3240 CR vs 3240 FR5
Composite · 3240 grade comparison
3240 CR and 3240 FR5 are two grades of the same composite grade, 3240: CR (cold rolled) versus FR5. 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 310 MPa (45 ksi) for 3240 FR5, about 34% more. 3240 CR is the more ductile: elongation 2% versus 1.7% for 3240 FR5. 3240 CR is stiffer (28 GPa vs 22 GPa) and 3240 FR5 runs hotter in service (165°C vs 130°C continuous).
3240 CRChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
3240 FR5Choose it when the part sees heat.
3240 CR vs 3240 FR5: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all composite 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 composite 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Izod Impact, Notched
Same in both: Shear Modulus 6 GPa0.87 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.14 · Compressive Modulus 18 GPa2.6 Msi · Shear Strength 130 MPa18.9 ksi · Hardness, Rockwell M 110 HRM
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Same in both: 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
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Limiting Oxygen Index
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 (short-term) 180°C356 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹² Ω·m3.94×10¹⁹ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 18 kV/mm457 V/mil · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.022 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹³ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 200 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: UV / Weathering Resistance 40 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Same in both: Machinability 42 / 100 · 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.
3240 CR vs 3240 FR5 — frequently asked
Is 3240 CR stronger than 3240 FR5?
Yes. 3240 CR has a typical tensile strength of 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) against 310 MPa (45 ksi) for 3240 FR5 — about 34% more.
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, CR or FR5?
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 FR5?
Pick 3240 CR when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick 3240 FR5 when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 3240 CR and 3240 FR5 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.