🧩 PP+GF30 – 30% Glass Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene
(Rigid and durable technical plastic, used in automotive structural parts)
🔹 What is PP+GF30
PP+GF30 is a polypropylene reinforced with 30% glass fiber, developed for parts that require rigidity, mechanical strength, and dimensional stability at high temperatures.
The material combines the advantages of polypropylene (lightweight, affordable, chemically resistant) with the enhanced mechanical strength of glass fiber.
🔧 Composition
- PP (Polypropylene) – base matrix, semi-crystalline thermoplastic
- GF (Glass Fiber) – 30% reinforcement, increases rigidity and hardness
- Additives – UV stabilizers, coupling agents, technical lubricants
🚗 Where PP+GF30 is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Body / Supports | Headlight brackets, consoles, radiator mounts | High mechanical resistance |
| Technical Interior | Dashboard supports, structural casings | Stable shape, low deformation |
| Engine Compartment | Sensor brackets, covers, clips, guides | Good thermal rigidity |
| Other Applications | Structural parts, casings, rigid mounts | Can only be welded with identical rod |
🔧 Welding temperatures and methods
| Method | Optimal temperature | Observations |
| Hot air | 260 – 280 °C | Requires original PP-GF30 rod; progressive heating |
| Heat plate (mirror) | 250 – 270 °C | Possible for flat parts with significant thickness |
| Manual extrusion | 240 – 260 °C | Useful for cracks and areas with uneven thickness |
| Ultrasonic | — | Low efficiency due to fiber content |
🔩 What to weld PP+GF30 with (Material compatibility)
Many ask what to weld PP-GF30 plastic with — the short answer: only with identical material (PP+GF30).
Glass fiber reinforcement completely changes the melting behavior, so plain PP or PP-C rods do not adhere fully, and cracks appear after cooling.
✅ Compatible:
- PP+GF30 ↔ PP+GF30 – the safest combination, rigid and stable weld
- PP+GF20 / PP-GF25 – partially compatible, but with risk of different shrinkage
- PP-H / PP-C – temporary only, in non-structural areas (low adhesion)
❌ Incompatible:
- PE, ABS, PA, PC/ABS – will not bond, completely different melting points
- PA-GF (Reinforced Nylon) – bonds superficially but peels off later
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation:
For a durable repair, use original PP-GF30 welding rods, controlled heating to 270 °C, and slow cooling to avoid internal stress. Surfaces must be mechanically cleaned of the oxidized layer and glass dust.
🏭 Manufacturers and trade names
| Manufacturer | Brand / Series | Country / Region |
| BASF | Ultramid® PP-GF30 / Terlupen® | Germany |
| LyondellBasell | Hostacom® GF30 | Germany / Netherlands |
| Borealis | Daplen® GF30 | Austria |
| SABIC | Stamax® GF30 | Netherlands |
| Celanese | Celstran® PP-GF30 | USA |
| Hyundai EP | Polytron® GF30 | South Korea |
| Ravago | Polybatch® PP-GF30 | EU |
🧠 How to identify PP+GF30
- Engraved marking: >PP-GF30<
- Rigid surface, matte texture, fibrous appearance when cut
- Yellow-blue flame, smells like paraffin
- Does not fully float in water (density slightly > 1 g/cm³)
- Upon heating, it melts with difficulty and does not soften uniformly
💡 ReplastMD Practical Test: If the part smells like polypropylene but resists melting and has a fibrous cut → it is PP-GF30.