EAA vs Ionomer
Polymer · grade comparison
EAA and Ionomer are both polymer grades. Ionomer is the stronger of the two: yield strength 15 MPa (2.18 ksi) against 10 MPa (1.45 ksi) for EAA, about 50% more; tensile strength follows at 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) vs 17 MPa (2.47 ksi). In exchange, EAA is the more ductile: elongation 550% versus 380% for Ionomer, and Ionomer is harder (60 Shore D vs 48 Shore D). Ionomer is stiffer (0.28 GPa vs 0.13 GPa) and EAA conducts heat better (0.3 W/m·K vs 0.24 W/m·K). On the shop floor, EAA sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than Ionomer (premium, $$$).
EAAChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when cost is the deciding factor.
IonomerChoose it when strength drives the design.
EAA vs Ionomer: 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
Shear Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Flexural Strength
Hardness, Rockwell R
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Same in both: Glass Transition (Tg) -25°C-13 °F · Refractive Index 1.51 · Light Transmission 88%
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
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 2,200 J/kg·K0.53 BTU/lb·°F · Limiting Oxygen Index 18% · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 90°C194 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.01
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
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Weldability 92 / 100
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)
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 | EAA | Ionomer |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
EAA vs Ionomer — frequently asked
Is Ionomer stronger than EAA?
Yes. Ionomer has a typical yield strength of 15 MPa (2.18 ksi) against 10 MPa (1.45 ksi) for EAA — about 50% more. Tensile strength is 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) vs 17 MPa (2.47 ksi).
Which is cheaper, EAA or Ionomer?
EAA is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while Ionomer is premium ($$$). 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, EAA or Ionomer?
EAA. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (30/100) for Ionomer.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in EAA and Ionomer 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.