IR vs NR
Polymer · grade comparison
IR and NR are both polymer grades. NR is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 24 MPa (3.48 ksi) against 22 MPa (3.19 ksi) for IR, about 9% more. IR is lighter (0.93 g/cm³ vs 0.97 g/cm³ for NR) and IR is stiffer (0 GPa vs 0 GPa).
IRChoose it when weight is the constraint.
NRChoose it when strength drives the design.
IR vs NR: 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)
Hardness, Shore A
Tear Strength
Shear Strength
Same in both: Shear Modulus 7×10⁻⁴ GPa1.02×10⁻⁴ Msi · Bulk Modulus 2 GPa0.29 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.5 · Elongation at Break 750% · Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C) 25%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Same in both: Glass Transition (Tg) -70°C-94 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 1% · Refractive Index 1.52
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Min Service Temperature
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 0.14 W/m·K0.08 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 1,900 J/kg·K0.45 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 220 µm/m·K122 µin/in·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 80°C176 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Dielectric Strength 22 kV/mm559 V/mil · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.003 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω·cm
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: UV / Weathering Resistance 20 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Mold Shrinkage
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Weldability
Polishability
Same in both: Formability (cold) 95 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 0 MN·m/kg · Thermal Diffusivity 0.1 mm²/s
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 | IR | NR |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
IR vs NR — frequently asked
Is NR stronger than IR?
Yes. NR has a typical tensile strength of 24 MPa (3.48 ksi) against 22 MPa (3.19 ksi) for IR — about 9% more.
Which is cheaper, IR or NR?
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, IR or NR?
IR, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 25/100 against 20/100 for NR.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in IR and NR 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.