Zenite CF30 vs Zenite GF30
Polymer · Zenite grade comparison
Zenite CF30 and Zenite GF30 are two grades of the same polymer grade, Zenite: CF30 (carbon-fiber reinforced) versus GF30 (30 % glass-fiber reinforced). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Zenite CF30 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for Zenite GF30, about 27% more. In exchange, Zenite GF30 is the more ductile: elongation 1.8% versus 1.3% for Zenite CF30. Zenite CF30 is lighter (1.5 g/cm³ vs 1.61 g/cm³ for Zenite GF30) and Zenite CF30 is stiffer (28 GPa vs 15 GPa).
Zenite CF30Choose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
Zenite GF30Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Zenite CF30 vs Zenite 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 Strength
Flexural Modulus
Izod Impact, Notched
Same in both: Shear Modulus 1.6 GPa0.23 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.38 · Compressive Strength 60 MPa8.7 ksi · Shear Strength 45 MPa6.5 ksi · Hardness, Shore D 88 Shore D · Hardness, Rockwell M 75 HRM
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Melting Temperature (Tm) 335°C635 °F · Glass Transition (Tg) 125°C257 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.02% · 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. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,200 J/kg·K0.29 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 40% · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 280°C536 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Same in both: Dielectric Strength 35 kV/mm889 V/mil · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.003 · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 175 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 92 / 100 · UV / Weathering Resistance 45 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Same in both: Weldability 30 / 100 · Formability (cold) 20 / 100 · Polishability 40 / 100 · Mold Shrinkage 0.1% · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 345°C653 °F · Mold Temperature (typ.) 100°C212 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 145 MJ/kg62,339 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 7 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 300 L/kg35.9 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.
Zenite CF30 vs Zenite GF30 — frequently asked
Is Zenite CF30 stronger than Zenite GF30?
Yes. Zenite CF30 has a typical tensile strength of 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for Zenite GF30 — about 27% more.
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, CF30 or GF30?
UF is the default Zenite condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CF30 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, Zenite CF30 or Zenite GF30?
Zenite GF30. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (30/100) for Zenite CF30.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Zenite CF30 and Zenite 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.