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RPU FOAM-200 vs RPU GF30

Polyurethane · RPU grade comparison

RPU FOAM-200 and RPU GF30 are two grades of the same polyurethane grade, RPU: FOAM-200 (rigid structural pour foam, 0.1–0.3 g/cm³) versus GF30 (30% glass-fiber / milled-glass reinforced RIM-SRIM). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. RPU GF30 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) against 2 MPa (0.319 ksi) for RPU FOAM-200, about 32 times as much. In exchange, RPU FOAM-200 is the more ductile: elongation 5% versus 2% for RPU GF30, and RPU GF30 is harder (80 Shore D vs 40 Shore D). RPU FOAM-200 is lighter (0.2 g/cm³ vs 1.38 g/cm³ for RPU GF30) and RPU GF30 is stiffer (6 GPa vs 0.1 GPa). On the shop floor, RPU FOAM-200 machines more easily (excellent vs good).

RPU FOAM-200Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.

RPU GF30Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.

RPU FOAM-200 vs RPU GF30: properties

RPU FOAM-200RPU GF30

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

0.1 GPa0.01 Msi
6 GPa0.87 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

2 MPa0.32 ksi
70 MPa10.2 ksi

Elongation at Break

5%
2%

Compressive Strength

3 MPa0.36 ksi
120 MPa17.4 ksi

Flexural Strength

4 MPa0.51 ksi
110 MPa16 ksi

Flexural Modulus

0.1 GPa0.01 Msi
5.5 GPa0.8 Msi

Shear Strength

2 MPa0.22 ksi
40 MPa5.8 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

0.18 MPa·√m0.16 ksi·√in
1.3 MPa·√m1.2 ksi·√in

Izod Impact, Notched

15 J/m0.28 ft·lbf/in
85 J/m1.6 ft·lbf/in

Hardness, Shore D

40 Shore D
80 Shore D

Same in both: Shear Modulus 0.87 GPa0.13 Msi · Bulk Modulus 3 GPa0.48 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.38 · Compressive Modulus 2.2 GPa0.32 Msi · Hardness, Rockwell M 75 HRM · Hardness, Rockwell R 110 HRR

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

0.2 g/cm³0.01 lb/in³
1.38 g/cm³0.05 lb/in³

Same in both: Glass Transition (Tg) 95°C203 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.3% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 1.2%

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

0.05 W/m·K0.03 BTU/hr·ft·°F
0.21 W/m·K0.12 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

80 µm/m·K44.4 µin/in·°F
30 µm/m·K16.7 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

90°C194 °F
120°C248 °F

Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa

80°C176 °F
85°C185 °F

Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa

65°C149 °F
120°C248 °F

Limiting Oxygen Index

20%
22%

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,600 J/kg·K0.38 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °F · 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 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.04 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹³ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹³ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600 V

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

65 / 100
70 / 100

Same in both: UV / Weathering Resistance 25 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

92 / 100
55 / 100

Weldability

0 / 100
5 / 100

Mold Shrinkage

0.35%
0.3%

Same in both: Formability (cold) 5 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100 · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 35°C95 °F · Mold Temperature (typ.) 55°C131 °F

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 103 MJ/kg44,282 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 4.6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 230 L/kg27.6 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 3%

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.

71015203050701.11.21.31.4Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scale

RPU FOAM-200 vs RPU GF30 — frequently asked

Is RPU GF30 stronger than RPU FOAM-200?

Yes. RPU GF30 has a typical tensile strength of 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) against 2 MPa (0.319 ksi) for RPU FOAM-200 — about 32 times as much.

Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, FOAM-200 or GF30?

Cast is the default RPU condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither FOAM-200 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, RPU FOAM-200 or RPU GF30?

RPU FOAM-200. Its machinability rates excellent (92/100) against good (55/100) for RPU GF30; for welding the order is RPU GF30 first (not recommended, 5/100) then RPU FOAM-200 (not recommended, 0/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in RPU FOAM-200 and RPU 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.