PA6 vs PA6-3-T
Polymer · grade comparison
PA6 and PA6-3-T are both polymer grades. Both yield at about 75 MPa — strength does not separate them. PA6-3-T is the more ductile: elongation 70% versus 60% for PA6. PA6-3-T runs hotter in service (110°C vs 90°C continuous). On the shop floor, PA6 sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than PA6-3-T (high, $$$$).
PA6Choose it when cost is the deciding factor.
PA6-3-TChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
PA6 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
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M
Hardness, Rockwell R
Same in both: Shear Modulus 1.1 GPa0.15 Msi · Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 80 MPa11.6 ksi · Flexural Modulus 2.8 GPa0.41 Msi · 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)
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)
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: 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
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Formability (cold) 60 / 100 · 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 | PA6-3-T |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Injection molding | Yes | — |
| Default condition | Unfilled | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | — |
| Chrome Plating (Plastic) | Yes | — |
| EMI Shielding Coating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Soft Touch Coating | Yes | — |
| Spray Painting | Yes | — |
| UV Coating | Yes | — |
PA6 vs PA6-3-T — frequently asked
What is the difference between PA6 and PA6-3-T?
PA6 and PA6-3-T are both polymer grades. Both yield at about 75 MPa — strength does not separate them. PA6-3-T is the more ductile: elongation 70% versus 60% for PA6.
Which is cheaper, PA6 or PA6-3-T?
PA6 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while PA6-3-T is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
When should I choose PA6 over PA6-3-T?
Pick PA6 when cost is the deciding factor. Pick PA6-3-T when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PA6 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.