SAN EF vs SAN GF30
Polymer · SAN grade comparison
SAN EF and SAN GF30 are two grades of the same polymer grade, SAN: EF (easy-flow / high-MFR injection grade) versus GF30 (30% Glass Fiber reinforced SAN). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. SAN GF30 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) against 64 MPa (9.28 ksi) for SAN EF, about 9% more; tensile strength follows at 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) vs 66 MPa (9.57 ksi). In exchange, SAN EF is the more ductile: elongation 2.5% versus 1.8% for SAN GF30. SAN EF is lighter (1.07 g/cm³ vs 1.31 g/cm³ for SAN GF30) and SAN GF30 is stiffer (9.5 GPa vs 3.4 GPa). On the shop floor, SAN EF machines more easily (good vs fair) and SAN GF30 welds better (very good vs good).
SAN EFChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
SAN GF30Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
SAN EF vs SAN GF30: 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
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M
Hardness, Rockwell R
Same in both: Shear Modulus 1.3 GPa0.19 Msi · Bulk Modulus 4 GPa0.58 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.35 · Compressive Modulus 3.5 GPa0.51 Msi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Light Transmission
Same in both: Glass Transition (Tg) 106°C223 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.25% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 0.9% · Refractive Index 1.571
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
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: Thermal Conductivity 0.17 W/m·K0.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 1,350 J/kg·K0.32 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 19% · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 95°C203 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 22 kV/mm559 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 2.9 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.008 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: UV / Weathering Resistance 32 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Polishability 88 / 100 · Mold Temperature (typ.) 65°C149 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 96 MJ/kg41,273 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 180 L/kg21.6 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.
SAN EF vs SAN GF30 — frequently asked
Is SAN GF30 stronger than SAN EF?
Yes. SAN GF30 has a typical yield strength of 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) against 64 MPa (9.28 ksi) for SAN EF — about 9% more. Tensile strength is 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) vs 66 MPa (9.57 ksi).
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, EF or GF30?
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, SAN EF or SAN GF30?
SAN EF. Its machinability rates good (62/100) against fair (40/100) for SAN GF30; for welding the order is SAN GF30 first (very good, 70/100) then SAN EF (good, 56/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in SAN EF and SAN GF30 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.