Zenite GF30 vs Zenite UF
Polymer · Zenite grade comparison
Zenite GF30 and Zenite UF are two grades of the same polymer grade, Zenite: GF30 (30 % glass-fiber reinforced) versus UF (unfilled / Natural). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Zenite UF is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for Zenite GF30, about 10% more. Zenite UF is the more ductile: elongation 3.5% versus 1.8% for Zenite GF30. Zenite UF is lighter (1.4 g/cm³ vs 1.61 g/cm³ for Zenite GF30) and Zenite GF30 is stiffer (15 GPa vs 11 GPa). On the shop floor, Zenite UF machines more easily (good vs fair).
Zenite GF30Choose it when the part sees heat.
Zenite UFChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Zenite GF30 vs Zenite UF: 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.
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹³ Ω·m3.94×10²⁰ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 35 kV/mm889 V/mil · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.003 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω·cm · 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 GF30 vs Zenite UF — frequently asked
Is Zenite UF stronger than Zenite GF30?
Yes. Zenite UF has a typical tensile strength of 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for Zenite GF30 — about 10% more.
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, GF30 or UF?
UF is the default Zenite condition in the FabDigit quote flow. 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 GF30 or Zenite UF?
Zenite UF. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (35/100) for Zenite GF30.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Zenite GF30 and Zenite UF 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.