SAN GF30 vs SAN IM
Polymer · SAN grade comparison
SAN GF30 and SAN IM are two grades of the same polymer grade, SAN: GF30 (30% Glass Fiber reinforced SAN) versus IM (impact-modified / transparent toughened 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 44 MPa (6.38 ksi) for SAN IM, about 59% more; tensile strength follows at 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) vs 48 MPa (6.96 ksi). In exchange, SAN IM is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 1.8% for SAN GF30, and SAN GF30 is harder (84 Shore D vs 76 Shore D). SAN IM is lighter (1.08 g/cm³ vs 1.31 g/cm³ for SAN GF30) and SAN GF30 is stiffer (9.5 GPa vs 2.2 GPa). On the shop floor, SAN IM machines more easily (good vs fair) and SAN GF30 welds better (very good vs good).
SAN GF30Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
SAN IMChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
SAN GF30 vs SAN IM: 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 Conductivity
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: Specific Heat Capacity 1,350 J/kg·K0.32 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F · 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
Same in both: Polishability 88 / 100 · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 240°C464 °F · 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 GF30 vs SAN IM — frequently asked
Is SAN GF30 stronger than SAN IM?
Yes. SAN GF30 has a typical yield strength of 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) against 44 MPa (6.38 ksi) for SAN IM — about 59% more. Tensile strength is 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) vs 48 MPa (6.96 ksi).
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, GF30 or IM?
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 GF30 or SAN IM?
SAN IM. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against fair (40/100) for SAN GF30; for welding the order is SAN GF30 first (very good, 70/100) then SAN IM (good, 58/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in SAN GF30 and SAN IM 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.