PMMA-FR vs PMMA-Optical
Polymer · grade comparison
PMMA-FR and PMMA-Optical are both polymer grades. PMMA-Optical is the stronger of the two: yield strength 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) against 62 MPa (8.99 ksi) for PMMA-FR, about 13% more; tensile strength follows at 72 MPa (10.4 ksi) vs 68 MPa (9.86 ksi). On the shop floor, PMMA-Optical sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than PMMA-FR (premium, $$$).
PMMA-OpticalChoose it when strength drives the design, or when cost is the deciding factor.
PMMA-FR vs PMMA-Optical: 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)
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 5 GPa0.73 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.37 · Elongation at Break 4.5% · Compressive Strength 110 MPa16 ksi · Compressive Modulus 3 GPa0.44 Msi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 1.1 MPa·√m1 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Same in both: Water Absorption (Saturation) 2%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
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 · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 75°C167 °F · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 95°C203 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Surface Resistivity
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 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.02 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω·cm · 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.
Machinability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Weldability 60 / 100 · Mold Shrinkage 0.5%
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 105 MJ/kg45,142 BTU/lb · Embodied Water 280 L/kg33.6 gal/lb · 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 | PMMA-FR | PMMA-Optical |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
PMMA-FR vs PMMA-Optical — frequently asked
Is PMMA-Optical stronger than PMMA-FR?
Yes. PMMA-Optical has a typical yield strength of 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) against 62 MPa (8.99 ksi) for PMMA-FR — about 13% more. Tensile strength is 72 MPa (10.4 ksi) vs 68 MPa (9.86 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PMMA-FR or PMMA-Optical?
PMMA-Optical 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.
Which is easier to machine, PMMA-FR or PMMA-Optical?
PMMA-FR, by a small margin. Both rate very good for machinability — 78/100 against 72/100 for PMMA-Optical.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PMMA-FR and PMMA-Optical 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.