PA6-3-T vs PA66
Polymer · grade comparison
PA6-3-T and PA66 are both polymer grades. Both yield at about 78 MPa — strength does not separate them. PA6-3-T is the more ductile: elongation 70% versus 40% for PA66. PA6-3-T runs hotter in service (110°C vs 100°C continuous). On the shop floor, PA66 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than PA6-3-T (high, $$$$).
PA6-3-TChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
PA66Choose it when cost is the deciding factor.
PA6-3-T vs PA66: 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
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M
Bulk Modulus
Compressive Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Same in both: Compressive Strength 95 MPa13.8 ksi · Hardness, Rockwell R 120 HRR
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Melting Temperature (Tm)
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)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.02 · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600 V
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)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Melt Flow Rate
Same in both: Mold Temperature (typ.) 80°C176 °F
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)
Modulus of Resilience
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 2.6 MN·m/kg · 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 | PA6-3-T | PA66 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | — | Yes |
| Sheet metal | — | Yes |
| Injection molding | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | Unfilled |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$ Standard |
| 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 |
PA6-3-T vs PA66 — frequently asked
What is the difference between PA6-3-T and PA66?
PA6-3-T and PA66 are both polymer grades. Both yield at about 78 MPa — strength does not separate them. PA6-3-T is the more ductile: elongation 70% versus 40% for PA66.
Which is cheaper, PA6-3-T or PA66?
PA66 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard 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, PA6-3-T or PA66?
PA6-3-T. Its machinability rates very good (72/100) against good (65/100) for PA66; for welding the order is PA66 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 PA6-3-T and PA66 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.