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3240 vs G-3

Composite · grade comparison

3240 and G-3 are both composite grades. 3240 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for G-3, about 20% more. 3240 is the more ductile: elongation 1.8% versus 1.5% for G-3. 3240 is stiffer (21 GPa vs 18 GPa) and 3240 conducts heat better (0.35 W/m·K vs 0.3 W/m·K).

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

3240 vs G-3: properties

3240G-3

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

21 GPa3 Msi
18 GPa2.6 Msi

Shear Modulus

6 GPa0.87 Msi
6.5 GPa0.94 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.14
0.17

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

300 MPa43.5 ksi
250 MPa36.3 ksi

Elongation at Break

1.8%
1.5%

Compressive Strength

400 MPa58 ksi
310 MPa45 ksi

Compressive Modulus

18 GPa2.6 Msi
16 GPa2.3 Msi

Flexural Strength

400 MPa58 ksi
310 MPa45 ksi

Flexural Modulus

22 GPa3.2 Msi
18 GPa2.6 Msi

Shear Strength

125 MPa18.1 ksi
120 MPa17.4 ksi

Izod Impact, Notched

500 J/m9.4 ft·lbf/in
480 J/m9 ft·lbf/in

Hardness, Rockwell M

108 HRM
110 HRM

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

1.9 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³
1.85 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³

Glass Transition (Tg)

125°C257 °F
160°C320 °F

Water Absorption (24 h)

0.15%
1.2%

Water Absorption (Saturation)

0.55%
2.5%

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

0.35 W/m·K0.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F
0.3 W/m·K0.17 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

1,100 J/kg·K0.26 BTU/lb·°F
1,150 J/kg·K0.27 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

14 µm/m·K7.8 µin/in·°F
15 µm/m·K8.3 µin/in·°F

Min Service Temperature

-60°C-76 °F
-50°C-58 °F

Limiting Oxygen Index

24%
40%

Same in both: 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
1×10¹⁰ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁷ µΩ·in

Dielectric Strength

18 kV/mm457 V/mil
14 kV/mm356 V/mil

Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)

5.2
6

Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)

0.022
0.04

Volume Resistivity

1×10¹⁴ Ω·cm
1×10¹² Ω·cm

Surface Resistivity

1×10¹³ Ω
1×10¹¹ Ω

Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)

200 V
125 V

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

85 / 100
72 / 100

UV / Weathering Resistance

40 / 100
30 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

45 / 100
42 / 100

Polishability

30 / 100
25 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

110 MJ/kg47,292 BTU/lb
78 MJ/kg33,534 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

6.5 kg CO₂/kg
4.5 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

180 L/kg21.6 gal/lb
190 L/kg22.8 gal/lb

Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 0%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

158 kN·m/kg
135 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

11.1 MN·m/kg
9.7 MN·m/kg

Thermal Diffusivity

0.2 mm²/s
0.1 mm²/s

Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 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

Manufacturing and finishing

Capability3240G-3
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$ Premium$$$ Premium
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

3240 vs G-3 — frequently asked

Is 3240 stronger than G-3?

Yes. 3240 has a typical tensile strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for G-3 — about 20% more.

Which is cheaper, 3240 or G-3?

Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$, premium); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.

When should I choose 3240 over G-3?

Pick 3240 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 and G-3 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.