ACM vs AEM
Polymer · grade comparison
ACM and AEM are both polymer grades. AEM is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 13 MPa (1.89 ksi) against 11 MPa (1.6 ksi) for ACM, about 18% more. AEM is the more ductile: elongation 250% versus 220% for ACM. AEM is lighter (1.2 g/cm³ vs 1.25 g/cm³ for ACM) and AEM is stiffer (0.01 GPa vs 0.01 GPa). On the shop floor, ACM sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than AEM (high, $$$$).
ACMChoose it when cost is the deciding factor.
AEMChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ACM vs AEM: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer 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 polymer 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Tear Strength
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Shear Strength
Same in both: Hardness, Shore A 70 Shore A · Hardness, Shore D 22 Shore D
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 200 µm/m·K111 µin/in·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 150°C302 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 20% · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 175°C347 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
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.
Machinability
Formability (cold)
Mold Shrinkage
Weldability
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Mold Temperature (typ.) 180°C356 °F
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)
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 0 MN·m/kg · Thermal Diffusivity 0.1 mm²/s · Thermal Shock Resistance Index 2
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every polymer grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | ACM | AEM |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
ACM vs AEM — frequently asked
Is AEM stronger than ACM?
Yes. AEM has a typical tensile strength of 13 MPa (1.89 ksi) against 11 MPa (1.6 ksi) for ACM — about 18% more.
Which is cheaper, ACM or AEM?
ACM is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while AEM is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, ACM or AEM?
ACM, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 30/100 against 25/100 for AEM.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ACM and AEM 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.