FR-2 vs LE
Composite · grade comparison
FR-2 and LE are both composite grades. LE is the more ductile: elongation 1.5% versus 1.1% for FR-2. LE is lighter (1.36 g/cm³ vs 1.55 g/cm³ for FR-2) and LE runs hotter in service (120°C vs 105°C continuous). On the shop floor, LE machines more easily (excellent vs very good) and FR-2 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than LE (premium, $$$).
FR-2Choose it when cost is the deciding factor.
LEChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
FR-2 vs LE: 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.
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Shear Modulus
Compressive Modulus
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 7.5 GPa1.1 Msi · Compressive Strength 250 MPa36.3 ksi · Hardness, Rockwell M 105 HRM
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10⁹ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁶ µΩ·in · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹¹ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹¹ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 125 V
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.
Machinability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 4.5 kg CO₂/kg
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 0.2 mm²/s · 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.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | FR-2 | LE |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
FR-2 vs LE — frequently asked
What is the difference between FR-2 and LE?
FR-2 and LE are both composite grades. LE is the more ductile: elongation 1.5% versus 1.1% for FR-2. LE is lighter (1.36 g/cm³ vs 1.55 g/cm³ for FR-2) and LE runs hotter in service (120°C vs 105°C continuous).
Which is cheaper, FR-2 or LE?
FR-2 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while LE is premium ($$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, FR-2 or LE?
LE. Its machinability rates excellent (88/100) against very good (75/100) for FR-2.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in FR-2 and LE 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.