PVC · grade
PVC FOAM
Properties of the FOAM condition, compared with the other PVC grades.
Low-density closed-cell rigid PVC board for signage, display, model-making and lightweight panels.
What is PVC FOAM?
PVC FOAM is PVC in the FOAM grade — low-density closed-cell rigid PVC board for signage, display, model-making and lightweight panels. PVC FOAM has a yield strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) and a tensile strength of 14 MPa (2.03 ksi) — weaker than 52% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 0.9 GPa (0.131 Msi). PVC FOAM has a density of 0.55 g/cm³ (0.0199 lb/in³), lighter than 83% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 80°C (176 °F). Rigid (Type I) is the default condition FabDigit quotes; FOAM is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 92/100, better than 98% of polymer grades
- Readily welded — 90/100, better than 94% of polymer grades
- Low embodied carbon — 2.4 kg CO₂/kg, better than 92% of polymer grades
- Lightweight — 0.55 g/cm³ (0.0199 lb/in³), better than 83% of polymer grades
- Low moisture uptake — 0.06%, better than 83% of polymer grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 55°C (131 °F), worse than 91% of polymer grades
- Poor heat conductor — 0.07 W/m·K (0.0404 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 83% of polymer grades
PVC FOAM properties
Typical room-temperature values for PVC FOAM — 13 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every PVC grade. Each bar shows where the value sits among the polymer grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical5
PVC FOAM has a density of 0.55 g/cm³ (0.0199 lb/in³), lighter than 83% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 80°C (176 °F).
Mechanical16
PVC FOAM has a yield strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) and a tensile strength of 14 MPa (2.03 ksi) — weaker than 52% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 0.9 GPa (0.131 Msi).
Thermal11
PVC FOAM is rated for continuous service to 55°C (131 °F). It conducts heat at 0.07 W/m·K (0.0404 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 83% of polymer grades. Thermal expansion is 65 µm/m·K (36.1 µin/in·°F).
Electrical7
PVC FOAM 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 81% of polymer grades. UV resistance is good.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of PVC FOAM 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 FOAM's machinability is excellent (92/100, better than 98% of polymer grades); weldability excellent (90/100); formability excellent (85/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Other PVC grades and fills
PVC is also supplied in 6 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the PVC overview.
- Rigid (Type I)DefaultStandard grey/white unplasticized PVC sheet, pipe and machined parts for chemical tanks, ducting and fixtures.52 MPa tensile
- ClearTin-stabilized transparent rigid PVC for machine guards, strip curtains, blister packaging and glazing.52 MPa tensile
- Type IIChoose when notched impact and low-temperature toughness matter more than stiffness/HDT, e.g. exposed ducting and machine guards.42 MPa yield · 78 Shore D
- FlexiblePlasticizer-modified PVC for hose, cable jacketing, gaskets, sheeting and RF-welded fabrics.15 MPa tensile
- FOAMLow-density closed-cell rigid PVC board for signage, display, model-making and lightweight panels.14 MPa tensile
Working with PVC FOAM
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.
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.
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) | — |
PVC FOAM — frequently asked
What is PVC FOAM used for?
PVC FOAM 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 FOAM?
PVC FOAM has a typical yield strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) and a tensile strength of 14 MPa (2.03 ksi) — weaker than 52% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.
Is PVC FOAM easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (92/100, better than 98% 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 FOAM 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 FOAM?
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 FOAM 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 FOAM?
PVC FOAM is rated for continuous use to about 55°C (131 °F), and briefly to 80°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Can FabDigit make parts in PVC FOAM?
Yes — PVC FOAM 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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.