PA6T CF30 vs PA6T GF15
Polymer · PA6T grade comparison
PA6T CF30 and PA6T GF15 are two grades of the same polymer grade, PA6T: CF30 (30 % carbon-fiber reinforced) versus GF15 (15 % glass-fiber reinforced). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. PA6T CF30 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 245 MPa (35.5 ksi) against 145 MPa (21 ksi) for PA6T GF15, about 69% more. In exchange, PA6T GF15 is the more ductile: elongation 4% versus 1.6% for PA6T CF30. PA6T GF15 is lighter (1.29 g/cm³ vs 1.34 g/cm³ for PA6T CF30) and PA6T CF30 is stiffer (22 GPa vs 6 GPa). On the shop floor, PA6T GF15 machines more easily (50 vs 35 out of 100).
PA6T CF30Choose it when strength drives the design.
PA6T GF15Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PA6T CF30 vs PA6T GF15: 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 Strength
Flexural Modulus
Izod Impact, Notched
Same in both: Shear Modulus 1.2 GPa0.17 Msi · Bulk Modulus 5 GPa0.77 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.4 · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 95 MPa13.8 ksi · Compressive Strength 105 MPa15.2 ksi · Compressive Modulus 3 GPa0.44 Msi · Shear Strength 62 MPa9 ksi · Hardness, Shore D 86 Shore D · Hardness, Rockwell M 95 HRM · Hardness, Rockwell R 122 HRR
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Melting Temperature (Tm) 315°C599 °F · Glass Transition (Tg) 125°C257 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.3% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 4%
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 1,500 J/kg·K0.36 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F · Vicat Softening Point (B50) 265°C509 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 26% · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 210°C410 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹³ Ω·m3.94×10²⁰ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 28 kV/mm711 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 3.6 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.018 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω·cm · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 76 / 100 · UV / Weathering Resistance 30 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Mold Shrinkage
Same in both: Weldability 60 / 100 · Formability (cold) 25 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100 · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 330°C626 °F · Mold Temperature (typ.) 140°C284 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 150 MJ/kg64,488 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 8.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 500 L/kg59.9 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.
PA6T CF30 vs PA6T GF15 — frequently asked
Is PA6T CF30 stronger than PA6T GF15?
Yes. PA6T CF30 has a typical tensile strength of 245 MPa (35.5 ksi) against 145 MPa (21 ksi) for PA6T GF15 — about 69% more.
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, CF30 or GF15?
UF is the default PA6T condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CF30 nor GF15). 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, PA6T CF30 or PA6T GF15?
PA6T GF15, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 50/100 against 35/100 for PA6T CF30.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PA6T CF30 and PA6T GF15 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.