PLLA GF30 vs PLLA NUCL
Polymer · PLLA grade comparison
PLLA GF30 and PLLA NUCL are two grades of the same polymer grade, PLLA: GF30 (30% glass-fiber reinforced PLLA) versus NUCL (nucleated fast-crystallizing PLLA). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. PLLA GF30 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) against 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) for PLLA NUCL, about 67% more. In exchange, PLLA NUCL is the more ductile: elongation 3% versus 2% for PLLA GF30. PLLA NUCL is lighter (1.28 g/cm³ vs 1.45 g/cm³ for PLLA GF30) and PLLA GF30 is stiffer (9 GPa vs 3.6 GPa). On the shop floor, PLLA NUCL machines more easily (good vs fair).
PLLA GF30Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
PLLA NUCLChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PLLA GF30 vs PLLA NUCL: 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
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Same in both: Shear Modulus 1.3 GPa0.19 Msi · Bulk Modulus 4 GPa0.59 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.36 · Compressive Modulus 3.3 GPa0.48 Msi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Melting Temperature (Tm) 175°C347 °F · Glass Transition (Tg) 61°C142 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.4% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 1% · Refractive Index 1.46 · Light Transmission 88%
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
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,500 J/kg·K0.36 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 20% · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 80°C176 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 18 kV/mm457 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 3 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.015 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 55 / 100 · UV / Weathering Resistance 45 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Polishability 70 / 100 · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 205°C401 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 50 MJ/kg21,496 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 1.3 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.
PLLA GF30 vs PLLA NUCL — frequently asked
Is PLLA GF30 stronger than PLLA NUCL?
Yes. PLLA GF30 has a typical tensile strength of 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) against 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) for PLLA NUCL — about 67% more.
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, GF30 or NUCL?
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, PLLA GF30 or PLLA NUCL?
PLLA NUCL. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against fair (45/100) for PLLA GF30; for welding the order is PLLA GF30 first (very good, 75/100) then PLLA NUCL (very good, 70/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PLLA GF30 and PLLA NUCL 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.