PLA-CF CF10 vs PLA-CF CF20
Polymer · PLA-CF grade comparison
PLA-CF CF10 and PLA-CF CF20 are two grades of the same polymer grade, PLA-CF: CF10 (~5–10 wt% carbon fiber) versus CF20 (~20 wt% (or higher) carbon fiber, high-stiffness grade). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. PLA-CF CF10 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) against 48 MPa (6.96 ksi) for PLA-CF CF20, about 15% more. PLA-CF CF10 is the more ductile: elongation 3.5% versus 1.2% for PLA-CF CF20. PLA-CF CF10 is lighter (1.26 g/cm³ vs 1.31 g/cm³ for PLA-CF CF20) and PLA-CF CF20 is stiffer (8 GPa vs 4.6 GPa). On the shop floor, PLA-CF CF10 machines more easily (good vs fair).
PLA-CF CF10Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
PLA-CF CF10 vs PLA-CF CF20: 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: Poisson's Ratio 0.36 · Compressive Strength 70 MPa10.2 ksi · Hardness, Shore D 80 Shore D · Hardness, Rockwell R 105 HRR
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Melting Temperature (Tm) 155°C311 °F · Glass Transition (Tg) 58°C136 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.4% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 1%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,400 J/kg·K0.33 BTU/lb·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 55°C131 °F · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F · Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa 58°C136 °F · Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa 53°C127 °F · Vicat Softening Point (B50) 60°C140 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 20% · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 70°C158 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Volume Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10⁷ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁴ µΩ·in · Surface Resistivity 1×10⁸ Ω
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 55 / 100 · UV / Weathering Resistance 30 / 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 25 / 100 · Formability (cold) 10 / 100 · Polishability 20 / 100 · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 215°C419 °F · Mold Temperature (typ.) 55°C131 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 85 MJ/kg36,543 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 4.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 400 L/kg47.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 5%
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.
PLA-CF CF10 vs PLA-CF CF20 — frequently asked
Is PLA-CF CF10 stronger than PLA-CF CF20?
Yes. PLA-CF CF10 has a typical tensile strength of 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) against 48 MPa (6.96 ksi) for PLA-CF CF20 — about 15% more.
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, CF10 or CF20?
CF15 is the default PLA-CF condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CF10 nor CF20). 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, PLA-CF CF10 or PLA-CF CF20?
PLA-CF CF10. Its machinability rates good (65/100) against fair (52/100) for PLA-CF CF20.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PLA-CF CF10 and PLA-CF CF20 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.