PA6 vs PA9T
Polymer · grade comparison
PA6 and PA9T are both polymer grades. PA9T is the stronger of the two: yield strength 80 MPa (11.6 ksi) against 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) for PA6, about 7% more; tensile strength follows at 85 MPa (12.3 ksi) vs 80 MPa (11.6 ksi). PA6 is stiffer (3 GPa vs 2.4 GPa) and PA9T runs hotter in service (120°C vs 90°C continuous). On the shop floor, PA6 forms better (good vs fair) and PA6 sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than PA9T (high, $$$$).
PA6Choose it when cost is the deciding factor.
PA9TChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
PA6 vs PA9T: 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M
Hardness, Rockwell R
Same in both: Elongation at Break 60% · Compressive Strength 85 MPa12.3 ksi · Izod Impact, Notched 55 J/m1 ft·lbf/in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Same in both: Density 1.14 g/cm³0.04 lb/in³
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
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)
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 0.25 W/m·K0.14 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Limiting Oxygen Index 24%
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Dielectric Strength 25 kV/mm635 V/mil · 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)
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Polishability 55 / 100
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 | PA9T |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Injection molding | Yes | — |
| Default condition | Unfilled | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | — |
| Chrome Plating (Plastic) | Yes | — |
| EMI Shielding Coating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Soft Touch Coating | Yes | — |
| Spray Painting | Yes | — |
| UV Coating | Yes | — |
PA6 vs PA9T — frequently asked
Is PA9T stronger than PA6?
Yes. PA9T has a typical yield strength of 80 MPa (11.6 ksi) against 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) for PA6 — about 7% more. Tensile strength is 85 MPa (12.3 ksi) vs 80 MPa (11.6 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PA6 or PA9T?
PA6 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while PA9T is high ($$$$). 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 or PA9T?
PA6, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 68/100 against 62/100 for PA9T; for welding the order is PA6 first (good, 62/100) then PA9T (good, 55/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PA6 and PA9T 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.