PC-ABS FR vs PC-ABS GF30
Polymer · PC-ABS grade comparison
PC-ABS FR and PC-ABS GF30 are two grades of the same polymer grade, PC-ABS: FR (flame-retardant (non-halogen or halogenated), typically V-1/V-0) versus GF30 (30% glass-fiber reinforced). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. PC-ABS GF30 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) against 57 MPa (8.27 ksi) for PC-ABS FR, about 102% more. In exchange, PC-ABS FR is the more ductile: elongation 65% versus 2.5% for PC-ABS GF30. PC-ABS FR is lighter (1.2 g/cm³ vs 1.35 g/cm³ for PC-ABS GF30) and PC-ABS GF30 is stiffer (7.5 GPa vs 2.4 GPa). On the shop floor, PC-ABS FR machines more easily (good vs fair).
PC-ABS FRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PC-ABS GF30Choose it when strength drives the design.
PC-ABS FR vs PC-ABS GF30: 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
Hardness, Rockwell M
Same in both: Shear Modulus 0.87 GPa0.13 Msi · Bulk Modulus 4 GPa0.52 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.39 · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 55 MPa8 ksi · Compressive Strength 65 MPa9.4 ksi · Compressive Modulus 2.3 GPa0.33 Msi · Shear Strength 40 MPa5.8 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 3.5 MPa·√m3.2 ksi·√in · Hardness, Shore D 79 Shore D · Hardness, Rockwell R 115 HRR
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Glass Transition (Tg) 125°C257 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.2% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 0.6%
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
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,400 J/kg·K0.33 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 125°C257 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 25 kV/mm635 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 3 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.008 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 250 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 78 / 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 72 / 100 · Formability (cold) 60 / 100 · Polishability 65 / 100 · Melt Flow Rate 14 g/10 min · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 265°C509 °F · Mold Temperature (typ.) 75°C167 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 100 MJ/kg42,992 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 4.6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 200 L/kg24 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 15%
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-ABS FR vs PC-ABS GF30 — frequently asked
Is PC-ABS GF30 stronger than PC-ABS FR?
Yes. PC-ABS GF30 has a typical tensile strength of 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) against 57 MPa (8.27 ksi) for PC-ABS FR — about 102% more.
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, FR or GF30?
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-ABS FR or PC-ABS GF30?
PC-ABS FR. Its machinability rates good (65/100) against fair (45/100) for PC-ABS GF30.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PC-ABS FR and PC-ABS GF30 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.