SMA GF30 vs SMA LMA
Polymer · SMA grade comparison
SMA GF30 and SMA LMA are two grades of the same polymer grade, SMA: GF30 (30% glass-fiber reinforced SMA) versus LMA (low-MA transparent grade). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. SMA GF30 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 110 MPa (16 ksi) against 48 MPa (6.96 ksi) for SMA LMA, about 129% more. In exchange, SMA LMA is the more ductile: elongation 3% versus 1.5% for SMA GF30. SMA LMA is lighter (1.08 g/cm³ vs 1.29 g/cm³ for SMA GF30) and SMA GF30 is stiffer (8.8 GPa vs 3.2 GPa). On the shop floor, SMA LMA machines more easily (good vs fair).
SMA GF30Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
SMA LMAChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
SMA GF30 vs SMA LMA: 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)
Light Transmission
Same in both: Water Absorption (24 h) 0.2% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 0.7% · Refractive Index 1.57
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 1,400 J/kg·K0.33 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 18% · 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
Formability (cold)
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Same in both: Weldability 55 / 100 · 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 LMA — frequently asked
Is SMA GF30 stronger than SMA LMA?
Yes. SMA GF30 has a typical tensile strength of 110 MPa (16 ksi) against 48 MPa (6.96 ksi) for SMA LMA — about 129% more.
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, GF30 or LMA?
UF is the default SMA condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither GF30 nor LMA). 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 LMA?
SMA LMA. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (35/100) for SMA GF30.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in SMA GF30 and SMA LMA 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.