PC GF15 vs GF30 Glass Fiber Reinforced Polycarbonate Structural Selection Guide

Selection Factor PC GF15 PC GF30
Rigidity & Strength Moderate stiffness with better toughness High stiffness and strength for load-bearing parts
Impact Resistance Better impact and crack resistance Lower impact, more brittle under shock
Dimensional Stability Improved vs neat PC, suitable for medium tolerance parts Excellent dimensional control for tight tolerances
Warpage & Surface Lower warpage, better surface appearance Higher warpage risk, fiber read-through possible
Typical Applications Structural housings, covers, reinforced shells Brackets, frames, carriers, high-load structures
Quick Summary: This engineering selection guide compares PC GF15 and PC GF30 — two widely used glass fiber reinforced polycarbonate (PC) grades. It helps engineers and product designers choose the right grade based on stiffness, impact requirements, heat resistance, processability, and surface quality for specific structural applications.

YongJinHong Compare PC GF15 and PC GF30?

Glass Fiber Reinforced PC grades differ mainly in mechanical strength, rigidity, and heat resistance due to increasing fiber content.
Choosing the wrong grade can lead to:

  • Insufficient stiffness

  • Poor dimensional control

  • Excessive cost or processing challenge

  • Surface finish and appearance issues

This comparison highlights the key differences in performance and recommended application scenarios.


Performance Comparison Table

Property PC GF15 PC GF30
Glass Fiber Content 15% 30%
Tensile Strength 85–100 MPa 120–140 MPa
Flexural Modulus 4,000–5,000 MPa 9,000–11,000 MPa
Impact Resistance Higher Moderate
Heat Deflection Temp. 135–150°C 180–200°C
Surface Quality Better Good
Processability Easier Moderate

When to Choose YongJinHong PC GF15

Balanced Strength + High Impact

  • PC GF15 maintains relatively higher impact strength due to lower fiber content.

  • Ideal when impact tolerance and toughness outweigh stiffness.

Easier Processability

  • Better flowability than higher fiber content grades — supports complex thin-wall parts.

Better Surface Quality

  • Less fiber exposure → smoother surface finish.

Recommended for:

  • Electronic housings

  • Consumer product internal supports

  • Functional parts requiring balanced toughness


When to Choose YongJinHong PC GF30

Higher Modulus & Load Capacity

  • PC GF30 delivers significantly higher stiffness and load-bearing performance.

Improved Dimensional Stability

  • More predictable part behavior under mechanical stress and elevated temperatures.

Thermal Performance

  • Higher heat deflection temperature enables use in warmer environments.

Recommended for:

  • Structural brackets and frames

  • Automotive interior functional parts

  • Industrial housings requiring rigidity


Engineering Selection Decision Flow

👉 Step 1 – Load Requirements

  • High impact + moderate stiffness → PC GF15

  • High stiffness + load-bearing → PC GF30

👉 Step 2 – Thermal Environment

  • <150°C use → PC GF15 / PC GF30

  • >150°C exposure → PC GF30 preferred

👉 Step 3 – Surface & Appearance Priority

  • Visible surfaces & smooth finish → PC GF15

  • Structure-focused parts → PC GF30


Application Scenarios & Examples

Automotive

  • PC GF15: Interior attachments, snap-fit supports

  • PC GF30: Dashboard frames, mounting brackets

Electronics

  • PC GF15: Consumer device housings

  • PC GF30: Power module shells, load-bearing internal mounts

Industrial

  • PC GF15: Functional covers

  • PC GF30: Structural machine housings

 


FAQ

Q1: Which grade has better impact resistance?
PC GF15 generally offers higher impact resistance due to lower fiber content.

Q2: Which grade has better heat performance?
PC GF30 provides higher heat deflection temperature and better thermal stability.

Q3: Does PC GF30 surface finish differ from PC GF15?
Yes. Higher fiber content may slightly increase surface texture; PC GF15 yields smoother surfaces.

Q4: Are both grades available with flame retardancy?
Yes. HB and UL94 V0 flame-retardant variants are available for both PC GF15 and PC GF30.

Q5: Can PC GF15 be used for heavy structural parts?
PC GF15 can be used for moderate structural parts, but PC GF30 is preferred for higher rigidity and load-bearing applications.

Field Insight: PC GF15 and PC GF30 serve different structural niches. PC GF15 is chosen when impact resistance and surface quality are critical, while PC GF30 is selected for higher stiffness, dimensional control, and thermal endurance.

You might also like