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PBT GF30 vs PBT GF40

Polymer · grade comparison

PBT-GF30 and PBT GF40 are both polymer grades, compared here in the GF40 condition. PBT GF40 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 155 MPa (22.5 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for PBT-GF30, about 19% more. In exchange, PBT-GF30 is the more ductile: elongation 3% versus 2.3% for PBT GF40. PBT-GF30 is lighter (1.53 g/cm³ vs 1.63 g/cm³ for PBT GF40) and PBT GF40 is stiffer (13 GPa vs 10 GPa). On the shop floor, PBT-GF30 machines more easily (good vs poor) and PBT GF40 welds better (very good vs fair).

PBT-GF30Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.

PBT GF40Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.

PBT-GF30 vs PBT GF40: properties

PBT-GF30PBT GF40

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

10 GPa1.5 Msi
13 GPa1.9 Msi

Shear Modulus

3.6 GPa0.52 Msi
0.93 GPa0.13 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.38
0.4

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

130 MPa18.9 ksi
155 MPa22.5 ksi

Elongation at Break

3%
2.3%

Compressive Strength

130 MPa18.9 ksi
85 MPa12.3 ksi

Compressive Modulus

8.5 GPa1.2 Msi
2.4 GPa0.35 Msi

Flexural Strength

200 MPa29 ksi
235 MPa34.1 ksi

Flexural Modulus

9 GPa1.3 Msi
11.5 GPa1.7 Msi

Shear Strength

60 MPa8.7 ksi
45 MPa6.5 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

3.5 MPa·√m3.2 ksi·√in
2.5 MPa·√m2.3 ksi·√in

Izod Impact, Notched

90 J/m1.7 ft·lbf/in
110 J/m2.1 ft·lbf/in

Hardness, Shore D

85 Shore D
82 Shore D

Hardness, Rockwell M

90 HRM
75 HRM

Hardness, Rockwell R

120 HRR
118 HRR

Bulk Modulus

—
4 GPa0.61 Msi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

—
55 MPa8 ksi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

1.53 g/cm³0.06 lb/in³
1.63 g/cm³0.06 lb/in³

Glass Transition (Tg)

50°C122 °F
55°C131 °F

Water Absorption (24 h)

0.06%
0.09%

Water Absorption (Saturation)

0.35%
0.45%

Same in both: Melting Temperature (Tm) 225°C437 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Specific Heat Capacity

1,400 J/kg·K0.33 BTU/lb·°F
1,500 J/kg·K0.36 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

25 µm/m·K13.9 µin/in·°F
20 µm/m·K11.1 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

130°C266 °F
145°C293 °F

Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa

215°C419 °F
155°C311 °F

Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa

207°C405 °F
210°C410 °F

Vicat Softening Point (B50)

200°C392 °F
178°C352 °F

Limiting Oxygen Index

22%
21%

Max Service Temperature (short-term)

190°C374 °F
160°C320 °F

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 0.25 W/m·K0.14 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Dielectric Strength

30 kV/mm762 V/mil
23 kV/mm584 V/mil

Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)

3.7
3.1

Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)

550 V
600 V

Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.02 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

UV / Weathering Resistance

30 / 100
35 / 100

Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 82 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

55 / 100
33 / 100

Weldability

45 / 100
70 / 100

Formability (cold)

10 / 100
20 / 100

Polishability

30 / 100
55 / 100

Mold Shrinkage

0.4%
0.3%

Melt Flow Rate

20 g/10 min
25 g/10 min

Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)

260°C500 °F
250°C482 °F

Mold Temperature (typ.)

80°C176 °F
70°C158 °F

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

85 MJ/kg36,543 BTU/lb
105 MJ/kg45,142 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

4.4 kg CO₂/kg
5 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

200 L/kg24 gal/lb
250 L/kg30 gal/lb

Same in both: 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.

0.1110100123Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scalePBT

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityPBT-GF30PBT GF40
Injection molding—Yes
Default condition—Unfilled
Relative cost$$ Standard$$ Standard
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——
Chrome Plating (Plastic)—Yes
EMI Shielding Coating—Yes
Soft Touch Coating—Yes
Spray Painting—Yes
UV Coating—Yes

PBT-GF30 vs PBT GF40 — frequently asked

Is PBT GF40 stronger than PBT-GF30?

Yes. PBT GF40 has a typical tensile strength of 155 MPa (22.5 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for PBT-GF30 — about 19% more.

Which is cheaper, PBT-GF30 or PBT GF40?

Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$, standard); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.

Which is easier to machine, PBT-GF30 or PBT GF40?

PBT-GF30. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against poor (33/100) for PBT GF40; for welding the order is PBT GF40 first (very good, 70/100) then PBT-GF30 (fair, 45/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PBT-GF30 and PBT 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.