What Are G-10 and FR-4?
Glass woven fabrics bound by epoxy resins are among the most versatile laminate grades available. Within this category, G-10 material and FR-4 stand out for their exceptional performance. Both G-10 and FR-4 are laminate grades designated by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and typically exhibit a yellowish to light green color. Engineers favor these materials in electronic products due to their durability, low moisture absorption, and high electrical insulation.
Additionally, G-10 material and FR-4 are highly resistant to shrinking and boast excellent adhesive properties. These combined attributes make them the preferred choice for electronic fixturing. Comparing FR4 vs G10, engineers can select the best material based on specific project requirements.
How Are G-10 vs FR-4 Made?
To create G-10 and FR-4, multiple layers of glass cloth are stacked then soaked in epoxy resin. The process is finished by compressing the resulting material under heat until the epoxy cures. After the curing is finished the subsequent product is a flat sheet of fiberglass laminate, most often a few millimeters thick.
What Are G-10 and FR-4 Used For?
Since these composites do have characteristics of high strength, low moisture absorption, and high level of electrical insulation and chemical resistance, they have been commonly used in the construction of:
- Printed Circuit Boards
- Relays
- Switches
- Standoffs
- Busbars
- Washers
- Arc Shields
- Transformers
- Screw Terminal Strips
Printed Circuit Boards are used in almost every electronic application that you can think of. There are plenty of examples of systems that are typically used in ‘safe’ environments such as personal computers, which are not often exposed to water or other corrosive materials–but that doesn’t represent the majority of electronics.
Recently, smartphone manufacturers have begun designing their phones to operate even after being completely submerged. Although this process mainly relies on crafty engineering to create water-tight seals around the device’s electrical components, the humidity will still find its way into the device. The ability to have an electronic routing system that repels water allows users to continue to operate their device after conditions that would have previously led to catastrophic electronic failure.
There is no doubt that innovations in reliability like this have had a large impact on how the world operates. G-10 has served as a solution to many electronics issues over the past decade, but G-10’s utilization has started to taper off significantly because of FR-4.
Why Is FR-4 the Preferred Material?
The difference between FR-4 and G-10 is in the resin. In FR-4, there is a slight chemical change which makes the resulting laminate more flame retardant. Since the change in composition is so minute, all other characteristics such as durability, low moisture absorption, electrical insulation, and adhesive properties remain virtually identical. This innovation allows FR-4 to replace G-10 in almost every application.
CNC Machining G-10 Material
G-10 and FR-4 sheets can be CNC machined up to +-.005 tolerance. Jaco offers G-10 drilling, milling, and machining services to either cut to size or machine to your CAD drawings. From 5-axis machining centers to routers, we can quickly and easily cut your G-10 or FR-4 to your exact specifications.
Unlike machining metal, machining G-10 can present challenges due to the highly abrasive glass fillers. Metal machining speeds are typically too high for composites resulting in delamination. Since Jaco specializes in plastic machining and does not machine any metal components, equipment from machine tools to dust collection is unique to the specific requirements of machining composites, laminates, and glass-filled resins.
G-10 FR-4 Die Cut Parts
Jaco offers die-cutting services of G-10 FR-4 material. G-10 FR-4 is one of the most versatile laminates used as an electrical insulation material in electronics, PCBs, and mechanical lines.
G-10 Material Supplier
We sell full sheets of G-10 FR-4 through our materials distribution service. We offer varying thicknesses of G-10 material. Please contact the sales department regarding available inventory.
Getting in Touch With Jaco Products | It’s Easy to Do! | G-10 Machining
To find out how G-10 machining can add to your next project, connect with Jaco Products. To reach out to the Jaco Products team, simply fill out the online contact form on www.jacoproducts.com. In addition, prospective customers can use the contact information shown below to send written correspondence, emails, or phone calls.
Jaco Products
15060 Madison Rd
Middlefield, OH 44062
Sales and technical information contact: Bill Carter
Email Address: bc*****@ja**********.com
Main Line: (440) 632-5800 Ext. 35
Website: www.jacoproducts.com
