CAB vs CN
Polymer · grade comparison
CAB and CN are both polymer grades. CN is the stronger of the two: yield strength 42 MPa (6.09 ksi) against 28 MPa (4.06 ksi) for CAB, about 50% more; tensile strength follows at 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) vs 32 MPa (4.64 ksi). In exchange, CAB is the more ductile: elongation 60% versus 35% for CN, and CN is harder (80 Shore D vs 75 Shore D). CAB is lighter (1.19 g/cm³ vs 1.38 g/cm³ for CN) and CN is stiffer (1.8 GPa vs 1.4 GPa). On the shop floor, CN machines more easily (excellent vs very good) and CN welds better (very good vs good).
CABChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
CNChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
CAB vs CN: 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)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Same in both: Dielectric Strength 16 kV/mm406 V/mil
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
Weldability
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Formability (cold) 80 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 4.5 kg CO₂/kg · Typical Recycled Content 0%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 0.1 mm²/s · Thermal Shock Resistance Index 0
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 | CAB | CN |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
CAB vs CN — frequently asked
Is CN stronger than CAB?
Yes. CN has a typical yield strength of 42 MPa (6.09 ksi) against 28 MPa (4.06 ksi) for CAB — about 50% more. Tensile strength is 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) vs 32 MPa (4.64 ksi).
Which is cheaper, CAB or CN?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$, premium); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, CAB or CN?
CN. Its machinability rates excellent (85/100) against very good (75/100) for CAB; for welding the order is CN first (very good, 70/100) then CAB (good, 60/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CAB and CN 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.