PC/PBT GF30 vs PC/PBT IM
Polymer · PC/PBT grade comparison
PC/PBT GF30 and PC/PBT IM are two grades of the same polymer grade, PC/PBT: GF30 (30 % glass-fiber reinforced) versus IM (impact-modified / high-impact grade). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. PC/PBT GF30 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) against 46 MPa (6.67 ksi) for PC/PBT IM, about 13% more; tensile strength follows at 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) vs 47 MPa (6.82 ksi). In exchange, PC/PBT IM is the more ductile: elongation 150% versus 3.5% for PC/PBT GF30, and PC/PBT GF30 is harder (76 Shore D vs 72 Shore D). PC/PBT IM is lighter (1.21 g/cm³ vs 1.44 g/cm³ for PC/PBT GF30) and PC/PBT GF30 is stiffer (8 GPa vs 1.9 GPa). On the shop floor, PC/PBT IM machines more easily (good vs fair).
PC/PBT GF30Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
PC/PBT IMChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PC/PBT GF30 vs PC/PBT 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)
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)
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 · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 130°C266 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
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 · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 275 V
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
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Same in both: Weldability 70 / 100 · 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 GF30 vs PC/PBT IM — frequently asked
Is PC/PBT GF30 stronger than PC/PBT IM?
Yes. PC/PBT GF30 has a typical yield strength of 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) against 46 MPa (6.67 ksi) for PC/PBT IM — about 13% more. Tensile strength is 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) vs 47 MPa (6.82 ksi).
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, GF30 or IM?
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 GF30 or PC/PBT IM?
PC/PBT IM. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against fair (42/100) for PC/PBT GF30.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PC/PBT GF30 and PC/PBT 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.