16 W/m·K (0.0924 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 78% of polymer grades
PVC properties
Typical room-temperature values for PVC-Rigid (Type I); bars are the position among polymer grades.
Physical5
PVC has a density of 1.42 g/cm³ (0.0513 lb/in³), heavier than 83% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 80°C (176 °F).
Mechanical16
PVC has a yield strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) and a tensile strength of 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) — stronger than 52% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 45% and the elastic modulus is 3 GPa (0.435 Msi).
Thermal11
PVC is rated for continuous service to 60°C (140 °F). It conducts heat at 0.16 W/m·K (0.0924 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 78% of polymer grades. Thermal expansion is 65 µm/m·K (36.1 µin/in·°F).
Electrical7
PVC is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 22 kV/mm (558.8 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹³ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is excellent (90/100), better than 82% of polymer grades. UV resistance is good.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of PVC takes about 67 MJ of energy and emits 2.4 kg of CO₂ — less than 95% of polymer grades. Typical recycled content is 10%.
Manufacturability7
PVC's machinability is excellent (85/100, better than 88% of polymer grades); weldability excellent (90/100); formability very good (80/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the polymer family
Yield strength against density for every polymer grade FabDigit runs. PVC is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with PVC
Is PVC easy to machine?
Machines easily with sharp, polished, high-rake carbide tools and generous chip clearance; keep cutting speeds moderate and use air blast to avoid local overheating and chlorine-releasing degradation.
Can PVC be welded?
Solvent-cements (THF/MEK based) and hot-gas or extrusion welds readily at 300–350 °C torch air; flexible PVC also RF (dielectric) and hot-bar weldable — never weld with contaminated or overheated stock.
Can PVC be formed, bent or molded?
Line-bend or thermoform at 120–150 °C sheet temperature; extrude/injection mold at 170–200 °C melt with corrosion-resistant screws and short residence time, since HCl evolution starts near 200 °C.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit's quote engine applies to PVC. Design inside these and the part quotes instantly; outside them it routes to an engineer.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Excellent85 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | N.8 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 400 / 500 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.5 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 10× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 0.8 / — |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
Sheet metal
| Formability | Better80 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Better90 / 100 |
Injection molding
| Mold shrinkage | — |
|---|---|
| Wall thickness | — – — |
| Recommended draft | — |
| Pre-drying | — |
PVC chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| heat stabilizer (Ca/Zn, organotin or leatin stabilizers used for clear grades | 1 – 5 | 3 |
| plasticizer (DINP/DOTP/TOTM)0 for rigid PVC-U; 25–45 phr for flexible PVC-P | 0 – 45 | 0 |
| calcium carbonate filler | 0 – 15 | 5 |
| impact modifier (CPE/MBS/acrylic)4–8 phr in Type II / PVC-HI | 0 – 10 | 0 |
| titanium dioxide (TiO2)pigment + UV screen in outdoor grades | 0 – 6 | 2 |
| lubricants / processing aids | 0.5 – 3 | 1.5 |
| vinyl chloride repeat unit (-CH2-CHCl-)PVC resin, K-value 57–70 (SG-3 to SG-8); chlorine ≈56.7 wt% of the pure polymer | ≥ 55 (balance) |
What surface finishes work on PVC?
Accepts sanding, flame-free polishing, screen printing and solvent-based or two-part PU paints after light abrasion; not platable by standard methods and no anodizing analogue.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on polymer parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Injection Molding Coating
Organic Coating
Metallization / Functional
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to PVC in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- Trade names
- SintraTrovidur
- Also called
- Polyvinyl Chloride
How much does PVC cost?
PVC is a budget-cost polymer ($), cheaper than about 99% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
PVC — frequently asked
What is PVC used for?
PVC is typically used for plumbing and drainage pipe, window and door frames, chemical tank linings and ducting, electrical conduit and cable insulation, pipe fittings and valve bodies and wall cladding and signage sheet. In short: standard rigid plastic.
What is the yield strength of PVC?
PVC has a typical yield strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) and a tensile strength of 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) — stronger than 52% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is PVC easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (85/100, better than 88% of polymer grades). Machines easily with sharp, polished, high-rake carbide tools and generous chip clearance; keep cutting speeds moderate and use air blast to avoid local overheating and chlorine-releasing degradation.
Can PVC be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (90/100). Solvent-cements (THF/MEK based) and hot-gas or extrusion welds readily at 300–350 °C torch air; flexible PVC also RF (dielectric) and hot-bar weldable — never weld with contaminated or overheated stock.
What surface finishes work on PVC?
Accepts sanding, flame-free polishing, screen printing and solvent-based or two-part PU paints after light abrasion; not platable by standard methods and no anodizing analogue.
Can PVC be formed, bent or molded?
Line-bend or thermoform at 120–150 °C sheet temperature; extrude/injection mold at 170–200 °C melt with corrosion-resistant screws and short residence time, since HCl evolution starts near 200 °C.
What is the maximum service temperature of PVC?
PVC is rated for continuous use to about 60°C (140 °F), and briefly to 80°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does PVC cost?
PVC is a budget-cost polymer ($), cheaper than about 99% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in PVC?
Yes — PVC is available for CNC machining, sheet metal and injection molding with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM D1784 — Rigid PVC and CPVC Compounds (cell classification) — ASTM International (2020)
- ASTM D1785 / D1784 pipe & sheet property requirements — ASTM International (2021)
- ISO 1163 / EN ISO 1163 Plastics — Unplasticized PVC moulding and extrusion materials — ISO (1995)
- Trovidur EN / EC rigid PVC sheet datasheet — Röchling Industrial (2023)
- Simona PVC-U / PVC-CAW sheet technical data — Simona AG (2022)
- Engineered Materials Handbook Vol. 2: Engineering Plastics — ASM International (1988)
- CAMPUS plastics database — PVC-U / PVC-P compounds — CWFG (2024)
- GB/T 4454 / GB/T 5761 PVC (2018)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.