PDLA vs PGA
Polymer · grade comparison
PDLA and PGA are both polymer grades. PGA is the stronger of the two: yield strength 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) against 58 MPa (8.41 ksi) for PDLA, about 64% more; tensile strength follows at 110 MPa (16 ksi) vs 60 MPa (8.7 ksi). PGA is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 4% for PDLA. PDLA is lighter (1.25 g/cm³ vs 1.58 g/cm³ for PGA) and PGA is stiffer (7 GPa vs 3.3 GPa). On the shop floor, PGA sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than PDLA (high, $$$$).
PDLAChoose it when weight is the constraint.
PGAChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
PDLA vs PGA: 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)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Hardness, Rockwell M
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)
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)
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 50°C122 °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
UV / Weathering Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Weldability 60 / 100 · Melt Flow Rate 15 g/10 min
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)
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 | PDLA | PGA |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PDLA vs PGA — frequently asked
Is PGA stronger than PDLA?
Yes. PGA has a typical yield strength of 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) against 58 MPa (8.41 ksi) for PDLA — about 64% more. Tensile strength is 110 MPa (16 ksi) vs 60 MPa (8.7 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PDLA or PGA?
PGA is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while PDLA is high ($$$$). 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, PDLA or PGA?
PDLA, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 60/100 against 55/100 for PGA.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PDLA and PGA 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.