LCP CF30 vs LCP GF40
Polymer · LCP grade comparison
LCP CF30 and LCP GF40 are two grades of the same polymer grade, LCP: CF30 (30% carbon fiber reinforced) versus GF40 (40% glass fiber reinforced). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. LCP GF40 is the more ductile: elongation 1.6% versus 1.2% for LCP CF30. LCP CF30 is lighter (1.53 g/cm³ vs 1.71 g/cm³ for LCP GF40) and LCP CF30 is stiffer (27 GPa vs 18.5 GPa).
LCP CF30Choose it when weight is the constraint.
LCP GF40Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
LCP CF30 vs LCP GF40: 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
Flexural Modulus
Izod Impact, Notched
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.35 · Compressive Strength 130 MPa18.9 ksi · Flexural Strength 250 MPa36.3 ksi · Shear Strength 70 MPa10.2 ksi · Hardness, Shore D 88 Shore D · Hardness, Rockwell M 85 HRM
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Melting Temperature (Tm) 280°C536 °F · Glass Transition (Tg) 110°C230 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.03% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 0.08%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,100 J/kg·K0.26 BTU/lb·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 230°C446 °F · Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 40% · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 280°C536 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Dielectric Strength 35 kV/mm889 V/mil · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.008 · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 200 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 92 / 100 · UV / Weathering Resistance 60 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Same in both: Weldability 25 / 100 · Formability (cold) 10 / 100 · Polishability 30 / 100 · Mold Shrinkage 0.1% · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 330°C626 °F · Mold Temperature (typ.) 90°C194 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 9 kg CO₂/kg · 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.
LCP CF30 vs LCP GF40 — frequently asked
What is the difference between LCP CF30 and LCP GF40?
LCP CF30 and LCP GF40 are two grades of the same polymer grade, LCP: CF30 (30% carbon fiber reinforced) versus GF40 (40% glass fiber reinforced). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. LCP GF40 is the more ductile: elongation 1.6% versus 1.2% for LCP CF30.
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, CF30 or GF40?
GF30 is the default LCP condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CF30 nor GF40). The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
Which is easier to machine, LCP CF30 or LCP GF40?
LCP GF40, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 40/100 for LCP CF30.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in LCP CF30 and LCP GF40 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.