PSU GF20 vs PSU GF40
Polymer · grade comparison
PSU-GF20 and PSU GF40 are both polymer grades, compared here in the GF40 condition. PSU GF40 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) against 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) for PSU-GF20, about 30% more. In exchange, PSU-GF20 is the more ductile: elongation 3% versus 2% for PSU GF40. PSU-GF20 is lighter (1.38 g/cm³ vs 1.6 g/cm³ for PSU GF40) and PSU GF40 is stiffer (12.5 GPa vs 6.2 GPa). On the shop floor, PSU-GF20 machines more easily (good vs fair) and PSU-GF20 welds better (fair vs poor).
PSU-GF20Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PSU GF40Choose it when strength drives the design.
PSU-GF20 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
Shear Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Rockwell M
Hardness, Rockwell R
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Hardness, Shore D
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.39
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
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)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -100°C-148 °F · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 190°C374 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.006 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 150 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
UV / Weathering Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 355°C671 °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.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | PSU-GF20 | PSU GF40 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | — | Yes |
| Sheet metal | — | Yes |
| Injection molding | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | Medical Grade |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | — | Ra 0.8 µm |
| Chrome Plating (Plastic) | — | Yes |
| EMI Shielding Coating | — | Yes |
| Painting | — | Yes |
| Soft Touch Coating | — | Yes |
| Spray Painting | — | Yes |
| UV Coating | — | Yes |
PSU-GF20 vs PSU GF40 — frequently asked
Is PSU GF40 stronger than PSU-GF20?
Yes. PSU GF40 has a typical tensile strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) against 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) for PSU-GF20 — about 30% more.
Which is cheaper, PSU-GF20 or PSU GF40?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, PSU-GF20 or PSU GF40?
PSU-GF20. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (45/100) for PSU GF40; for welding the order is PSU-GF20 first (fair, 40/100) then PSU GF40 (poor, 25/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PSU-GF20 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.