PA6 vs PA612
Polymer · grade comparison
PA6 and PA612 are both polymer grades. PA6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) against 58 MPa (8.41 ksi) for PA612, about 29% more; tensile strength follows at 80 MPa (11.6 ksi) vs 60 MPa (8.7 ksi). In exchange, PA612 is the more ductile: elongation 120% versus 60% for PA6. PA612 is lighter (1.07 g/cm³ vs 1.14 g/cm³ for PA6) and PA6 is stiffer (3 GPa vs 2.1 GPa). On the shop floor, PA6 sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than PA612 (premium, $$$).
PA6Choose it when strength drives the design, or when cost is the deciding factor.
PA612Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PA6 vs PA612: 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
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M
Hardness, Rockwell R
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.39 · 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)
Same in both: Refractive Index 1.53
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)
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,700 J/kg·K0.41 BTU/lb·°F · Limiting Oxygen Index 24%
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹² Ω·m3.94×10¹⁹ µΩ·in · 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
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Same in both: Formability (cold) 60 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100 · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 260°C500 °F · 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)
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 | PA6 | PA612 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Injection molding | Yes | — |
| Default condition | Unfilled | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $$$ Premium |
| 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 PA612 — frequently asked
Is PA6 stronger than PA612?
Yes. PA6 has a typical yield strength of 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) against 58 MPa (8.41 ksi) for PA612 — about 29% more. Tensile strength is 80 MPa (11.6 ksi) vs 60 MPa (8.7 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PA6 or PA612?
PA6 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while PA612 is premium ($$$). 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, PA6 or PA612?
PA612. 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 PA6 and PA612 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.