Vectra vs Zenite
Polymer · grade comparison
Vectra and Zenite are both polymer grades. Vectra is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 182 MPa (26.4 ksi) against 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) for Zenite, about 10% more. Zenite runs hotter in service (220°C vs 200°C continuous) and Zenite conducts heat better (0.3 W/m·K vs 0.25 W/m·K). On the shop floor, Zenite forms better (poor vs not recommended).
VectraChoose it when strength drives the design.
ZeniteChoose it when the part sees heat.
Vectra vs Zenite: 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)
Elongation at Break
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Rockwell M
Shear Modulus
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Same in both: Hardness, Shore D 88 Shore D
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Same in both: Density 1.4 g/cm³0.05 lb/in³ · Water Absorption (Saturation) 0.1%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Limiting Oxygen Index
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,200 J/kg·K0.29 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 5 µm/m·K2.8 µin/in·°F · Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °F · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 280°C536 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹³ Ω·m3.94×10²⁰ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 35 kV/mm889 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 3.3 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω
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)
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Machinability 55 / 100 · Polishability 40 / 100
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 1
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 | Vectra | Zenite |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Vectra vs Zenite — frequently asked
Is Vectra stronger than Zenite?
Yes. Vectra has a typical tensile strength of 182 MPa (26.4 ksi) against 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) for Zenite — about 10% more.
Which is cheaper, Vectra or Zenite?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, Vectra or Zenite?
Zenite. Its weldability rates poor (30/100) against poor (25/100) for Vectra.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Vectra and Zenite 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.