G-10/FR4

This glass/epoxy laminate offers a superior strength/size ratio in addition to its self-extinguishing properties. In addition to its high mechanical strength, it exhibits good dielectric loss and electrical strength under a range of dry and humid conditions. The flame resistance is Class I in accordance with NEMA test method 7.11. Read our G-10 Guide.

A History of G-10 and FR-4

G-10 is a thermosetting industrial laminated plastic consisting of a woven glass cloth material and an epoxy resin matrix. First introduced in the 1950’s, G-10 was the original glass of epoxy laminate used in printed circuitry. The high strength, excellent electrical properties, and chemical resistance of G-10 make for a very versatile material that is now being used in a wide variety of applications.

Today most of what is called G-10 is actually FR-4, the flame retardant version of G-10. This explains why you will also see the material designated G-10FR. This means FR-4. The material FR-4 can usually be used where G-10 is called out, however, G-10 should not be used where FR-4 is specified.

Fabrication

G-10 and FR-4 can be fabricated using standard machine tools. However, it should be recognized that these materials require modifications from the machining of metals or thermoplastics. Their lower shearing strength permits higher speeds and feeds, and greater clearances and less rake on cutting tools is required.

It must also be recognized that certain machining operations, such as drilling parallel with the laminations or milling at right angles to the laminations, will require additional care due to the laminated structure. In all machining operations on these materials, it is extremely important to keep tools sharp.

HOW TO MACHINE G-10

We hope to give you a better understanding of how G-10 is machined, and the various pieces of equipment and techniques that go into it.

Engineering Notes

The mechanical and electrical properties of G-10 AND FR-4 are excellent and very similar, the flame retardant characteristic of FR-4 being the most obvious difference.

G-10 and FR-4 are rated at 140 degrees C (284 degrees F) continuous operating temperature. Being thermosets, no melting will occur with these grades; however, charring will be observed after extended periods above the temperature rating. FR-4 has flammability rating of 94V-0.

G-10 is also one of the most widely used non-metallics in cryogenic applications. This material should be noted as G-10CR and component specification should be reviewed before calling out.

G-10 and FR-4 laminates come in sheet, tube, and rod forms. They are also made in special shapes depending on the availability of tooling.

Colors that G-10/FR4 is available in upon request

Properties

High dielectric strength

Radiation resistant

High tensile strength

Low cold flow or creep

Chemically resistant

High flexural strength

Dimensional stability

Low moisture absorption

Low dissipation factor

Thermal shock resistant

High Impact Strength

Cryogenic serviceability

Applications

Electrical equipment

Test Boards

Rocket cases

Medical diagnosis

Chemically Resistant

High flexural strength

Dimensional Stability

Low moisture absorption

Low dissipation factor

Thermal shock resistant

High impact strength

Cryogenic serviceability

Grade	G-10	FR-4
Military Specification	18177	18177
Type	GEE	GEE
Physical Properties
Specific Gravity	1.8	1.8
Rockwell Hardness	110	110
Water Absorption (E-1/105 + D-24/23)	0.1	0.15
Flexural Strength (psi)
LW	75000	70000
CW	65000	60000
Modulus of Elasticity
In Flexure (kpsi)
LW	2700	2700
CW	2400	2400
Tensile Strength
LW	45000	45000
CW	38000	38000
Compressive Strength (psi)	65000	65000
Izod Impact Strength : Cond E-48/50
LW	14	14
CW	12	12
Bond Strength (lbs)	2200	2200
Shear Strength (psi)	22	22
Thermal and Electrical
Max. Constant Operating Temp c	140	140
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
(in/in/C x /0001) X-Axis	1	1
Y-Axis	1.3	1.3
Flammability	94HB	94V-O
Dielectric Breakdown (kv)
Cond A	65	65
Cond D-48/50	55	55
Dielectric Strength (vpm)
Cond A	750	750
Dielectric Constant
Cond D-24/23	4.8	4.8
Dielectric Factor
Cond D-24/23	0.025	0.025
Arc Resistance (sec)	100	100

Our new, innovative Electro-Static Dissipative (ESD) material offers users a number of important benefits, including:

The ESD material is an integrated into the G-10/FR4 glass epoxy base.
The surface resistiveness can be supplied to the user’s specification.
It offers improved machinability and tighter tolerances.
Designed to meet MIL STD 1686.

CURRENT, INC. integration of the ESD material directly into the G-10/FR4 glass epoxy base eliminates many of the issues associated with traditional methods of coating an insulating base with an ESD material. These include any potential peeling, cracking or chipping which could compromise the material’s ESD properties. In addition, this process eliminates the need for, and cost of, paint booths, paint chemicals and other potentially dangerous and expensive equipment, materials and testing.

ESD

Designed to meet MIL STD 1686, this electro-static dissipative material by standard is supplied with a surface resistivity of 10⁷–10⁹. By request, this material can also be supplied with a surface resistivity to any level from 10⁵ to 10¹² to meet customer specifications.

Static Dissipative

10⁵ 10⁶ 10⁷ 10⁸ 10⁹ 10¹⁰ 10¹¹ 10¹²

USES

Our ESD G-10/FR4 product is intended for parts and components used in static-sensitive equipment.

Circuit Board Testers
Solder Pallets
Assembly Fixtures
Carrier Pallets
Work Surfaces
Tool Handles
Automated Test Equipment

SIZES

We can supply our ESD G-10/FR4 material in various sizes cut to customer specifications.

To the best of Current Inc.’s knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate. We do not accept any liability regarding the accuracy of completeness of such information. It is intended as a guide only. The entire responsibility in determining the suitability of any material described herein for any of the uses contemplated and the processing of such material is by the buyer.

UL94V0 approved

Start your G-10 Order

FAQs

What types of G-10/FR4 products does Current make?

Current manufactures NEMA grade G-10/FR4 products. These materials can be fabricated into tubes, rods, and sheets. They can also be machined into spacers, standoffs, and other parts. We can also design one specific to you based on your unique applications. Whatever your manufacturing or assembling needs, there’s a Current Inc. product that will improve your product for an affordable price. Our laminated sheets, standoffs, tubing, rod and spacers are created with precision in mind.

What does G-10 and FR4 stand for?

G-10 is a thermosetting industrial laminated plastic consisting of a woven glass cloth material and an epoxy resin matrix. The “G” stands for glass epoxy and the “10” denotes specific properties of this type of glass epoxy. Standard G-10 is not fire retardant, but today most of what is called G-10 is actually FR-4. FR-4 is G-10 with fire retardant properties that can be used in electrical applications, whereas standard G-10 cannot.

What colors does Current offer?

We offer paper laminates in natural and black. Canvas and linen are available in a variety of colors such as black, blue, and red. Our G-10/FR4 laminates are available in various grays, reds, black, blue, browns, white, greens, purple, pink, orange, yellow, glow in the dark, and even camo. We also manufacture combinations of colors in marbling and burl upon request. Examples of these can be found on the What’s New Page.

How do I start an order?

To start an order, go to our Contact page and fill out a form detailing your interests. This will be received by us, and we will coordinate with you to complete the order. Alternatively, give us a call and we will be happy to work with you in that way as well. You can reach our main office at (203) 469-1337.

How long from placing an order can I expect to get my product?

Our lead times vary based on the market and on the products that you are interested in, but we typically deliver around 4-6 weeks or less from the order being placed, depending on the material we have in stock.

G-10/FR4

G-10/FR4