Sheet in PBT GF30 3000x500 mm gray

The sheet in PBT GF30 is aimed at designers and workshops that need a stiff, dimensionally stable polyester with good chemical resistance and predictable machining. 30 percent glass fiber by weight lifts stiffness, strength and shape stability considerably compared with unfilled PBT, and the material keeps its properties even when the humidity swings between winter and summer.

Polybutylene terephthalate is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polyester with low moisture absorption, around a tenth of what the polyamides take up. That means a milled part in PBT GF30 holds its dimensions across seasons and operating environments in a way PA6 GF30 cannot manage without drying and conditioning. Creep under constant load is low and shape stability at raised temperature is good, which makes the material a pleasure in frames and fixtures that have to carry load over time.

Chemically PBT is good against mineral oils, hydraulic fluids, fuels, greases, aliphatic solvents and weak acids. The material should not stand in hot steam or strong bases, though, since the ester bond hydrolyzes under those conditions. Electrically, PBT GF30 has high insulating capacity and good creep and tracking resistance, which is why it shows up in switchgear, terminal blocks and connectors.

The sheet is used for milled and drilled construction: motor frames, bearing housings, angle brackets, gear rack holders, adjusting blocks in fixtures, shims in machine frames and small chassis parts in pumps and valves. For machining, standard carbide tools work well. The glass fiber is abrasive, so count on shorter tool life than with unfilled PBT and plan insert changes into the production rhythm. Cooling with compressed air or a fine oil mist is enough. The chips are short and controllable; extract them, the fiber itches in your hands.

Things to consider when choosing: if you need to tap threads, want higher impact toughness or let the part take knocks, unfilled PBT or PA6 GF30 is in some cases more suitable. PBT GF30 is stiff but not particularly impact tough at low temperatures. For continuous contact with water above 60 degrees, PBT should be avoided over time. If the tolerance requirement is extremely tight, we recommend conditioning the blank for 24 hours in the workshop before final dimensions are taken, so it reaches thermal equilibrium.

We stock common thicknesses and the 1000x2000 mm format. If you need a specific thickness or a larger format, get in touch; we talk to a couple of manufacturers and bring in what is needed. We cut the sheet to blank size right at the order so you avoid handling full sheets on your own saw.

Do you want to talk through whether PBT GF30 suits your design or whether another grade is better? Send the drawing over and we will get back to you.

This sheet measures 3000x500 mm and is gray all the way through. The long format suits you when you need to cut several identical construction parts from the same piece. The glass fiber in the material makes it suitable for brackets and guides that have to stay put in machines.