CSM vs PNR
Polymer · grade comparison
CSM and PNR are both polymer grades. CSM is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 16 MPa (2.32 ksi) against 8 MPa (1.16 ksi) for PNR, about 100% more. In exchange, PNR is the more ductile: elongation 400% versus 320% for CSM. PNR is lighter (1 g/cm³ vs 1.35 g/cm³ for CSM) and CSM is stiffer (0.01 GPa vs 0 GPa). On the shop floor, CSM machines more easily (fair vs poor), CSM welds better (good vs not recommended), and CSM sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than PNR (high, $$$$).
CSMChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
PNRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
CSM vs PNR: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Hardness, Shore A
Hardness, Shore D
Tear Strength
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Shear Modulus
Shear Strength
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.49
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Water Absorption (24 h)
Same in both: Glass Transition (Tg) -25°C-13 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 0.2 W/m·K0.12 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹¹ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁸ µΩ·in
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
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Formability (cold) 85 / 100 · Mold Temperature (typ.) 160°C320 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Water
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 105 MJ/kg45,142 BTU/lb · 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)
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 0 MN·m/kg · Thermal Diffusivity 0.1 mm²/s
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 | CSM | PNR |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
CSM vs PNR — frequently asked
Is CSM stronger than PNR?
Yes. CSM has a typical tensile strength of 16 MPa (2.32 ksi) against 8 MPa (1.16 ksi) for PNR — about 100% more.
Which is cheaper, CSM or PNR?
CSM is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while PNR 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, CSM or PNR?
CSM. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (20/100) for PNR; for welding the order is CSM first (good, 65/100) then PNR (not recommended, 10/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CSM and PNR 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.