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LCP Type I CF30 vs LCP Type I GF15

Polymer · LCP Type I grade comparison

LCP Type I CF30 and LCP Type I GF15 are two grades of the same polymer grade, LCP Type I: CF30 (30 % carbon fibre reinforced) versus GF15 (15 % glass fibre reinforced). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. LCP Type I CF30 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) against 145 MPa (21 ksi) for LCP Type I GF15, about 31% more. In exchange, LCP Type I GF15 is the more ductile: elongation 2.2% versus 1.2% for LCP Type I CF30. LCP Type I CF30 is stiffer (30 GPa vs 13.5 GPa) and LCP Type I CF30 conducts heat better (1 W/m·K vs 0.3 W/m·K). On the shop floor, LCP Type I GF15 machines more easily (50 vs 35 out of 100).

LCP Type I CF30Choose it when strength drives the design.

LCP Type I GF15Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.

LCP Type I CF30 vs LCP Type I GF15: properties

LCP Type I CF30LCP Type I GF15

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

30 GPa4.4 Msi
13.5 GPa2 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

190 MPa27.6 ksi
145 MPa21 ksi

Elongation at Break

1.2%
2.2%

Flexural Strength

230 MPa33.4 ksi
175 MPa25.4 ksi

Flexural Modulus

26 GPa3.8 Msi
12.5 GPa1.8 Msi

Izod Impact, Notched

80 J/m1.5 ft·lbf/in
130 J/m2.4 ft·lbf/in

Same in both: Shear Modulus 1.2 GPa0.17 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.38 · Compressive Strength 65 MPa9.4 ksi · Compressive Modulus 7 GPa1 Msi · Shear Strength 55 MPa8 ksi · Hardness, Shore D 88 Shore D · Hardness, Rockwell M 75 HRM

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Same in both: Density 1.5 g/cm³0.05 lb/in³ · Melting Temperature (Tm) 355°C671 °F · Glass Transition (Tg) 145°C293 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.02% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 0.1%

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

1 W/m·K0.58 BTU/hr·ft·°F
0.3 W/m·K0.17 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

4 µm/m·K2.2 µin/in·°F
10 µm/m·K5.6 µin/in·°F

Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa

320°C608 °F
285°C545 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,150 J/kg·K0.27 BTU/lb·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 220°C428 °F · Min Service Temperature -100°C-148 °F · Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa 275°C527 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 40% · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 300°C572 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Volume Resistivity

1,000 Ω·cm
1×10¹⁵ Ω·cm

Surface Resistivity

100,000 Ω
1×10¹⁵ Ω

Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹³ Ω·m3.94×10²⁰ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 35 kV/mm889 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 3.3 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.004 · 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 45 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

35 / 100
50 / 100

Mold Shrinkage

0.1%
0.15%

Same in both: Weldability 20 / 100 · Formability (cold) 20 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 100 · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 385°C725 °F · Mold Temperature (typ.) 120°C248 °F

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 250 MJ/kg107,481 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 9 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 300 L/kg35.9 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.

0.1110100123Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scale

LCP Type I CF30 vs LCP Type I GF15 — frequently asked

Is LCP Type I CF30 stronger than LCP Type I GF15?

Yes. LCP Type I CF30 has a typical tensile strength of 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) against 145 MPa (21 ksi) for LCP Type I GF15 — about 31% more.

Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, CF30 or GF15?

UF is the default LCP Type I condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CF30 nor GF15). 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 Type I CF30 or LCP Type I GF15?

LCP Type I GF15, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 50/100 against 35/100 for LCP Type I CF30.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in LCP Type I CF30 and LCP Type I GF15 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.