PU-GF-Filled AL vs PU-GF-Filled GF30
Polyurethane · PU-GF-Filled grade comparison
PU-GF-Filled AL and PU-GF-Filled GF30 are two grades of the same polyurethane grade, PU-GF-Filled: AL (aluminium/metal-powder filled PU) versus GF30 (30 wt% short glass fibre filled). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. PU-GF-Filled GF30 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) against 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) for PU-GF-Filled AL, about 33% more. PU-GF-Filled GF30 is the more ductile: elongation 2.5% versus 1.5% for PU-GF-Filled AL. PU-GF-Filled GF30 is lighter (1.55 g/cm³ vs 1.95 g/cm³ for PU-GF-Filled AL) and PU-GF-Filled AL is stiffer (6 GPa vs 5.5 GPa).
PU-GF-Filled GF30Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
PU-GF-Filled AL vs PU-GF-Filled GF30: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polyurethane 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 polyurethane 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.
PU-GF-Filled ALPU-GF-Filled GF30
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
Hardness, Shore D
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.38 · Compressive Strength 110 MPa16 ksi · Compressive Modulus 5 GPa0.73 Msi · Hardness, Rockwell R 118 HRR
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Glass Transition (Tg) 95°C203 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.2% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 1%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,300 J/kg·K0.31 BTU/lb·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 100°C212 °F · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F · Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa 112°C234 °F · Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa 90°C194 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 21% · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 130°C266 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹¹ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁸ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 18 kV/mm457 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 4.5 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.04 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹³ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹³ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 500 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 80 / 100 · UV / Weathering Resistance 25 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Polishability
Same in both: Weldability 5 / 100 · Formability (cold) 5 / 100 · Mold Shrinkage 0.15% · Mold Temperature (typ.) 65°C149 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 90 MJ/kg38,693 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 200 L/kg24 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 0%
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every polyurethane grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
PU-GF-Filled AL vs PU-GF-Filled GF30 — frequently asked
Is PU-GF-Filled GF30 stronger than PU-GF-Filled AL?
Yes. PU-GF-Filled GF30 has a typical tensile strength of 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) against 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) for PU-GF-Filled AL — about 33% more.
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, AL or GF30?
GF30 is the default PU-GF-Filled 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, PU-GF-Filled AL or PU-GF-Filled GF30?
PU-GF-Filled GF30, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 60/100 against 55/100 for PU-GF-Filled AL.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PU-GF-Filled AL and PU-GF-Filled 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.