Xydar CF30 vs Xydar GF15
Polymer · Xydar grade comparison
Xydar CF30 and Xydar GF15 are two grades of the same polymer grade, Xydar: CF30 (30 % carbon-fiber reinforced) versus GF15 (15 % glass-fiber reinforced). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Xydar CF30 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) against 145 MPa (21 ksi) for Xydar GF15, about 31% more. In exchange, Xydar GF15 is the more ductile: elongation 2.8% versus 1.2% for Xydar CF30. Xydar GF15 is lighter (1.5 g/cm³ vs 1.55 g/cm³ for Xydar CF30) and Xydar CF30 is stiffer (23 GPa vs 13.5 GPa). On the shop floor, Xydar GF15 machines more easily (fair vs poor).
Xydar CF30Choose it when strength drives the design.
Xydar GF15Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
Xydar CF30 vs Xydar GF15: 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
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.35 · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 2.5 MPa·√m2.3 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Melting Temperature (Tm) 350°C662 °F · Glass Transition (Tg) 135°C275 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.03% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 0.1%
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. @ 1.8 MPa
Limiting Oxygen Index
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,150 J/kg·K0.27 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -100°C-148 °F · Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa 310°C590 °F · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 300°C572 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Dielectric Strength 35 kV/mm889 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 3.7 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.005 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω·cm · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 200 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: UV / Weathering Resistance 55 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Mold Shrinkage
Same in both: Polishability 40 / 100 · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 380°C716 °F · Mold Temperature (typ.) 120°C248 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 220 MJ/kg94,583 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 10 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.
Xydar CF30 vs Xydar GF15 — frequently asked
Is Xydar CF30 stronger than Xydar GF15?
Yes. Xydar CF30 has a typical tensile strength of 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) against 145 MPa (21 ksi) for Xydar GF15 — about 31% more.
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, CF30 or GF15?
NEAT is the default Xydar condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CF30 nor GF15). 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, Xydar CF30 or Xydar GF15?
Xydar GF15. Its machinability rates fair (45/100) against poor (30/100) for Xydar CF30; for welding the order is Xydar GF15 first (poor, 20/100) then Xydar CF30 (not recommended, 12/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Xydar CF30 and Xydar GF15 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.