PPA CF30 vs PPA GF15
Polymer · PPA grade comparison
PPA CF30 and PPA GF15 are two grades of the same polymer grade, PPA: CF30 (30% carbon fiber reinforced) versus GF15 (15% glass fiber reinforced). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. PPA CF30 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for PPA GF15, about 67% more. In exchange, PPA GF15 is the more ductile: elongation 3.5% versus 1.6% for PPA CF30. PPA GF15 is lighter (1.29 g/cm³ vs 1.35 g/cm³ for PPA CF30) and PPA CF30 is stiffer (22 GPa vs 6.2 GPa). On the shop floor, PPA GF15 machines more easily (good vs fair).
PPA CF30Choose it when strength drives the design.
PPA GF15Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PPA CF30 vs PPA GF15: 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 0.35 · Compressive Strength 165 MPa23.9 ksi · Hardness, Rockwell M 95 HRM
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Melting Temperature (Tm) 315°C599 °F · Glass Transition (Tg) 123°C253 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.25% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 1.3%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,300 J/kg·K0.31 BTU/lb·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 170°C338 °F · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F · Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa 300°C572 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 26% · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 250°C482 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Dielectric Strength 28 kV/mm711 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 4 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.017 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·cm · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 82 / 100 · UV / Weathering Resistance 40 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Mold Shrinkage
Same in both: Weldability 40 / 100 · Formability (cold) 10 / 100 · Polishability 30 / 100 · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 330°C626 °F · Mold Temperature (typ.) 150°C302 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 140 MJ/kg60,189 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 8 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 300 L/kg35.9 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.
PPA CF30 vs PPA GF15 — frequently asked
Is PPA CF30 stronger than PPA GF15?
Yes. PPA CF30 has a typical tensile strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for PPA GF15 — about 67% more.
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, CF30 or GF15?
GF30 is the default PPA condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CF30 nor GF15). 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, PPA CF30 or PPA GF15?
PPA GF15. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against fair (45/100) for PPA CF30.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PPA CF30 and PPA GF15 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.