PESU CF30 vs PESU GF20
Polymer · PESU grade comparison
PESU CF30 and PESU GF20 are two grades of the same polymer grade, PESU: CF30 (30% carbon-fiber reinforced) versus GF20 (20% glass-fiber reinforced). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. PESU CF30 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) against 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) for PESU GF20, about 52% more. In exchange, PESU GF20 is the more ductile: elongation 3% versus 1.5% for PESU CF30. PESU CF30 is stiffer (20 GPa vs 7 GPa) and PESU CF30 conducts heat better (0.7 W/m·K vs 0.25 W/m·K). On the shop floor, PESU GF20 machines more easily (48 vs 38 out of 100).
PESU CF30Choose it when strength drives the design.
PESU GF20Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
PESU CF30 vs PESU GF20: 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 0.95 GPa0.14 Msi · Bulk Modulus 4 GPa0.58 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.39 · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 84 MPa12.2 ksi · Compressive Strength 100 MPa14.5 ksi · Compressive Modulus 2.6 GPa0.38 Msi · Shear Strength 66 MPa9.6 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 3 MPa·√m2.7 ksi·√in · Hardness, Shore D 87 Shore D · Hardness, Rockwell M 88 HRM · Hardness, Rockwell R 120 HRR
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Glass Transition (Tg) 225°C437 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.45% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 2.1% · Refractive Index 1.65 · Light Transmission 75%
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. @ 1.8 MPa
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,100 J/kg·K0.26 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -100°C-148 °F · Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa 216°C421 °F · Vicat Softening Point (B50) 223°C433 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 38% · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 220°C428 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Volume Resistivity
Same in both: Dielectric Strength 17 kV/mm432 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 3.5 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.005 · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 150 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 85 / 100 · UV / Weathering Resistance 25 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Mold Shrinkage
Same in both: Weldability 70 / 100 · Formability (cold) 55 / 100 · Polishability 75 / 100 · Melt Flow Rate 18 g/10 min · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 355°C671 °F · Mold Temperature (typ.) 160°C320 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 150 MJ/kg64,488 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 8 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 400 L/kg47.9 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.
PESU CF30 vs PESU GF20 — frequently asked
Is PESU CF30 stronger than PESU GF20?
Yes. PESU CF30 has a typical tensile strength of 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) against 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) for PESU GF20 — about 52% more.
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, CF30 or GF20?
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, PESU CF30 or PESU GF20?
PESU GF20, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 48/100 against 38/100 for PESU CF30.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PESU CF30 and PESU GF20 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.