TPU-Ester GF15 vs TPU-Ester GF30
Polymer · TPU-Ester grade comparison
TPU-Ester GF15 and TPU-Ester GF30 are two grades of the same polymer grade, TPU-Ester: GF15 (15 % glass-fiber reinforced polyester TPU) versus GF30 (30 % glass-fiber reinforced polyester TPU). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. TPU-Ester GF30 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 48 MPa (6.96 ksi) against 35 MPa (5.08 ksi) for TPU-Ester GF15, about 37% more. In exchange, TPU-Ester GF15 is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 15% for TPU-Ester GF30, and TPU-Ester GF30 is harder (75 Shore D vs 70 Shore D). TPU-Ester GF15 is lighter (1.33 g/cm³ vs 1.45 g/cm³ for TPU-Ester GF30) and TPU-Ester GF30 is stiffer (2.4 GPa vs 1.1 GPa).
TPU-Ester GF15Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
TPU-Ester GF30Choose it when strength drives the design.
TPU-Ester GF15 vs TPU-Ester GF30: 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)
Elongation at Break
Flexural Modulus
Hardness, Shore D
Same in both: Shear Modulus 0.02 GPa0 Msi · Bulk Modulus 2 GPa0.29 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.49 · Hardness, Shore A 90 Shore A · Tear Strength 100 kN/m571 lbf/in · Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C) 35%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Melting Temperature (Tm) 210°C410 °F · Glass Transition (Tg) -35°C-31 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.7% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 1.8% · Refractive Index 1.52 · Light Transmission 80%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 0.2 W/m·K0.12 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 1,700 J/kg·K0.41 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -35°C-31 °F · Vicat Softening Point (B50) 100°C212 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 21% · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 120°C248 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10⁹ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁶ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 25 kV/mm635 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 5 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.05 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹¹ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹² Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 75 / 100 · UV / Weathering Resistance 40 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Mold Shrinkage
Same in both: Weldability 85 / 100 · Formability (cold) 80 / 100 · Polishability 50 / 100 · Melt Flow Rate 25 g/10 min · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 210°C410 °F · Mold Temperature (typ.) 30°C86 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 105 MJ/kg45,142 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 250 L/kg30 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 2%
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.
TPU-Ester GF15 vs TPU-Ester GF30 — frequently asked
Is TPU-Ester GF30 stronger than TPU-Ester GF15?
Yes. TPU-Ester GF30 has a typical tensile strength of 48 MPa (6.96 ksi) against 35 MPa (5.08 ksi) for TPU-Ester GF15 — about 37% more.
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, GF15 or GF30?
90A is the default TPU-Ester condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither GF15 nor GF30). 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, TPU-Ester GF15 or TPU-Ester GF30?
TPU-Ester GF15, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 40/100 for TPU-Ester GF30.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in TPU-Ester GF15 and TPU-Ester 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.