PC CF20 vs PC GF20
Polymer · PC grade comparison
PC CF20 and PC GF20 are two grades of the same polymer grade, PC: CF20 (20% carbon fiber reinforced) versus GF20 (20% glass fiber reinforced). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. PC CF20 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 145 MPa (21 ksi) against 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) for PC GF20, about 45% more. In exchange, PC GF20 is the more ductile: elongation 4% versus 2% for PC CF20. PC CF20 is stiffer (14 GPa vs 5.8 GPa) and PC CF20 conducts heat better (0.5 W/m·K vs 0.22 W/m·K).
PC CF20Choose it when strength drives the design.
PC GF20Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
PC CF20 vs PC GF20: 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 0.83 GPa0.12 Msi · Bulk Modulus 4 GPa0.51 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.38 · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 63 MPa9.1 ksi · Compressive Strength 80 MPa11.6 ksi · Compressive Modulus 2.4 GPa0.35 Msi · Shear Strength 41 MPa5.9 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 2.2 MPa·√m2 ksi·√in · Hardness, Shore D 84 Shore D · Hardness, Rockwell M 70 HRM · Hardness, Rockwell R 120 HRR
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Glass Transition (Tg) 147°C297 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.15% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 0.35% · Refractive Index 1.585 · Light Transmission 88%
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. @ 1.8 MPa
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,200 J/kg·K0.29 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F · Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa 138°C280 °F · Vicat Softening Point (B50) 146°C295 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 26% · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 145°C293 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 22 kV/mm559 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 2.9 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.01 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·cm · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 250 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 55 / 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 70 / 100 · Formability (cold) 75 / 100 · Polishability 85 / 100 · Melt Flow Rate 10 g/10 min · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 295°C563 °F · Mold Temperature (typ.) 90°C194 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 105 MJ/kg45,142 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 6.3 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 250 L/kg30 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.
PC CF20 vs PC GF20 — frequently asked
Is PC CF20 stronger than PC GF20?
Yes. PC CF20 has a typical tensile strength of 145 MPa (21 ksi) against 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) for PC GF20 — about 45% more.
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, CF20 or GF20?
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, PC CF20 or PC GF20?
PC GF20, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 50/100 against 45/100 for PC CF20.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PC CF20 and PC GF20 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.