CN vs CTA
Polymer · grade comparison
CN and CTA are both polymer grades. CTA is the stronger of the two: yield strength 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) against 42 MPa (6.09 ksi) for CN, about 31% more; tensile strength follows at 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) vs 52 MPa (7.54 ksi). In exchange, CN is the more ductile: elongation 35% versus 25% for CTA. CTA is lighter (1.3 g/cm³ vs 1.38 g/cm³ for CN) and CTA is stiffer (3.2 GPa vs 1.8 GPa). On the shop floor, CN machines more easily (excellent vs good) and CN welds better (very good vs good).
CNChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
CTAChoose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
CN vs CTA: 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Shear Modulus
Hardness, Rockwell M
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
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)
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,500 J/kg·K0.36 BTU/lb·°F
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
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 4.5 kg CO₂/kg
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 | CN | CTA |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
CN vs CTA — frequently asked
Is CTA stronger than CN?
Yes. CTA has a typical yield strength of 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) against 42 MPa (6.09 ksi) for CN — about 31% more. Tensile strength is 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) vs 52 MPa (7.54 ksi).
Which is cheaper, CN or CTA?
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, CN or CTA?
CN. Its machinability rates excellent (85/100) against good (65/100) for CTA; for welding the order is CN first (very good, 70/100) then CTA (good, 60/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CN and CTA 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.