SMA GF30 vs SMA MF
Polymer · SMA grade comparison
SMA GF30 and SMA MF are two grades of the same polymer grade, SMA: GF30 (30% glass-fiber reinforced SMA) versus MF (mineral / talc filled SMA). 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 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) for SMA MF, about 11% more; tensile strength follows at 110 MPa (16 ksi) vs 45 MPa (6.53 ksi). SMA GF30 is stiffer (8.8 GPa vs 4.8 GPa) and SMA GF30 runs hotter in service (120°C vs 105°C continuous). On the shop floor, SMA MF machines more easily (45 vs 35 out of 100), SMA GF30 welds better (good vs fair), and SMA GF30 forms better (poor vs not recommended).
SMA GF30Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
SMA MFChoose it when the part is machined in volume.
SMA GF30 vs SMA MF: 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)
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
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 · Elongation at Break 1.5% · Compressive Modulus 3.2 GPa0.46 Msi · Shear Strength 40 MPa5.8 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Glass Transition (Tg) 140°C284 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.2% · 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 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 1,400 J/kg·K0.33 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °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 MF — frequently asked
Is SMA GF30 stronger than SMA MF?
Yes. SMA GF30 has a typical yield strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) against 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) for SMA MF — about 11% more. Tensile strength is 110 MPa (16 ksi) vs 45 MPa (6.53 ksi).
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, GF30 or MF?
UF is the default SMA condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither GF30 nor MF). 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 MF?
SMA MF, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 35/100 for SMA GF30; for welding the order is SMA GF30 first (good, 55/100) then SMA MF (fair, 40/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in SMA GF30 and SMA MF 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.