CPET FOAM vs CPET GF30
Polymer · CPET grade comparison
CPET FOAM and CPET GF30 are two grades of the same polymer grade, CPET: FOAM (foamed CPET) versus GF30 (30% glass-fiber reinforced crystalline PET). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. CPET GF30 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 58 MPa (8.41 ksi) against 22 MPa (3.19 ksi) for CPET FOAM, about 164% more; tensile strength follows at 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) vs 25 MPa (3.63 ksi). In exchange, CPET FOAM is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 2.5% for CPET GF30, and CPET GF30 is harder (85 Shore D vs 62 Shore D). CPET FOAM is lighter (0.75 g/cm³ vs 1.56 g/cm³ for CPET GF30) and CPET GF30 is stiffer (9.5 GPa vs 1 GPa). On the shop floor, CPET FOAM machines more easily (good vs fair) and CPET GF30 welds better (good vs poor).
CPET FOAMChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
CPET GF30Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
CPET FOAM vs CPET GF30: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer 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 polymer 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)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M
Hardness, Rockwell R
Same in both: Shear Modulus 1 GPa0.15 Msi · Bulk Modulus 4 GPa0.64 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.4 · Compressive Modulus 2.8 GPa0.41 Msi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Melting Temperature (Tm) 250°C482 °F · Glass Transition (Tg) 78°C172 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.1% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 0.5% · Refractive Index 1.575
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,200 J/kg·K0.29 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹³ Ω·m3.94×10²⁰ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 20 kV/mm508 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 3.3 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.02 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600 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.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Same in both: Polishability 45 / 100 · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 278°C532 °F · Mold Temperature (typ.) 140°C284 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 84 MJ/kg36,114 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 80 L/kg9.6 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 40%
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every polymer grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
CPET FOAM vs CPET GF30 — frequently asked
Is CPET GF30 stronger than CPET FOAM?
Yes. CPET GF30 has a typical yield strength of 58 MPa (8.41 ksi) against 22 MPa (3.19 ksi) for CPET FOAM — about 164% more. Tensile strength is 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) vs 25 MPa (3.63 ksi).
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, FOAM or GF30?
Specify the condition in the material field or the drawing note; FabDigit prices the quote for the state you call out.
Which is easier to machine, CPET FOAM or CPET GF30?
CPET FOAM. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against fair (45/100) for CPET GF30; for welding the order is CPET GF30 first (good, 65/100) then CPET FOAM (poor, 30/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CPET FOAM and CPET GF30 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.