PA6G vs PC-ABS
Polymer · grade comparison
PA6G and PC-ABS are both polymer grades, both engineering plastic. PA6G is the stronger of the two: yield strength 78 MPa (11.3 ksi) against 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) for PC-ABS, about 42% more; tensile strength follows at 82 MPa (11.9 ksi) vs 56 MPa (8.12 ksi). In exchange, PC-ABS is the more ductile: elongation 90% versus 25% for PA6G. PA6G is stiffer (3.4 GPa vs 2.4 GPa) and PA6G conducts heat better (0.29 W/m·K vs 0.2 W/m·K). On the shop floor, PA6G machines more easily (very good vs good) and PC-ABS welds better (very good vs poor).
PA6GChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
PC-ABSChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
PA6G vs PC-ABS: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M
Hardness, Rockwell R
Bulk Modulus
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.39
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Same in both: Density 1.15 g/cm³0.04 lb/in³
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)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: UV / Weathering Resistance 30 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Mold Shrinkage
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 | PA6G | PC-ABS |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Cast Unfilled | Unfilled |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | Ra 0.8 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining, Sheet metal and Injection molding. Both take the same 6 finishes: Chrome Plating (Plastic), EMI Shielding Coating, Painting, Soft Touch Coating, Spray Painting, UV Coating.
PA6G vs PC-ABS — frequently asked
Is PA6G stronger than PC-ABS?
Yes. PA6G has a typical yield strength of 78 MPa (11.3 ksi) against 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) for PC-ABS — about 42% more. Tensile strength is 82 MPa (11.9 ksi) vs 56 MPa (8.12 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PA6G or PC-ABS?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$, standard); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, PA6G or PC-ABS?
PA6G. Its machinability rates very good (80/100) against good (65/100) for PC-ABS; for welding the order is PC-ABS first (very good, 72/100) then PA6G (poor, 30/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PA6G and PC-ABS 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.