PMMA-FR vs PMMA-HI
Polymer · grade comparison
PMMA-FR and PMMA-HI are both polymer grades. PMMA-FR is the stronger of the two: yield strength 62 MPa (8.99 ksi) against 48 MPa (6.96 ksi) for PMMA-HI, about 29% more; tensile strength follows at 68 MPa (9.86 ksi) vs 50 MPa (7.25 ksi). In exchange, PMMA-HI is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 4.5% for PMMA-FR. PMMA-HI is lighter (1.16 g/cm³ vs 1.21 g/cm³ for PMMA-FR) and PMMA-FR is stiffer (3.1 GPa vs 2.2 GPa). On the shop floor, PMMA-HI sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than PMMA-FR (premium, $$$).
PMMA-FRChoose it when strength drives the design.
PMMA-HIChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PMMA-FR vs PMMA-HI: 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 M
Hardness, Rockwell R
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Same in both: Water Absorption (24 h) 0.3% · Refractive Index 1.49 · Light Transmission 89%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
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: Thermal Conductivity 0.19 W/m·K0.11 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 1,470 J/kg·K0.35 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹³ Ω·m3.94×10²⁰ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 25 kV/mm635 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 2.8 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω · 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.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Same in both: Machinability 78 / 100 · Melt Flow Rate 4 g/10 min · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 235°C455 °F · Mold Temperature (typ.) 70°C158 °F
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 | PMMA-FR | PMMA-HI |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PMMA-FR vs PMMA-HI — frequently asked
Is PMMA-FR stronger than PMMA-HI?
Yes. PMMA-FR has a typical yield strength of 62 MPa (8.99 ksi) against 48 MPa (6.96 ksi) for PMMA-HI — about 29% more. Tensile strength is 68 MPa (9.86 ksi) vs 50 MPa (7.25 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PMMA-FR or PMMA-HI?
PMMA-HI is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while PMMA-FR is premium ($$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
When should I choose PMMA-FR over PMMA-HI?
Pick PMMA-FR when strength drives the design. Pick PMMA-HI when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PMMA-FR and PMMA-HI 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.