PA6-3-T GF30 vs PA6-3-T IM
Polymer · PA6-3-T grade comparison
PA6-3-T GF30 and PA6-3-T IM are two grades of the same polymer grade, PA6-3-T: GF30 (30% glass-fiber reinforced) versus IM (impact-modified (toughened) transparent). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. PA6-3-T GF30 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 78 MPa (11.3 ksi) against 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) for PA6-3-T IM, about 30% more; tensile strength follows at 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) vs 62 MPa (8.99 ksi). In exchange, PA6-3-T IM is the more ductile: elongation 120% versus 3% for PA6-3-T GF30, and PA6-3-T GF30 is harder (83 Shore D vs 78 Shore D). PA6-3-T IM is lighter (1.12 g/cm³ vs 1.35 g/cm³ for PA6-3-T GF30) and PA6-3-T GF30 is stiffer (8.5 GPa vs 2.2 GPa).
PA6-3-T GF30Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
PA6-3-T IMChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PA6-3-T GF30 vs PA6-3-T IM: 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)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M
Hardness, Rockwell R
Same in both: Shear Modulus 1.1 GPa0.15 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.4
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Light Transmission
Same in both: Glass Transition (Tg) 150°C302 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.4% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 3% · Refractive Index 1.566
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
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,600 J/kg·K0.38 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 145°C293 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹³ Ω·m3.94×10²⁰ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 30 kV/mm762 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 3.1 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.02 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: UV / Weathering Resistance 55 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Mold Shrinkage
Same in both: Formability (cold) 60 / 100 · Polishability 88 / 100 · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 275°C527 °F · Mold Temperature (typ.) 80°C176 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 130 MJ/kg55,890 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 8 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.
PA6-3-T GF30 vs PA6-3-T IM — frequently asked
Is PA6-3-T GF30 stronger than PA6-3-T IM?
Yes. PA6-3-T GF30 has a typical yield strength of 78 MPa (11.3 ksi) against 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) for PA6-3-T IM — about 30% more. Tensile strength is 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) vs 62 MPa (8.99 ksi).
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, GF30 or IM?
Specify the condition in the material field or the drawing note; FabDigit prices the quote for the state you call out.
Which is easier to machine, PA6-3-T GF30 or PA6-3-T IM?
PA6-3-T IM, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 62/100 against 55/100 for PA6-3-T GF30; for welding the order is PA6-3-T IM first (very good, 70/100) then PA6-3-T GF30 (good, 65/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PA6-3-T GF30 and PA6-3-T IM 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.