PA46 vs PA6
Polymer · grade comparison
PA46 and PA6 are both polymer grades. PA46 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) against 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) for PA6, about 27% more; tensile strength follows at 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) vs 80 MPa (11.6 ksi). In exchange, PA6 is the more ductile: elongation 60% versus 40% for PA46. PA6 is lighter (1.14 g/cm³ vs 1.18 g/cm³ for PA46) and PA46 is stiffer (3.3 GPa vs 3 GPa). On the shop floor, PA6 sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than PA46 (high, $$$$).
PA46Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
PA6Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PA46 vs PA6: 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M
Hardness, Rockwell R
Bulk Modulus
Compressive Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Same in both: 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
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
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: Specific Heat Capacity 1,700 J/kg·K0.41 BTU/lb·°F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹² Ω·m3.94×10¹⁹ µΩ·in · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·cm · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
UV / Weathering Resistance
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 70 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Melt Flow Rate
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)
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 | PA46 | PA6 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | — | Yes |
| Sheet metal | — | Yes |
| Injection molding | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | Unfilled |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $ Budget |
| Min. machined wall | — | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | — | Ra 0.8 µm |
| Chrome Plating (Plastic) | — | Yes |
| EMI Shielding Coating | — | Yes |
| Painting | — | Yes |
| Soft Touch Coating | — | Yes |
| Spray Painting | — | Yes |
| UV Coating | — | Yes |
PA46 vs PA6 — frequently asked
Is PA46 stronger than PA6?
Yes. PA46 has a typical yield strength of 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) against 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) for PA6 — about 27% more. Tensile strength is 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) vs 80 MPa (11.6 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PA46 or PA6?
PA6 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while PA46 is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which welds better, PA46 or PA6?
PA46. Its weldability rates very good (70/100) against good (62/100) for PA6.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PA46 and PA6 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.