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About Garolite G10
G10 and also called by G-10, has a proven performance in many applications and can be recommended as an efficient material. What it means is that the type of material it is made of falls under the composite family of materials and as such is not one material but more of two. Thus, the two basic components in the case of G10 are glass cloth and epoxy resin. Think of very thin SCF layers as similar as fiberglass insulation and a hard epoxy used similar to a glue, creating the strong, final product. k.
These materials offer:
- Outstanding insulating and electrical properties
- Good dimensional stability
- Flame retardant Strong and stiff
- Dimensionally stable
- Outstanding electrical properties
- Moisture-resistance
- Creep resistance
- Excellent flammability rating
Garolite G10 Properties
It is for this reason that Garolite G10/FR4 provides accuracy and the outcome that is required. Meaning, the chances of a layer of fat forming between the upper and lower stomach muscles are virtually nil as it is as thin as 0. Less than 0.005 inches, it is suitable to be used in weight and space conscious applications. Even more impressive, its electrical properties remain rock solid at anywhere in the temperature and humidity range. This stability made it suitable for highly charged environments whereby consistency of the electrical characteristics is dear. G10/FR4 is also complies to MIL-I-24768/28 GEB-F standards thus ensuring the best quality.
Recall that G10/FR4 has favorable mechanical characteristics when force is applied in one direction because of its laminated structure. Appreciating this makes it possible to apply it correctly to enhance the performance of your project.
A list of Garolite G10 properties are as follows:
Absorption of Water: 0.10%
Color: Light green, but often yellow
Compressive Strength: 448 MPa
CTE: 9.90 µm/m-℃
Density: 1.82 g/cc
Flammability: UL94 HB
Flexural Modulus: 16.5-18.6 GPa – Dependent on the grain
Flexural Strength: 448-517 MPa – Dependent on the grain
Hardness and Rockwell: M110
IZOD Impact – When Notched: 6.41-7.47 J/cm – Dependent on the grain
Maximum Service Temperature: 140℃
Tensile Strength: 262-310 MPa – Dependent on the grain
G10 Application
Garolite G10 has many other uses other than circuit boards, some of these include:
- Power generation components
- High-temperature applications
- Structural parts
- Jigs and fixtures
- Printed circuit boards
- Boating applications
- Gears
- Guides
- Insulators
- Jigs and fixtures
- Knife handles
- Pulleys Rollers
- And more…
Gallery of G10 Machining Parts
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is G10 (Garolite) a Top Choice for CNC Machining?
G10 is an epoxy-based fiberglass laminate renowned for its high strength, chemical resistance, and electrical insulation, making it ideal for demanding applications. Replaces metals like aluminum in lightweight designs while reducing machining time.
Key Properties:
Tensile strength: 40,000 PSI (superior to most plastics).
Moisture absorption: < 0.1% (ideal for humid environments).
Operating temperature: -40°C to 120°C.
What Industries Use CNC-Machined G10 Components?
G10 is critical in aerospace, electronics, marine, and medical sectors, 30% using G10 instead of aluminum.
Electronics: High-voltage insulators, circuit board supports (e.g., EV battery modules).
Aerospace: Drone frames, satellite antenna substrates (non-conductive & lightweight).
Medical: MRI machine components, surgical tool handles (resistant to sterilization chemicals).
- EDC Gear: Like knife handles, fidgets, openers, etc.
How to Prevent Delamination When Machining G10?
Delamination occurs due to improper tooling or parameters. Follow these steps:
Tool Selection:
- Use diamond-coated carbide end mills (e.g., Harvey Tool #73237 series) to minimize fiberglass abrasion.
- Opt for 2-3 flute spiral routers with 15°–20° helix angles.
Cutting Parameters (for 1/4″ end mill):
- RPM: 12,000–18,000
- Feed rate: 0.08–0.12 mm/tooth (roughing), 0.04–0.06 mm/tooth (finishingDepth of cut: ≤50% tool diameter.
