PVC (Type I & II)
The cost-effective answer when the part has to live in chemicals and does not have to get hot. Type I and Type II, in sheet, rod and tube.
PVC Type I typical properties
Figures are for Type I rigid PVC (Vycom Vintec I sheet and Ensinger PVC Type 1 rod). These are typical values, not a specification. The datasheet behind each figure is linked in its row: the manufacturer’s where one publishes the figure, a distributor’s otherwise. Figures vary by supplier and test method, so confirm against the datasheet for the grade and stock form you are designing with.
| Property | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.42g/cc |
| Tensile strength | 7,300psi |
| Tensile modulus | 411,000psi |
| Flexural modulus | 481,000psi |
| Hardness | 115Rockwell R |
| Izod impact, notched | 0.9ft-lb/in |
| Max continuous service temp | 140°F |
| Heat deflection temp @ 264 psi | 158°F |
| Water absorption, 24 h | 0.06% |
| Thermal expansion (CTE) | 3.2×10⁻⁵ in/in/°F |
| FDA food contact | Not rated The cited suppliers make no food-contact statement for this grade. |
Figures are for Type I. Type II is a different formulation and its values differ.
What PVC is
Cost-effective material with good chemical resistance and flame retardancy.
Why engineers specify it
PVC is chosen on chemical resistance and price, and the constraint is always temperature. Its useful range tops out well below the engineering plastics, so it suits ambient and warm chemical service and nothing hotter. Type I is the rigid, higher chemical-resistance grade; Type II trades some of that for better impact strength. When the temperature rules PVC out, the conversation usually moves to polypropylene or to a fluoropolymer.
Machining PVC
PVC machines easily and holds size well, and the two things that matter are heat and dust. It softens and gums at the cut if a tool rubs, so sharp tooling and steady chip clearance keep the edge clean. Cutting and sanding generate fine dust and PVC should not be allowed to overheat at the cutter, so extraction and conservative speeds are the norm rather than an optional extra.
Need PVC parts machined to print?
Send us a drawing and we will quote it. Precision plastic machining in Linden, New Jersey since 1968.