PA11 vs PA6-3-T
Polymer · grade comparison
PA11 and PA6-3-T are both polymer grades. PA6-3-T is the stronger of the two: yield strength 78 MPa (11.3 ksi) against 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) for PA11, about 95% more; tensile strength follows at 80 MPa (11.6 ksi) vs 48 MPa (6.96 ksi). PA6-3-T is the more ductile: elongation 70% versus 45% for PA11, and PA6-3-T is harder (83 Shore D vs 75 Shore D). PA11 is lighter (1.03 g/cm³ vs 1.12 g/cm³ for PA6-3-T) and PA6-3-T is stiffer (2.9 GPa vs 1.6 GPa). On the shop floor, PA11 sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than PA6-3-T (high, $$$$).
PA11Choose it when weight is the constraint, or when cost is the deciding factor.
PA6-3-TChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
PA11 vs PA6-3-T: 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)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
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.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 85 / 100 · UV / Weathering Resistance 55 / 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.)
Formability (cold)
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 | PA6-3-T |
|---|---|---|
| 3D printing | Yes | — |
| Default condition | Unfilled | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
| Conductive Coating | Yes | — |
| Dyeing (Nylon) | Yes | — |
| EMI Shielding Coating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Primer Coating | Yes | — |
| Soft Touch Coating | Yes | — |
| Tinted Coating | Yes | — |
| UV Coating | Yes | — |
| Vacuum Metallization | Yes | — |
| Waterproof Coating | Yes | — |
PA11 vs PA6-3-T — frequently asked
Is PA6-3-T stronger than PA11?
Yes. PA6-3-T has a typical yield strength of 78 MPa (11.3 ksi) against 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) for PA11 — about 95% more. Tensile strength is 80 MPa (11.6 ksi) vs 48 MPa (6.96 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PA11 or PA6-3-T?
PA11 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while PA6-3-T is high ($$$$). 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 PA6-3-T?
PA6-3-T. Its machinability rates very good (72/100) against good (65/100) for PA11; for welding the order is PA11 first (very good, 70/100) then PA6-3-T (good, 65/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PA11 and PA6-3-T 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.