Best Practices:
- Climb milling to reduce edge chipping.
- Use compressed air cooling (avoid oil-based coolants).
Is G10 Machining Dust Hazardous? Safety Guidelines
G10 generates glass fiber dust, which requires strict safety measures:
Equipment: HEPA-filtered dust collectors (e.g., Festool CT 26) with >99.97% efficiency.
PPE: N95 respirators (3M 8210), anti-static goggles, and cut-resistant gloves.
Compliance: Adhere to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 standards for workplace safety.
G10 vs. FR4 vs. Phenolic: Which Should I Choose?
Here’s a detailed comparison of G10, FR4, and Phenolic materials, tailored for engineers, manufacturers, and designers seeking the best material for their application. This guide includes key properties, applications, costs, and decision-making insights to help you choose wisely.
1. Material Composition & Overview
| Property | G10 (Garolite) | FR4 | Phenolic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Material | Epoxy resin + fiberglass | Epoxy resin + fiberglass | Paper/cotton fabric + phenolic resin |
| Key Feature | High strength, moisture-resistant | Flame-retardant (UL94 V-0) | Low cost, easy machining |
| Common Forms | Sheets, rods, tubes | Sheets, PCBs | Sheets, laminates, rods |
2. Mechanical & Thermal Properties
| Property | G10 | FR4 | Phenolic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 40,000 PSI | 30,000 PSI | 8,000–12,000 PSI |
| Flexural Strength | 70,000 PSI | 50,000 PSI | 15,000–20,000 PSI |
| Max Temp | 120°C (248°F) | 130°C (266°F) | 150°C (302°F) |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.3 W/m·K | 0.25 W/m·K | 0.15–0.25 W/m·K |
3. Electrical & Chemical Resistance
| Property | G10 | FR4 | Phenolic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dielectric Strength | 40 kV/mm | 20–25 kV/mm | 10–15 kV/mm |
| Flame Rating | Non-flame retardant | UL94 V-0 | UL94 HB (slow burning) |
| Moisture Absorption | <0.1% | 0.1–0.2% | 0.3–0.5% |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent (acids, solvents) | Good (except strong acids) | Poor (swells in solvents) |
4. Cost Comparison
| Material | Relative Cost | Cost Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| G10 | $$$ | High-performance fiberglass |
| FR4 | $$ | Flame-retardant additives |
| Phenolic | $ | Simple resin/paper matrix |
5. Applications: Where Each Material Shines
G10 (Garolite)
Best For:
- High-stress mechanical parts (bushings, bearings).
- Moisture-prone environments (marine, outdoor).
- Electrical insulators in non-flame-critical systems.
- Example: Insulating spacers in power distribution systems.
FR4
Best For:
- Printed circuit boards (PCBs).
- Flame-retardant electrical enclosures.
- Applications requiring UL certification.
- Example: Consumer electronics PCBs (smartphones, laptops).
Phenolic
Best For:
- Low-cost electrical insulation (switchboards, panels).
- Lightweight structural parts with minimal load.
- High-temperature gaskets or washers.
- Example: Bakelite handles for cookware.
Post-Machining Finishing for G10 Parts
Yes, via adhesive + mechanical fastening:
Adhesives: Epoxy (e.g., Loctite EA 9396, shear strength >20 MPa).
Fastening:
Use Helicoil inserts (M3 size, >200N pull-out resistance). Avoid direct screw tightening without pre-drilled oversize holes.
Does G10 Warp Under Temperature Changes?
G10 has low thermal expansion (CTE 12×10⁻⁶/°C), ensuring stability:
Testing Data: 100mm×100mm part shows <0.05mm change from -30°C to 80°C.
Design Tip: Pair with similar CTE materials (e.g., titanium) to avoid stress.
Where to Buy Certified G10 Material?
Global Suppliers:
- Röchling (military-grade G10).
- Norplex-Micarta (NEMA-compliant sheets).
Quality Checks:
Request TDS (Technical Data Sheet) and UL certification.
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