PCT GF30 vs PCT IM
Polymer · PCT grade comparison
PCT GF30 and PCT IM are two grades of the same polymer grade, PCT: GF30 (30 % glass-fiber reinforced) versus IM (impact-modified PCT). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. PCT IM is the stronger of the two: yield strength 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) against 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) for PCT GF30, about 102% more. PCT IM is the more ductile: elongation 3.5% versus 2.2% for PCT GF30. PCT IM is lighter (1.42 g/cm³ vs 1.47 g/cm³ for PCT GF30) and PCT GF30 is stiffer (9.5 GPa vs 8 GPa). On the shop floor, PCT GF30 welds better (good vs poor).
PCT GF30Choose it when it will be welded.
PCT IMChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
PCT GF30 vs PCT 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, Rockwell R
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.4
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Water Absorption (24 h)
Same in both: Melting Temperature (Tm) 288°C550 °F · Glass Transition (Tg) 90°C194 °F · Water Absorption (Saturation) 0.35% · Refractive Index 1.56
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,250 J/kg·K0.3 BTU/lb·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 150°C302 °F · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 23%
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 22 kV/mm559 V/mil · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.015 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 250 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 70 / 100 · UV / Weathering Resistance 55 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Mold Shrinkage
Same in both: Machinability 40 / 100 · Polishability 50 / 100 · Melt Flow Rate 20 g/10 min · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 310°C590 °F · Mold Temperature (typ.) 120°C248 °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 180 L/kg21.6 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 0%
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.
PCT GF30 vs PCT IM — frequently asked
Is PCT IM stronger than PCT GF30?
Yes. PCT IM has a typical yield strength of 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) against 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) for PCT GF30 — about 102% more. Tensile strength is 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) vs 130 MPa (18.9 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 welds better, PCT GF30 or PCT IM?
PCT GF30. Its weldability rates good (60/100) against poor (20/100) for PCT IM.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PCT GF30 and PCT 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.