PSU CF30 vs PSU GF40
Polymer · PSU grade comparison
PSU CF30 and PSU GF40 are two grades of the same polymer grade, PSU: CF30 (30% Carbon Fiber) versus GF40 (40% Glass Fiber). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. PSU CF30 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 155 MPa (22.5 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for PSU GF40, about 19% more. In exchange, PSU GF40 is the more ductile: elongation 2% versus 1.7% for PSU CF30. PSU CF30 is lighter (1.43 g/cm³ vs 1.6 g/cm³ for PSU GF40) and PSU CF30 is stiffer (18 GPa vs 12.5 GPa). On the shop floor, PSU CF30 machines more easily (good vs fair).
PSU CF30Choose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
PSU GF40Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
PSU CF30 vs PSU GF40: 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Rockwell M
Same in both: Shear Modulus 0.9 GPa0.13 Msi · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 70 MPa10.2 ksi · Hardness, Shore D 85 Shore D · Hardness, Rockwell R 120 HRR
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Same in both: Glass Transition (Tg) 185°C365 °F · Refractive Index 1.633 · Light Transmission 75%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 165°C329 °F · Min Service Temperature -100°C-148 °F · Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa 190°C374 °F · Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa 185°C365 °F · Vicat Softening Point (B50) 188°C370 °F · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 190°C374 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 150 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 84 / 100 · UV / Weathering Resistance 45 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Same in both: Weldability 25 / 100 · Melt Flow Rate 6.5 g/10 min · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 355°C671 °F · Mold Temperature (typ.) 145°C293 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Same in both: 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.
PSU CF30 vs PSU GF40 — frequently asked
Is PSU CF30 stronger than PSU GF40?
Yes. PSU CF30 has a typical tensile strength of 155 MPa (22.5 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for PSU GF40 — about 19% more.
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, CF30 or GF40?
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, PSU CF30 or PSU GF40?
PSU CF30. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (45/100) for PSU GF40.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PSU CF30 and PSU GF40 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.