Epoxy GF30 vs Epoxy SYN
Polymer · Epoxy grade comparison
Epoxy GF30 and Epoxy SYN are two grades of the same polymer grade, Epoxy: GF30 (30 % short glass fiber reinforced epoxy molding compound) versus SYN (syntactic foam / microballoon-filled low-density grade). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Epoxy GF30 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 110 MPa (16 ksi) against 20 MPa (2.9 ksi) for Epoxy SYN, about 5.5 times as much. Epoxy GF30 is the more ductile: elongation 1.5% versus 1.2% for Epoxy SYN, and Epoxy GF30 is harder (85 Shore D vs 80 Shore D). Epoxy SYN is lighter (0.62 g/cm³ vs 1.75 g/cm³ for Epoxy GF30) and Epoxy GF30 is stiffer (11 GPa vs 1.8 GPa). On the shop floor, Epoxy SYN machines more easily (very good vs fair).
Epoxy GF30Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Epoxy SYNChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part is machined in volume.
Epoxy GF30 vs Epoxy SYN: 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)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M
Same in both: Shear Modulus 1.2 GPa0.17 Msi · Bulk Modulus 5 GPa0.65 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.35
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Water Absorption (24 h)
Same in both: Glass Transition (Tg) 120°C248 °F · Water Absorption (Saturation) 1.6% · Refractive Index 1.56 · Light Transmission 88%
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
Limiting Oxygen Index
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,100 J/kg·K0.26 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °F · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 180°C356 °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) 3.6 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.02 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 300 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: UV / Weathering Resistance 25 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Mold Shrinkage
Same in both: Weldability 0 / 100 · Formability (cold) 5 / 100 · Polishability 75 / 100 · Mold Temperature (typ.) 165°C329 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 137 MJ/kg58,899 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 6.6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 190 L/kg22.8 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 0%
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.
Epoxy GF30 vs Epoxy SYN — frequently asked
Is Epoxy GF30 stronger than Epoxy SYN?
Yes. Epoxy GF30 has a typical tensile strength of 110 MPa (16 ksi) against 20 MPa (2.9 ksi) for Epoxy SYN — about 5.5 times as much.
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, GF30 or SYN?
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, Epoxy GF30 or Epoxy SYN?
Epoxy SYN. Its machinability rates very good (75/100) against fair (35/100) for Epoxy GF30.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Epoxy GF30 and Epoxy SYN 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.