Glass-reinforced polycarbonate is effective in designs where metals, particularly die-cast aluminum and zinc, are commonly used. The addition of glass fibers to polycarbonate increases tensile strength, stiffness, compressive strength, and lower the thermal expansion coefficient. The greater the amount of glass fiber added to the polycarbonate, the greater the effect on each property will be. The coefficient of thermal expansion is reduced by nearly 75%, thus equaling that of some metals. While glass-reinforced has less impact strength than standard grades, it is still tougher and more impact resistant than most other plastics and die cast aluminum.Compared to standard un-filled grades, Lexan® 3414R has as much as five times the tensile modulus, more than double the flexural and tensile strength, and up to 65% more compressive strength. Creep limit at 210ºF is as high as 4000 psi under a continuous load and 10,000 psi under an intermittent load. There is a sevenfold increase in fatigue endurance and a 75% drop in the coefficient of thermal expansion.