PBI vs Stratasys Antero 840CN03
Polymer · grade comparison
PBI and PEKK-ESD are both polymer grades, both high performance plastic. PBI is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) against 82 MPa (11.9 ksi) for PEKK-ESD, about 95% more. PBI is stiffer (5.9 GPa vs 3.5 GPa) and PBI runs hotter in service (310°C vs 220°C continuous). On the shop floor, PEKK-ESD machines more easily (good vs fair), PEKK-ESD welds better (poor vs not recommended), and PEKK-ESD forms better (poor vs not recommended).
PBIChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
PEKK-ESDChoose it when the part is machined in volume, or when it will be welded.
PBI vs PEKK-ESD: 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Hardness, Rockwell M
Shear Modulus
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Same in both: Elongation at Break 3% · Izod Impact, Notched 32 J/m0.6 ft·lbf/in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
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)
Min Service Temperature
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 92 / 100 · UV / Weathering Resistance 70 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 0%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: 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 | PBI | PEKK-ESD |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Injection molding | Yes | — |
| 3D printing | — | Yes |
| Default condition | Unfilled | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$$ Specialty | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | — |
| Chrome Plating (Plastic) | Yes | — |
| Conductive Coating | — | Yes |
| Dyeing (Nylon) | — | Yes |
| Primer Coating | — | Yes |
| Spray Painting | Yes | — |
| Tinted Coating | — | Yes |
| Vacuum Metallization | — | Yes |
| Waterproof Coating | — | Yes |
They share 4 finishes: EMI Shielding Coating, Painting, Soft Touch Coating, UV Coating.
PBI vs PEKK-ESD — frequently asked
Is PBI stronger than PEKK-ESD?
Yes. PBI has a typical tensile strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) against 82 MPa (11.9 ksi) for PEKK-ESD — about 95% more.
Which is cheaper, PBI or PEKK-ESD?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$$, specialty); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, PBI or PEKK-ESD?
PEKK-ESD. Its machinability rates good (62/100) against fair (50/100) for PBI; for welding the order is PEKK-ESD first (poor, 30/100) then PBI (not recommended, 5/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PBI and PEKK-ESD 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.