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Kevlar 149 vs Twaron

Composite · grade comparison

Kevlar 149 and Twaron are both composite grades. Kevlar 149 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 3,400 MPa (493 ksi) against 3,100 MPa (450 ksi) for Twaron, about 10% more. In exchange, Twaron is the more ductile: elongation 3.6% versus 1.5% for Kevlar 149. Kevlar 149 is stiffer (175 GPa vs 70 GPa).

Kevlar 149Choose it when strength drives the design.

TwaronChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

Kevlar 149 vs Twaron: properties

Kevlar 149Twaron

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

175 GPa25.4 Msi
70 GPa10.2 Msi

Shear Modulus

2 GPa0.29 Msi
2.9 GPa0.42 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

3,400 MPa493 ksi
3,100 MPa450 ksi

Elongation at Break

1.5%
3.6%

Shear Strength

—
45 MPa6.5 ksi

Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.36 · Compressive Strength 400 MPa58 ksi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

1.47 g/cm³0.05 lb/in³
1.44 g/cm³0.05 lb/in³

Glass Transition (Tg)

360°C680 °F
340°C644 °F

Water Absorption (24 h)

1%
4.5%

Water Absorption (Saturation)

1.5%
—

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

-4 µm/m·K-2.2 µin/in·°F
-3.5 µm/m·K-1.9 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (short-term)

300°C572 °F
250°C482 °F

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 0.05 W/m·K0.03 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 1,420 J/kg·K0.34 BTU/lb·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 180°C356 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 29%

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Resistivity

1×10¹³ Ω·m3.94×10²⁰ µΩ·in
1×10¹² Ω·m3.94×10¹⁹ µΩ·in

Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)

0.01
—

Volume Resistivity

1×10¹⁵ Ω·cm
1×10¹⁴ Ω·cm

Same in both: Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 4

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

65 / 100
80 / 100

UV / Weathering Resistance

25 / 100
20 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Polishability

25 / 100
—

Same in both: Machinability 25 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

285 MJ/kg122,528 BTU/lb
280 MJ/kg120,378 BTU/lb

Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 16 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 400 L/kg47.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 0%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

2,313 kN·m/kg
2,153 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

119 MN·m/kg
48.6 MN·m/kg

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

0
-1

Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 0 mm²/s

Strength versus weight

Yield strength against density for every composite grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.

1101001,000510Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scale

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityKevlar 149Twaron
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

Kevlar 149 vs Twaron — frequently asked

Is Kevlar 149 stronger than Twaron?

Yes. Kevlar 149 has a typical tensile strength of 3,400 MPa (493 ksi) against 3,100 MPa (450 ksi) for Twaron — about 10% more.

Which is cheaper, Kevlar 149 or Twaron?

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 Kevlar 149 over Twaron?

Pick Kevlar 149 when strength drives the design. Pick Twaron when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Kevlar 149 and Twaron 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.