PGA vs PLLA
Polymer · grade comparison
PGA and PLLA are both polymer grades. PGA is the stronger of the two: yield strength 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) against 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) for PLLA, about 58% more; tensile strength follows at 110 MPa (16 ksi) vs 62 MPa (8.99 ksi). PGA is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 4% for PLLA. PLLA is lighter (1.26 g/cm³ vs 1.58 g/cm³ for PGA) and PGA is stiffer (7 GPa vs 3.5 GPa). On the shop floor, PLLA welds better (very good vs good).
PGAChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
PLLAChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part sees heat.
PGA vs PLLA: 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)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Compressive Modulus
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Rockwell R
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
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 75 µm/m·K41.7 µin/in·°F · Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa 55°C131 °F
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).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: UV / Weathering Resistance 45 / 100
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.)
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
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 | PGA | PLLA |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PGA vs PLLA — frequently asked
Is PGA stronger than PLLA?
Yes. PGA has a typical yield strength of 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) against 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) for PLLA — about 58% more. Tensile strength is 110 MPa (16 ksi) vs 62 MPa (8.99 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PGA or PLLA?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$, premium); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, PGA or PLLA?
PLLA, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 60/100 against 55/100 for PGA; for welding the order is PLLA first (very good, 75/100) then PGA (good, 60/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PGA and PLLA 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.