Glass Bakelite®

Glass Fabric Bakelite® grades are made from epoxy, melamine or silicone thermosetting resin which is impregnated into fibreglass fabric. These laminates offer superior electrical properties combined with extremely high compressive strength and very low moisture absorption. These types of glass grades are manufactured under the following specifications:

 

British Specification - BS 3953	EP3 Epoxy	EP4 Epoxy	EP5 Epoxy	MF4 Melamine	SI5 Silicone
National Electrical Manufacturers Association L-1-1983	G10	FR4	G11	G5	G7
NEMA Temperature Class	B	B	B	B	H
Temperature Mechanical	140C	140C	180C	140C	220C
Electrical	130C	130C	170C	130C	170C

(Please refer to your nearest E-Plas branch for rod and tube specifications)

The glass fibres impart a greater rigidity and strength to these materials, combined with low moisture absorption and high dimensional stability however, the glass fibres are somewhat abrasive in rubbing applications, which prevents these materials from being used for such items as bearings. These grades can be characterised by the following properties:

G10: Very high mechanical strength and electrical properties at room temperature.

G11: Similar to G10 but can be used at higher temperatures.

FR4: Similar to G10 but with a UL-94 VO flame rating.

G5: This grade has excellent electrical insulation and is widely used in marine electrical devices, particularly where arc resistance is needed. This grade is hard and has good abrasion resistance and does not burn readily.

G7: This grade has excellent heat resistance and arc resistance combined with good physical and electrical properties. It also resists burning.

Fields of application: Jigs & fixtures, Electrical insulators and components.

Glass Bakelite® can also be identified under the following trade names: Formica®, Micarta®, Novasteen® Tufnol® Ferroform®, Railko®, Orkot®, Isolit®, Paxolin®, Vulcapas®, Vulcatex®, Texolex®, Spauldite® and Etronax®