MF vs UF
Polymer · grade comparison
MF and UF are both polymer grades. MF is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) against 65 MPa (9.43 ksi) for UF, about 8% more. MF runs hotter in service (120°C vs 75°C continuous) and MF conducts heat better (0.4 W/m·K vs 0.3 W/m·K).
MFChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
MF vs UF: 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.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Flexural Strength
Hardness, Rockwell M
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Rockwell R
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 9 GPa1.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Elongation at Break 0.8% · Compressive Strength 250 MPa36.3 ksi · Flexural Modulus 9 GPa1.3 Msi · Izod Impact, Notched 16 J/m0.3 ft·lbf/in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Refractive Index
Same in both: Density 1.5 g/cm³0.05 lb/in³
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
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
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁰ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁷ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 14 kV/mm356 V/mil · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹² Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹² Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
UV / Weathering Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Machinability 40 / 100 · Weldability 0 / 100 · Formability (cold) 5 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 0%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 6 MN·m/kg · Thermal Shock Resistance Index 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.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | MF | UF |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
MF vs UF — frequently asked
Is MF stronger than UF?
Yes. MF has a typical tensile strength of 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) against 65 MPa (9.43 ksi) for UF — about 8% more.
Which is cheaper, MF or UF?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$, standard); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose MF over UF?
Pick MF when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in MF and UF 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.