PPO GF30 vs PPO UNF
Polymer · PPO grade comparison
PPO GF30 and PPO UNF are two grades of the same polymer grade, PPO: GF30 (30% glass-fiber reinforced) versus UNF (unfilled / natural). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. PPO GF30 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) against 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) for PPO UNF, about 100% more. In exchange, PPO UNF is the more ductile: elongation 50% versus 3% for PPO GF30. PPO UNF is lighter (1.06 g/cm³ vs 1.27 g/cm³ for PPO GF30) and PPO GF30 is stiffer (8.3 GPa vs 2.5 GPa). On the shop floor, PPO UNF machines more easily (very good vs fair).
PPO GF30Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
PPO UNFChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PPO GF30 vs PPO UNF: 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 0.9 GPa0.13 Msi · Bulk Modulus 4 GPa0.51 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.38 · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 60 MPa8.7 ksi · Compressive Strength 95 MPa13.8 ksi · Compressive Modulus 2.4 GPa0.35 Msi · Shear Strength 45 MPa6.5 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 2.8 MPa·√m2.5 ksi·√in · Hardness, Shore D 80 Shore D · Hardness, Rockwell M 78 HRM · Hardness, Rockwell R 119 HRR
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Glass Transition (Tg) 150°C302 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.07% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 0.2%
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 1,400 J/kg·K0.33 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F · Vicat Softening Point (B50) 140°C284 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 26% · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 130°C266 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 21 kV/mm533 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 2.65 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 9×10⁻⁴ · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 400 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 80 / 100 · UV / Weathering Resistance 30 / 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) 50 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100 · Melt Flow Rate 6 g/10 min · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 280°C536 °F · Mold Temperature (typ.) 90°C194 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 105 MJ/kg45,142 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 4.6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 200 L/kg24 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.
PPO GF30 vs PPO UNF — frequently asked
Is PPO GF30 stronger than PPO UNF?
Yes. PPO GF30 has a typical tensile strength of 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) against 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) for PPO UNF — about 100% more.
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, GF30 or UNF?
UNF is the default PPO 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, PPO GF30 or PPO UNF?
PPO UNF. Its machinability rates very good (70/100) against fair (48/100) for PPO GF30.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PPO GF30 and PPO UNF 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.