EAA vs EMA
Polymer · grade comparison
EAA and EMA are both polymer grades. EAA is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 17 MPa (2.47 ksi) against 9 MPa (1.23 ksi) for EMA, about 100% more. In exchange, EMA is the more ductile: elongation 750% versus 550% for EAA, and EAA is harder (48 Shore D vs 30 Shore D). EAA is stiffer (0.13 GPa vs 0.02 GPa) and EAA conducts heat better (0.3 W/m·K vs 0.25 W/m·K). On the shop floor, EAA machines more easily (fair vs poor).
EAAChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
EMAChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
EAA vs EMA: 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)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Flexural Modulus
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore A
Hardness, Shore D
Tear Strength
Poisson's Ratio
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Same in both: Light Transmission 88%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Min Service Temperature
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 2,200 J/kg·K0.53 BTU/lb·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 60°C140 °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
Same in both: UV / Weathering Resistance 35 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Weldability 92 / 100 · Mold Shrinkage 2%
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Water
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 82 MJ/kg35,254 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.6 kg CO₂/kg · Typical Recycled Content 0%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
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 | EAA | EMA |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
EAA vs EMA — frequently asked
Is EAA stronger than EMA?
Yes. EAA has a typical tensile strength of 17 MPa (2.47 ksi) against 9 MPa (1.23 ksi) for EMA — about 100% more.
Which is cheaper, EAA or EMA?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$, standard); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, EAA or EMA?
EAA. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (20/100) for EMA.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in EAA and EMA 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.