MXD6 vs PPA
Polymer · grade comparison
MXD6 and PPA are both polymer grades. MXD6 is the more ductile: elongation 2.5% versus 2.2% for PPA. PPA is stiffer (11 GPa vs 10 GPa) and PPA runs hotter in service (170°C vs 120°C continuous). On the shop floor, PPA machines more easily (50 vs 40 out of 100), MXD6 welds better (good vs fair), and MXD6 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than PPA (specialty, $$$$$).
MXD6Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
PPAChoose it when the part sees heat, or when the part is machined in volume.
MXD6 vs PPA: 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
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Rockwell M
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.35 · Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 200 MPa29 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
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)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 4
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
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Polishability
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)
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 | MXD6 | PPA |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | GF30 | GF30 |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both are offered for Injection molding. Both take the same 5 finishes: Chrome Plating (Plastic), EMI Shielding Coating, Soft Touch Coating, Spray Painting, UV Coating.
MXD6 vs PPA — frequently asked
What is the difference between MXD6 and PPA?
MXD6 and PPA are both polymer grades. MXD6 is the more ductile: elongation 2.5% versus 2.2% for PPA. PPA is stiffer (11 GPa vs 10 GPa) and PPA runs hotter in service (170°C vs 120°C continuous).
Which is cheaper, MXD6 or PPA?
MXD6 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while PPA is specialty ($$$$$). 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, MXD6 or PPA?
PPA, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 50/100 against 40/100 for MXD6; for welding the order is MXD6 first (good, 55/100) then PPA (fair, 40/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in MXD6 and PPA 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.