EMAA vs Ionomer
Polymer · grade comparison
EMAA 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 EMAA, about 50% more. Ionomer is harder — 60 Shore D against 55 Shore D for EMAA — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. Ionomer is stiffer (0.28 GPa vs 0.2 GPa).
IonomerChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
EMAA 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
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Flexural Modulus
Hardness, Shore D
Shear Modulus
Flexural Strength
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Rockwell R
Same in both: Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 30 MPa4.4 ksi · Hardness, Shore A 94 Shore A
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Same in both: Refractive Index 1.51 · Light Transmission 88%
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
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Same in both: Limiting Oxygen Index 18%
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.
Formability (cold)
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability 30 / 100 · 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 Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Same in both: Specific Strength (UTS / density) 32 kN·m/kg · 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 | EMAA | Ionomer |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
EMAA vs Ionomer — frequently asked
Is Ionomer stronger than EMAA?
Yes. Ionomer has a typical yield strength of 15 MPa (2.18 ksi) against 10 MPa (1.45 ksi) for EMAA — about 50% more. Tensile strength is 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) vs 30 MPa (4.35 ksi).
Which is cheaper, EMAA or Ionomer?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$, premium); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose EMAA over Ionomer?
Pick Ionomer when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in EMAA 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.