PA11 vs PA46
Polymer · grade comparison
PA11 and PA46 are both polymer grades. PA46 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) against 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) for PA11, about 138% more; tensile strength follows at 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) vs 48 MPa (6.96 ksi). In exchange, PA11 is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 40% for PA46, and PA46 is harder (83 Shore D vs 75 Shore D). PA11 is lighter (1.03 g/cm³ vs 1.18 g/cm³ for PA46) and PA46 is stiffer (3.3 GPa vs 1.6 GPa). On the shop floor, PA11 sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than PA46 (high, $$$$).
PA11Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PA46Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
PA11 vs PA46: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Hardness, Rockwell M
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.4 · Izod Impact, Notched 55 J/m1 ft·lbf/in
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
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 25%
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Surface Resistivity
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹² Ω·m3.94×10¹⁹ µΩ·in · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·cm
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.
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability 65 / 100 · Weldability 70 / 100
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
Same in both: 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 | PA11 | PA46 |
|---|---|---|
| 3D printing | Yes | — |
| Default condition | Unfilled | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
| Conductive Coating | Yes | — |
| Dyeing (Nylon) | Yes | — |
| EMI Shielding Coating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Primer Coating | Yes | — |
| Soft Touch Coating | Yes | — |
| Tinted Coating | Yes | — |
| UV Coating | Yes | — |
| Vacuum Metallization | Yes | — |
| Waterproof Coating | Yes | — |
PA11 vs PA46 — frequently asked
Is PA46 stronger than PA11?
Yes. PA46 has a typical yield strength of 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) against 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) for PA11 — about 138% more. Tensile strength is 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) vs 48 MPa (6.96 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PA11 or PA46?
PA11 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while PA46 is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
When should I choose PA11 over PA46?
Pick PA11 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint. Pick PA46 when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PA11 and PA46 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.