PA46 (Polyamide 46) vs PET (Polyester): 0% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
PA46 (Polyamide 46) vs PET (Polyester)
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
PA46 (Polyamide 46)
Polyamide 46 — highest melting point (295°C) of all commercial polyamides. Short amide spacing gives high crystallinity (70%+), outstanding stiffness retention at elevated temperatures, and excellent fatigue/creep resistance. Higher moisture absorption than PA66 but better hot properties. Trade name: Stanyl (DSM/now Envalior). Used for under-hood automotive (timing chain tensioners, piston guides), EV motor insulation, connectors requiring >150°C continuous service, and SMT-solderable components.
PET (Polyester)
Polyethylene Terephthalate (semi-crystalline stock shape) — combines the stiffness of POM with the wear resistance of PA, without centerline porosity or moisture sensitivity. Excellent dimensional stability, low friction, very low water absorption (~0.1%). Better creep resistance than POM or PA. Widely known from bottles/packaging, but engineering PET-P is semi-crystalline and much stiffer. Trade names include Ertalyte (MCAM), Arnite (DSM), Rynite (DuPont, GF grades). Used for precision bearings in water, gears, slide elements, pump parts, and electrical insulators.
| PA46 (Polyamide 46) | PET (Polyester) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 527-1 | ISO 10350 |
Mechanical properties — Pro
| Property | PA46 (Polyamide 46) | PET (Polyester) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 80–100 | 55–80 | MPa |
| Elongation | 15–30 | 30–80 | % |
| Elastic Modulus | 3000–3300 | 2.5–3 | MPa |
| Density | |||
| Melting Point | |||
| Yield Strength | |||
| Glass Transition Temp (Tg) | |||
| Water Absorption (24h) |
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PA46 (Polyamide 46) and PET (Polyester) have significantly different compositions (0% overlap). These materials are not interchangeable and serve different application areas.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PA46 (Polyamide 46) the same as PET (Polyester)?
PA46 (Polyamide 46) and PET (Polyester) have a 0% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace PA46 (Polyamide 46) with PET (Polyester)?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (0% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between PA46 (Polyamide 46) and PET (Polyester)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. PA46 (Polyamide 46) is a Polymers grade, while PET (Polyester) is a Polymers grade.
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Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.