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3240 CR vs 3240 ESD

Composite · 3240 grade comparison

3240 CR and 3240 ESD are two grades of the same composite grade, 3240: CR (cold rolled) versus ESD (ESD / anti-static black epoxy glass laminate). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 3240 CR is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for 3240 ESD, about 51% more. 3240 CR is the more ductile: elongation 2% versus 1.7% for 3240 ESD. 3240 CR is stiffer (28 GPa vs 20 GPa) and 3240 ESD conducts heat better (0.4 W/m·K vs 0.3 W/m·K).

3240 CRChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

3240 CR vs 3240 ESD: properties

3240 CR3240 ESD

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

28 GPa4.1 Msi
20 GPa2.9 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

415 MPa60.2 ksi
275 MPa39.9 ksi

Elongation at Break

2%
1.7%

Compressive Strength

480 MPa69.6 ksi
380 MPa55.1 ksi

Flexural Strength

480 MPa69.6 ksi
360 MPa52.2 ksi

Flexural Modulus

24 GPa3.5 Msi
21 GPa3 Msi

Shear Strength

130 MPa18.9 ksi
120 MPa17.4 ksi

Izod Impact, Notched

550 J/m10.3 ft·lbf/in
450 J/m8.4 ft·lbf/in

Hardness, Rockwell M

110 HRM
105 HRM

Same in both: Shear Modulus 6 GPa0.87 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.14 · Compressive Modulus 18 GPa2.6 Msi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Same in both: Density 1.9 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³ · Glass Transition (Tg) 125°C257 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.15% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 0.55%

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

0.3 W/m·K0.17 BTU/hr·ft·°F
0.4 W/m·K0.23 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Min Service Temperature

-269°C-452 °F
-60°C-76 °F

Limiting Oxygen Index

23%
28%

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,100 J/kg·K0.26 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 14 µm/m·K7.8 µin/in·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 130°C266 °F · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 180°C356 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Resistivity

1×10¹² Ω·m3.94×10¹⁹ µΩ·in
1×10⁷ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁴ µΩ·in

Dielectric Strength

18 kV/mm457 V/mil
5 kV/mm127 V/mil

Volume Resistivity

1×10¹⁴ Ω·cm
1×10⁹ Ω·cm

Surface Resistivity

1×10¹³ Ω
1×10⁸ Ω

Same in both: Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 5.2 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.022 · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 200 V

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

85 / 100
84 / 100

Same in both: UV / Weathering Resistance 40 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

42 / 100
45 / 100

Same in both: Polishability 30 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 110 MJ/kg47,292 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 6.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 180 L/kg21.6 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 0%

Strength versus weight

Yield strength against density for every composite grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.

1101001,000510Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scale

3240 CR vs 3240 ESD — frequently asked

Is 3240 CR stronger than 3240 ESD?

Yes. 3240 CR has a typical tensile strength of 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for 3240 ESD — about 51% more.

Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, CR or ESD?

Specify the condition in the material field or the drawing note; FabDigit prices the quote for the state you call out.

When should I choose 3240 CR over 3240 ESD?

Pick 3240 CR when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 3240 CR and 3240 ESD 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.