EEA vs Ionomer
Polymer · grade comparison
EEA and Ionomer are both polymer grades. Ionomer is the stronger of the two: yield strength 15 MPa (2.18 ksi) against 5 MPa (0.725 ksi) for EEA, about 3.0 times as much; tensile strength follows at 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) vs 12 MPa (1.74 ksi). In exchange, EEA is the more ductile: elongation 700% versus 380% for Ionomer, and Ionomer is harder (60 Shore D vs 32 Shore D). Ionomer is stiffer (0.28 GPa vs 0.05 GPa) and EEA conducts heat better (0.3 W/m·K vs 0.24 W/m·K). On the shop floor, Ionomer machines more easily (30 vs 15 out of 100) and EEA sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than Ionomer (premium, $$$).
EEAChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when cost is the deciding factor.
IonomerChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
EEA 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Flexural Modulus
Hardness, Shore A
Hardness, Shore D
Tear Strength
Shear Modulus
Flexural Strength
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Rockwell R
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Refractive Index
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Light Transmission
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Min Service Temperature
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 65°C149 °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)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
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)
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Same in both: Embodied Water 130 L/kg15.6 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 0%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
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 | EEA | Ionomer |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
EEA vs Ionomer — frequently asked
Is Ionomer stronger than EEA?
Yes. Ionomer has a typical yield strength of 15 MPa (2.18 ksi) against 5 MPa (0.725 ksi) for EEA — about 3.0 times as much. Tensile strength is 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) vs 12 MPa (1.74 ksi).
Which is cheaper, EEA or Ionomer?
EEA 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, EEA or Ionomer?
Ionomer, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 30/100 against 15/100 for EEA.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in EEA 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.