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MXD6 CF30 vs MXD6 GF30

Polymer · MXD6 grade comparison

MXD6 CF30 and MXD6 GF30 are two grades of the same polymer grade, MXD6: CF30 (30% carbon-fiber reinforced / ESD) versus GF30 (30% glass-fiber reinforced injection grade). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. MXD6 CF30 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for MXD6 GF30, about 20% more. In exchange, MXD6 GF30 is the more ductile: elongation 2.5% versus 1.6% for MXD6 CF30. MXD6 CF30 is lighter (1.36 g/cm³ vs 1.48 g/cm³ for MXD6 GF30) and MXD6 CF30 is stiffer (20 GPa vs 10 GPa).

MXD6 CF30Choose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.

MXD6 GF30Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

MXD6 CF30 vs MXD6 GF30: properties

MXD6 CF30MXD6 GF30

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

20 GPa2.9 Msi
10 GPa1.5 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

240 MPa34.8 ksi
200 MPa29 ksi

Elongation at Break

1.6%
2.5%

Flexural Strength

330 MPa47.9 ksi
285 MPa41.3 ksi

Flexural Modulus

19 GPa2.8 Msi
9.5 GPa1.4 Msi

Izod Impact, Notched

70 J/m1.3 ft·lbf/in
90 J/m1.7 ft·lbf/in

Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.35 · Compressive Strength 170 MPa24.7 ksi · Hardness, Rockwell M 100 HRM

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

1.36 g/cm³0.05 lb/in³
1.48 g/cm³0.05 lb/in³

Same in both: Melting Temperature (Tm) 240°C464 °F · Glass Transition (Tg) 88°C190 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.3% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 2.4%

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

0.8 W/m·K0.46 BTU/hr·ft·°F
0.3 W/m·K0.17 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F
25 µm/m·K13.9 µin/in·°F

Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa

220°C428 °F
215°C419 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,400 J/kg·K0.33 BTU/lb·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 120°C248 °F · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F · Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa 230°C446 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 24% · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 200°C392 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹² Ω·m3.94×10¹⁹ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 25 kV/mm635 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 4 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.02 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·cm · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 550 V

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 80 / 100 · UV / Weathering Resistance 30 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

35 / 100
40 / 100

Same in both: Weldability 55 / 100 · Formability (cold) 15 / 100 · Mold Shrinkage 0.3% · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 270°C518 °F · Mold Temperature (typ.) 130°C266 °F

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 130 MJ/kg55,890 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 7.5 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.

0.1110100123Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleMXD6

MXD6 CF30 vs MXD6 GF30 — frequently asked

Is MXD6 CF30 stronger than MXD6 GF30?

Yes. MXD6 CF30 has a typical tensile strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for MXD6 GF30 — about 20% more.

Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, CF30 or GF30?

GF30 is the default MXD6 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. 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, MXD6 CF30 or MXD6 GF30?

MXD6 GF30, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 40/100 against 35/100 for MXD6 CF30.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in MXD6 CF30 and MXD6 GF30 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.