FabDigitFabDigit

TP-PI CF30 vs TP-PI GF30

Polymer · TP-PI grade comparison

TP-PI CF30 and TP-PI GF30 are two grades of the same polymer grade, TP-PI: CF30 (30 % carbon-fiber reinforced) versus GF30 (30 % glass-fiber reinforced). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. TP-PI CF30 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) against 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) for TP-PI GF30, about 27% more. In exchange, TP-PI GF30 is the more ductile: elongation 3% versus 2% for TP-PI CF30. TP-PI CF30 is lighter (1.44 g/cm³ vs 1.55 g/cm³ for TP-PI GF30) and TP-PI CF30 is stiffer (18 GPa vs 9.5 GPa).

TP-PI CF30Choose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.

TP-PI GF30Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

TP-PI CF30 vs TP-PI GF30: properties

TP-PI CF30TP-PI GF30

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

18 GPa2.6 Msi
9.5 GPa1.4 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

210 MPa30.5 ksi
165 MPa23.9 ksi

Elongation at Break

2%
3%

Compressive Strength

230 MPa33.4 ksi
200 MPa29 ksi

Flexural Strength

290 MPa42.1 ksi
240 MPa34.8 ksi

Flexural Modulus

17 GPa2.5 Msi
9 GPa1.3 Msi

Shear Strength

100 MPa14.5 ksi
95 MPa13.8 ksi

Izod Impact, Notched

70 J/m1.3 ft·lbf/in
80 J/m1.5 ft·lbf/in

Hardness, Rockwell M

110 HRM
108 HRM

Same in both: Shear Modulus 1.1 GPa0.15 Msi · Bulk Modulus 4 GPa0.58 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.38 · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 90 MPa13.1 ksi · Compressive Modulus 2.8 GPa0.41 Msi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 3 MPa·√m2.7 ksi·√in · Hardness, Shore D 88 Shore D · Hardness, Rockwell R 125 HRR

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

1.44 g/cm³0.05 lb/in³
1.55 g/cm³0.06 lb/in³

Same in both: Melting Temperature (Tm) 388°C730 °F · Glass Transition (Tg) 250°C482 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.24% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 1.2% · Refractive Index 1.7

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

0.8 W/m·K0.46 BTU/hr·ft·°F
0.45 W/m·K0.26 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F
20 µm/m·K11.1 µin/in·°F

Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa

250°C482 °F
330°C626 °F

Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa

305°C581 °F
300°C572 °F

Limiting Oxygen Index

47%
50%

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,100 J/kg·K0.26 BTU/lb·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 250°C482 °F · Min Service Temperature -269°C-452 °F · Vicat Softening Point (B50) 255°C491 °F · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 300°C572 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Volume Resistivity

100 Ω·cm
1×10¹⁶ Ω·cm

Surface Resistivity

100,000 Ω
1×10¹⁶ Ω

Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 22 kV/mm559 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 3.2 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.002 · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 175 V

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

88 / 100
85 / 100

Same in both: UV / Weathering Resistance 60 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

45 / 100
42 / 100

Mold Shrinkage

0.3%
0.5%

Same in both: Weldability 25 / 100 · Formability (cold) 25 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100 · Melt Flow Rate 3 g/10 min · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 410°C770 °F · Mold Temperature (typ.) 200°C392 °F

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 300 MJ/kg128,977 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 15 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 500 L/kg59.9 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.

0.1110100123Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleTP-PI

TP-PI CF30 vs TP-PI GF30 — frequently asked

Is TP-PI CF30 stronger than TP-PI GF30?

Yes. TP-PI CF30 has a typical tensile strength of 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) against 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) for TP-PI GF30 — about 27% more.

Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, CF30 or GF30?

Specify the condition in the material field or the drawing note; FabDigit prices the quote for the state you call out.

When should I choose TP-PI CF30 over TP-PI GF30?

Pick TP-PI CF30 when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint. Pick TP-PI GF30 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in TP-PI CF30 and TP-PI 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.