DAP vs EPN
Polymer · grade comparison
DAP and EPN are both polymer grades. EPN is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 72 MPa (10.4 ksi) against 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) for DAP, about 31% more. EPN is the more ductile: elongation 2% versus 0.6% for DAP. EPN is lighter (1.21 g/cm³ vs 1.8 g/cm³ for DAP) and DAP is stiffer (10.5 GPa vs 3.3 GPa). On the shop floor, EPN machines more easily (good vs fair) and EPN sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than DAP (high, $$$$).
EPNChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
DAP vs EPN: 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)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Rockwell M
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Compressive Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Shore D
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
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
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Surface Resistivity
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹³ Ω·m3.94×10²⁰ µΩ·in · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω·cm
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
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
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)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: 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 | DAP | EPN |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
DAP vs EPN — frequently asked
Is EPN stronger than DAP?
Yes. EPN has a typical tensile strength of 72 MPa (10.4 ksi) against 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) for DAP — about 31% more.
Which is cheaper, DAP or EPN?
EPN is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while DAP is high ($$$$). 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, DAP or EPN?
EPN. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (40/100) for DAP.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in DAP and EPN 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.