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FR-6 vs G-9

Composite · grade comparison

FR-6 and G-9 are both composite grades. G-9 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) against 85 MPa (12.3 ksi) for FR-6, about 182% more. FR-6 is lighter (1.85 g/cm³ vs 1.95 g/cm³ for G-9) and G-9 is stiffer (19 GPa vs 10 GPa). On the shop floor, FR-6 machines more easily (fair vs poor) and FR-6 sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than G-9 (high, $$$$).

FR-6Choose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part is machined in volume.

G-9Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.

FR-6 vs G-9: properties

FR-6G-9

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

10 GPa1.5 Msi
19 GPa2.8 Msi

Shear Modulus

3.8 GPa0.55 Msi
—

Poisson's Ratio

0.26
0.16

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

85 MPa12.3 ksi
240 MPa34.8 ksi

Elongation at Break

1.2%
—

Compressive Strength

260 MPa37.7 ksi
345 MPa50 ksi

Compressive Modulus

9 GPa1.3 Msi
15 GPa2.2 Msi

Flexural Strength

160 MPa23.2 ksi
310 MPa45 ksi

Flexural Modulus

10.5 GPa1.5 Msi
18 GPa2.6 Msi

Shear Strength

70 MPa10.2 ksi
120 MPa17.4 ksi

Izod Impact, Notched

350 J/m6.6 ft·lbf/in
400 J/m7.5 ft·lbf/in

Hardness, Rockwell M

105 HRM
115 HRM

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

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

Glass Transition (Tg)

120°C248 °F
—

Water Absorption (24 h)

0.35%
0.8%

Water Absorption (Saturation)

1%
1.8%

Thermal

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

Specific Heat Capacity

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

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

25 µm/m·K13.9 µin/in·°F
14 µm/m·K7.8 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

130°C266 °F
155°C311 °F

Min Service Temperature

-40°C-40 °F
-60°C-76 °F

Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa

220°C428 °F
—

Limiting Oxygen Index

32%
42%

Max Service Temperature (short-term)

180°C356 °F
200°C392 °F

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 0.32 W/m·K0.18 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Dielectric Strength

14 kV/mm356 V/mil
12 kV/mm305 V/mil

Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)

4.6
6.5

Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)

0.022
0.03

Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹¹ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁸ µΩ·in · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹³ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹² Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600 V

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

62 / 100
70 / 100

Same in both: UV / Weathering Resistance 45 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

45 / 100
30 / 100

Same in both: Polishability 20 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

85 MJ/kg36,543 BTU/lb
100 MJ/kg42,992 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

5 kg CO₂/kg
6 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

160 L/kg19.2 gal/lb
200 L/kg24 gal/lb

Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 0%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

46 kN·m/kg
123 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

5.4 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

CapabilityFR-6G-9
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$ Premium$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

FR-6 vs G-9 — frequently asked

Is G-9 stronger than FR-6?

Yes. G-9 has a typical tensile strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) against 85 MPa (12.3 ksi) for FR-6 — about 182% more.

Which is cheaper, FR-6 or G-9?

FR-6 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while G-9 is high ($$$$). 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-6 or G-9?

FR-6. Its machinability rates fair (45/100) against poor (30/100) for G-9.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in FR-6 and G-9 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.