PA11 vs PA12
Polymer · grade comparison
PA11 and PA12 are both polymer grades, both engineering plastic. Both yield at about 40 MPa — strength does not separate them. PA11 is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 18% for PA12. PA12 is stiffer (1.7 GPa vs 1.6 GPa). On the shop floor, PA11 welds better (very good vs good) and PA12 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than PA11 (premium, $$$).
PA11Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
PA12Choose it when cost is the deciding factor.
PA11 vs PA12: 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
Shear Modulus
Elongation at Break
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Compressive Modulus
Shear Strength
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.4 · Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 48 MPa7 ksi · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 40 MPa5.8 ksi · Compressive Strength 50 MPa7.3 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 3.5 MPa·√m3.2 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Same in both: Water Absorption (24 h) 0.3%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 85°C185 °F · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Same in both: Surface Resistivity 1×10¹³ Ω
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
UV / Weathering Resistance
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 85 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Embodied Water
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 | PA11 | PA12 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Unfilled | Unfilled |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both are offered for 3D printing. Both take the same 10 finishes: Conductive Coating, Dyeing (Nylon), EMI Shielding Coating, Painting, Primer Coating, Soft Touch Coating, Tinted Coating, UV Coating, Vacuum Metallization, Waterproof Coating.
PA11 vs PA12 — frequently asked
What is the difference between PA11 and PA12?
PA11 and PA12 are both polymer grades, both engineering plastic. Both yield at about 40 MPa — strength does not separate them. PA11 is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 18% for PA12.
Which is cheaper, PA11 or PA12?
PA12 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while PA11 is premium ($$$). 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, PA11 or PA12?
PA11, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 65/100 against 60/100 for PA12; for welding the order is PA11 first (very good, 70/100) then PA12 (good, 60/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PA11 and PA12 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.