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PEK BG vs PEK GF30

Polymer · PEK grade comparison

PEK BG and PEK GF30 are two grades of the same polymer grade, PEK: BG (bearing grade) versus GF30 (30 % short glass fiber reinforced). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. PEK GF30 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 168 MPa (24.4 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for PEK BG, about 29% more. PEK GF30 is the more ductile: elongation 2.5% versus 2% for PEK BG. PEK BG is lighter (1.44 g/cm³ vs 1.53 g/cm³ for PEK GF30) and PEK GF30 is stiffer (11 GPa vs 10 GPa). On the shop floor, PEK BG machines more easily (good vs fair).

PEK BGChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part is machined in volume.

PEK GF30Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

PEK BG vs PEK GF30: properties

PEK BGPEK GF30

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

10 GPa1.5 Msi
11 GPa1.6 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

130 MPa18.9 ksi
168 MPa24.4 ksi

Elongation at Break

2%
2.5%

Compressive Strength

180 MPa26.1 ksi
200 MPa29 ksi

Flexural Strength

180 MPa26.1 ksi
250 MPa36.3 ksi

Flexural Modulus

9 GPa1.3 Msi
11 GPa1.6 Msi

Izod Impact, Notched

40 J/m0.75 ft·lbf/in
90 J/m1.7 ft·lbf/in

Hardness, Rockwell M

100 HRM
102 HRM

Same in both: Shear Modulus 1.4 GPa0.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.4 · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 105 MPa15.2 ksi · Compressive Modulus 3.8 GPa0.55 Msi · Shear Strength 65 MPa9.4 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 3.5 MPa·√m3.2 ksi·√in · Hardness, Shore D 87 Shore D

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

1.44 g/cm³0.05 lb/in³
1.53 g/cm³0.06 lb/in³

Same in both: Melting Temperature (Tm) 373°C703 °F · Glass Transition (Tg) 157°C315 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.1% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 0.4%

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

0.9 W/m·K0.52 BTU/hr·ft·°F
0.4 W/m·K0.23 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

20 µm/m·K11.1 µin/in·°F
22 µm/m·K12.2 µin/in·°F

Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa

320°C608 °F
355°C671 °F

Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa

330°C626 °F
340°C644 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,340 J/kg·K0.32 BTU/lb·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 260°C500 °F · Min Service Temperature -70°C-94 °F · Vicat Softening Point (B50) 180°C356 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 40% · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 320°C608 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 20 kV/mm508 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 3.3 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.003 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 150 V

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 90 / 100 · UV / Weathering Resistance 40 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

55 / 100
40 / 100

Mold Shrinkage

1.3%
0.5%

Same in both: Weldability 55 / 100 · Formability (cold) 25 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100 · Melt Flow Rate 4 g/10 min · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 400°C752 °F · Mold Temperature (typ.) 200°C392 °F

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 320 MJ/kg137,575 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 22 kg CO₂/kg · 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.

0.1110100123Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scalePEK

PEK BG vs PEK GF30 — frequently asked

Is PEK GF30 stronger than PEK BG?

Yes. PEK GF30 has a typical tensile strength of 168 MPa (24.4 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for PEK BG — about 29% more.

Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, BG 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, PEK BG or PEK GF30?

PEK BG. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (40/100) for PEK GF30.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PEK BG and PEK 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.