PEN GF30 vs PEN UF
Polymer · PEN grade comparison
PEN GF30 and PEN UF are two grades of the same polymer grade, PEN: GF30 (30 % glass-fibre reinforced) versus UF (unfilled / Natural). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. PEN GF30 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) against 80 MPa (11.6 ksi) for PEN UF, about 100% more. In exchange, PEN UF is the more ductile: elongation 40% versus 2.5% for PEN GF30. PEN UF is lighter (1.36 g/cm³ vs 1.56 g/cm³ for PEN GF30) and PEN GF30 is stiffer (9.5 GPa vs 2.8 GPa). On the shop floor, PEN UF machines more easily (good vs fair).
PEN GF30Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
PEN UFChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PEN GF30 vs PEN UF: 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
Same in both: Shear Modulus 1 GPa0.15 Msi · Bulk Modulus 4 GPa0.62 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.39 · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 78 MPa11.3 ksi · Compressive Strength 100 MPa14.5 ksi · Compressive Modulus 2.9 GPa0.42 Msi · Shear Strength 55 MPa8 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 3.5 MPa·√m3.2 ksi·√in · Hardness, Shore D 85 Shore D · Hardness, Rockwell M 95 HRM · Hardness, Rockwell R 120 HRR
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Melting Temperature (Tm) 268°C514 °F · Glass Transition (Tg) 122°C252 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.25% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 0.6% · Refractive Index 1.64 · Light Transmission 85%
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
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,250 J/kg·K0.3 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -70°C-94 °F · Vicat Softening Point (B50) 130°C266 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 26% · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 220°C428 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 30 kV/mm762 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 3 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.01 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 76 / 100 · UV / Weathering Resistance 80 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Formability (cold)
Mold Shrinkage
Same in both: Weldability 60 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100 · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 300°C572 °F · Mold Temperature (typ.) 120°C248 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 110 MJ/kg47,292 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 90 L/kg10.8 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.
PEN GF30 vs PEN UF — frequently asked
Is PEN GF30 stronger than PEN UF?
Yes. PEN GF30 has a typical tensile strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) against 80 MPa (11.6 ksi) for PEN UF — about 100% more.
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, GF30 or UF?
UF is the default PEN condition in the FabDigit quote flow. The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
Which is easier to machine, PEN GF30 or PEN UF?
PEN UF. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against fair (40/100) for PEN GF30.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PEN GF30 and PEN UF 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.