PA46 GF15 vs PA46 GF40
Polymer · PA46 grade comparison
PA46 GF15 and PA46 GF40 are two grades of the same polymer grade, PA46: GF15 (15% glass-fiber reinforced) versus GF40 (40% glass-fiber reinforced). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. PA46 GF40 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 225 MPa (32.6 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for PA46 GF15, about 50% more. In exchange, PA46 GF15 is the more ductile: elongation 6% versus 3% for PA46 GF40. PA46 GF15 is lighter (1.28 g/cm³ vs 1.5 g/cm³ for PA46 GF40) and PA46 GF40 is stiffer (13 GPa vs 6 GPa).
PA46 GF15Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PA46 GF40Choose it when strength drives the design.
PA46 GF15 vs PA46 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: Shear Modulus 1.2 GPa0.17 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.4 · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 95 MPa13.8 ksi · Compressive Strength 95 MPa13.8 ksi · Flexural Strength 130 MPa18.9 ksi · Hardness, Shore D 83 Shore D · Hardness, Rockwell M 88 HRM · Hardness, Rockwell R 120 HRR
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Melting Temperature (Tm) 295°C563 °F · Glass Transition (Tg) 78°C172 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 2% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 12.5%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 0.3 W/m·K0.17 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 1,700 J/kg·K0.41 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F · Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa 275°C527 °F · Vicat Softening Point (B50) 290°C554 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 25% · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 230°C446 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹² Ω·m3.94×10¹⁹ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 28 kV/mm711 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 3.6 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.02 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ 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 70 / 100 · UV / Weathering Resistance 35 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Mold Shrinkage
Same in both: Machinability 65 / 100 · Weldability 70 / 100 · Formability (cold) 40 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100 · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 315°C599 °F · Mold Temperature (typ.) 100°C212 °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 · Embodied Water 350 L/kg41.9 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.
PA46 GF15 vs PA46 GF40 — frequently asked
Is PA46 GF40 stronger than PA46 GF15?
Yes. PA46 GF40 has a typical tensile strength of 225 MPa (32.6 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for PA46 GF15 — about 50% more.
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, GF15 or GF40?
UNFILLED-DRY is the default PA46 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither GF15 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.
When should I choose PA46 GF15 over PA46 GF40?
Pick PA46 GF15 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint. Pick PA46 GF40 when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PA46 GF15 and PA46 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.