SMA GF30 vs SMA HMA
Polymer · SMA grade comparison
SMA GF30 and SMA HMA are two grades of the same polymer grade, SMA: GF30 (30% glass-fiber reinforced SMA) versus HMA (high-MA compatibilizer / coupling resin). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. SMA GF30 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) against 42 MPa (6.09 ksi) for SMA HMA, about 19% more; tensile strength follows at 110 MPa (16 ksi) vs 42 MPa (6.09 ksi). SMA GF30 is the more ductile: elongation 1.5% versus 1% for SMA HMA. SMA HMA is lighter (1.11 g/cm³ vs 1.29 g/cm³ for SMA GF30) and SMA GF30 is stiffer (8.8 GPa vs 3.6 GPa). On the shop floor, SMA HMA machines more easily (50 vs 35 out of 100) and SMA GF30 welds better (good vs fair).
SMA GF30Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
SMA HMAChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part is machined in volume.
SMA GF30 vs SMA HMA: 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 1.2 GPa0.17 Msi · Bulk Modulus 4 GPa0.54 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.35 · Compressive Modulus 3.2 GPa0.46 Msi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Same in both: Water Absorption (Saturation) 0.7% · Refractive Index 1.57 · Light Transmission 85%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 0.17 W/m·K0.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 1,400 J/kg·K0.33 BTU/lb·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 120°C248 °F · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F · Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa 158°C316 °F · 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 20 kV/mm508 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 25 / 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 60 / 100 · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 245°C473 °F · Mold Temperature (typ.) 70°C158 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 95 MJ/kg40,843 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 160 L/kg19.2 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.
SMA GF30 vs SMA HMA — frequently asked
Is SMA GF30 stronger than SMA HMA?
Yes. SMA GF30 has a typical yield strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) against 42 MPa (6.09 ksi) for SMA HMA — about 19% more. Tensile strength is 110 MPa (16 ksi) vs 42 MPa (6.09 ksi).
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, GF30 or HMA?
UF is the default SMA condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither GF30 nor HMA). 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, SMA GF30 or SMA HMA?
SMA HMA, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 50/100 against 35/100 for SMA GF30; for welding the order is SMA GF30 first (good, 55/100) then SMA HMA (fair, 40/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in SMA GF30 and SMA HMA 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.