TPU-Ether GF15 vs TPU-Ether GF30
Polymer · TPU-Ether grade comparison
TPU-Ether GF15 and TPU-Ether GF30 are two grades of the same polymer grade, TPU-Ether: GF15 (15 % glass-fiber reinforced) versus GF30 (30 % glass-fiber reinforced). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. TPU-Ether GF30 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) against 35 MPa (5.08 ksi) for TPU-Ether GF15, about 29% more. In exchange, TPU-Ether GF15 is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 15% for TPU-Ether GF30, and TPU-Ether GF30 is harder (74 Shore D vs 68 Shore D). TPU-Ether GF15 is lighter (1.24 g/cm³ vs 1.35 g/cm³ for TPU-Ether GF30) and TPU-Ether GF30 is stiffer (2.8 GPa vs 1.3 GPa). On the shop floor, TPU-Ether GF30 machines more easily (good vs fair).
TPU-Ether GF15Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
TPU-Ether GF30Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
TPU-Ether GF15 vs TPU-Ether 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 0.01 GPa0 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.49 · Hardness, Shore A 85 Shore A · Tear Strength 90 kN/m514 lbf/in · Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C) 35%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Melting Temperature (Tm) 200°C392 °F · Glass Transition (Tg) -60°C-76 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 1% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 1.8% · Refractive Index 1.52 · Light Transmission 85%
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 0.19 W/m·K0.11 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 1,800 J/kg·K0.43 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -55°C-67 °F · Vicat Softening Point (B50) 70°C158 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 22% · 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: UV / Weathering Resistance 45 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Mold Shrinkage
Same in both: Weldability 90 / 100 · Formability (cold) 90 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100 · Melt Flow Rate 25 g/10 min · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 205°C401 °F · Mold Temperature (typ.) 30°C86 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 110 MJ/kg47,292 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 250 L/kg30 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.
TPU-Ether GF15 vs TPU-Ether GF30 — frequently asked
Is TPU-Ether GF30 stronger than TPU-Ether GF15?
Yes. TPU-Ether GF30 has a typical tensile strength of 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) against 35 MPa (5.08 ksi) for TPU-Ether GF15 — about 29% more.
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, GF15 or GF30?
85A is the default TPU-Ether 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-Ether GF15 or TPU-Ether GF30?
TPU-Ether GF30. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (35/100) for TPU-Ether GF15.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in TPU-Ether GF15 and TPU-Ether 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.