PBT-GF30 GF30 vs PBT-GF30 GF30-IM
Polymer · PBT-GF30 grade comparison
PBT-GF30 GF30 and PBT-GF30 GF30-IM are two grades of the same polymer grade, PBT-GF30: GF30 (30% glass fiber, natural / uncolored, unmodified) versus GF30-IM. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. PBT-GF30 GF30 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) against 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) for PBT-GF30 GF30-IM, about 24% more. In exchange, PBT-GF30 GF30-IM is the more ductile: elongation 5% versus 3% for PBT-GF30 GF30, and PBT-GF30 GF30 is harder (85 Shore D vs 80 Shore D). PBT-GF30 GF30-IM is lighter (1.48 g/cm³ vs 1.53 g/cm³ for PBT-GF30 GF30) and PBT-GF30 GF30 is stiffer (10 GPa vs 7.5 GPa).
PBT-GF30 GF30Choose it when strength drives the design.
PBT-GF30 GF30-IMChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PBT-GF30 GF30 vs PBT-GF30 GF30-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)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M
Hardness, Rockwell R
Same in both: Shear Modulus 3.6 GPa0.52 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.38 · Compressive Modulus 8.5 GPa1.2 Msi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Melting Temperature (Tm) 225°C437 °F · Glass Transition (Tg) 50°C122 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.06% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 0.35%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
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 1,400 J/kg·K0.33 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 25 µm/m·K13.9 µin/in·°F · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 190°C374 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 30 kV/mm762 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 3.7 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.02 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 550 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: UV / Weathering Resistance 30 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Formability (cold)
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Same in both: Weldability 45 / 100 · Polishability 30 / 100 · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 260°C500 °F · Mold Temperature (typ.) 80°C176 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 85 MJ/kg36,543 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 4.4 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 200 L/kg24 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 5%
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.
PBT-GF30 GF30 vs PBT-GF30 GF30-IM — frequently asked
Is PBT-GF30 GF30 stronger than PBT-GF30 GF30-IM?
Yes. PBT-GF30 GF30 has a typical tensile strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) against 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) for PBT-GF30 GF30-IM — about 24% more.
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, GF30 or GF30-IM?
GF30 is the default PBT-GF30 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, PBT-GF30 GF30 or PBT-GF30 GF30-IM?
PBT-GF30 GF30-IM, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 63/100 against 55/100 for PBT-GF30 GF30.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PBT-GF30 GF30 and PBT-GF30 GF30-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.