PC/PBT FR vs PC/PBT GF30
Polymer · PC/PBT grade comparison
PC/PBT FR and PC/PBT GF30 are two grades of the same polymer grade, PC/PBT: FR (flame-retardant, UL 94 V-0) versus GF30 (30 % glass-fiber reinforced). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. PC/PBT FR is the stronger of the two: yield strength 56 MPa (8.12 ksi) against 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) for PC/PBT GF30, about 8% more. PC/PBT FR is the more ductile: elongation 55% versus 3.5% for PC/PBT GF30. PC/PBT FR is lighter (1.33 g/cm³ vs 1.44 g/cm³ for PC/PBT GF30) and PC/PBT GF30 is stiffer (8 GPa vs 2.4 GPa). On the shop floor, PC/PBT FR machines more easily (good vs fair).
PC/PBT FRChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
PC/PBT GF30Choose it when the part sees heat.
PC/PBT FR vs PC/PBT 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)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.4
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Melting Temperature (Tm) 222°C432 °F · Glass Transition (Tg) 130°C266 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.12% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 0.4%
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) 130°C266 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹³ Ω·m3.94×10²⁰ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 26 kV/mm660 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 3.1 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.012 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 80 / 100 · UV / Weathering Resistance 55 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Same in both: Polishability 55 / 100 · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 260°C500 °F · Mold Temperature (typ.) 70°C158 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 95 MJ/kg40,843 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 250 L/kg30 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 10%
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/PBT FR vs PC/PBT GF30 — frequently asked
Is PC/PBT FR stronger than PC/PBT GF30?
Yes. PC/PBT FR has a typical yield strength of 56 MPa (8.12 ksi) against 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) for PC/PBT GF30 — about 8% more. Tensile strength is 57 MPa (8.27 ksi) vs 115 MPa (16.7 ksi).
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/PBT FR or PC/PBT GF30?
PC/PBT FR. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against fair (42/100) for PC/PBT GF30; for welding the order is PC/PBT GF30 first (very good, 70/100) then PC/PBT FR (good, 65/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PC/PBT FR and PC/PBT 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.