PAI CF30 vs PAI LF
Polymer · PAI grade comparison
PAI CF30 and PAI LF are two grades of the same polymer grade, PAI: CF30 (30% carbon-fiber reinforced PAI) versus LF (low Friction). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. PAI CF30 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) against 110 MPa (16 ksi) for PAI LF, about 86% more. PAI CF30 is the more ductile: elongation 6% versus 5% for PAI LF. PAI CF30 is stiffer (16 GPa vs 7 GPa). On the shop floor, PAI LF machines more easily (good vs fair).
PAI CF30Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
PAI LFChoose it when the part is machined in volume.
PAI CF30 vs PAI LF: 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Rockwell M
Same in both: Shear Modulus 1.6 GPa0.23 Msi · Hardness, Shore D 88 Shore D
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Same in both: Glass Transition (Tg) 275°C527 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,000 J/kg·K0.24 BTU/lb·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 250°C482 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F · Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa 282°C540 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 45% · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 280°C536 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Volume Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω·m3.94×10²² µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 23 kV/mm584 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 3.9 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.03 · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁸ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 200 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
UV / Weathering Resistance
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 80 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Mold Temperature (typ.) 215°C419 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 14 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.
PAI CF30 vs PAI LF — frequently asked
Is PAI CF30 stronger than PAI LF?
Yes. PAI CF30 has a typical tensile strength of 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) against 110 MPa (16 ksi) for PAI LF — about 86% more.
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, CF30 or LF?
Unfilled (Electrical) is the default PAI condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CF30 nor LF). 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, PAI CF30 or PAI LF?
PAI LF. Its machinability rates good (58/100) against fair (35/100) for PAI CF30; for welding the order is PAI CF30 first (not recommended, 10/100) then PAI LF (not recommended, 5/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PAI CF30 and PAI LF 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.