mPP GF30 vs mPP NUCL
Polymer · mPP grade comparison
mPP GF30 and mPP NUCL are two grades of the same polymer grade, mPP: GF30 (30 % glass-fiber reinforced) versus NUCL (clarified / nucleated). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. mPP GF30 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 80 MPa (11.6 ksi) against 34 MPa (4.93 ksi) for mPP NUCL, about 135% more. In exchange, mPP NUCL is the more ductile: elongation 350% versus 3% for mPP GF30. MPP NUCL is lighter (0.9 g/cm³ vs 1.13 g/cm³ for mPP GF30) and mPP GF30 is stiffer (6 GPa vs 1.3 GPa). On the shop floor, mPP GF30 machines more easily (good vs fair) and mPP NUCL welds better (excellent vs good).
mPP GF30Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
mPP NUCLChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
mPP GF30 vs mPP NUCL: 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
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Same in both: Shear Modulus 0.45 GPa0.07 Msi · Bulk Modulus 4 GPa0.51 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.42 · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 33 MPa4.8 ksi · Compressive Modulus 1.3 GPa0.19 Msi · Shear Strength 25 MPa3.6 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Light Transmission
Same in both: Melting Temperature (Tm) 152°C306 °F · Glass Transition (Tg) -5°C23 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.01% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 0.03% · Refractive Index 1.49
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
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,800 J/kg·K0.43 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F · Vicat Softening Point (B50) 98°C208 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 18% · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 120°C248 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 30 kV/mm762 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 2.25 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 3×10⁻⁴ · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 90 / 100 · UV / Weathering Resistance 25 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Polishability 50 / 100 · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 225°C437 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 78 MJ/kg33,534 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 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.
mPP GF30 vs mPP NUCL — frequently asked
Is mPP GF30 stronger than mPP NUCL?
Yes. mPP GF30 has a typical tensile strength of 80 MPa (11.6 ksi) against 34 MPa (4.93 ksi) for mPP NUCL — about 135% more.
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, GF30 or NUCL?
UNF is the default mPP condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither GF30 nor NUCL). 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, mPP GF30 or mPP NUCL?
mPP GF30. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (45/100) for mPP NUCL; for welding the order is mPP NUCL first (excellent, 90/100) then mPP GF30 (good, 60/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in mPP GF30 and mPP NUCL 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.