G10 Vs. FR-4: Choosing the Best Glass Epoxy for Your Project

Explore the advantages of G10 vs FR4 glass epoxy laminates and understand which material provides optimal performance for your unique project.

Glass epoxy laminate, the highly composite material equipped with a high strength-to-weight ratio, electrical insulation, etc., is prominently used in several demanding industries. Among the various glass epoxy laminates, G10 and FR-4 are the most popular ones.

G10 and FR-4, both of the materials contain nearly similar usability with some core differences in their characteristics. This context demands an exploration of the critical comparison of G10 Vs. FR-4 towards selecting the right material. This article differentiates between G10 and FR-4 while answering which glass epoxy laminate is right for your project.

Knowing G10 and FR-4

As per the basics, the production processes of G10 and FR-4 glass epoxy laminated are similar. Both of the processes involve below:

Weaving ten or fewer micron thick fiber glasses with cloths.
Then, each woven fiberglass is soaked into epoxy resin.
Creating a bundle by layering multiple fiberglass epoxy. The number of layers is determined by the required properties of the produced epoxy laminate.
High pressure can be applied using a hydraulic press under controlled temperature to form G10 and FR4 glass epoxy laminates.

Key Applications of G10 and FR-4

In general, G10 glass epoxy laminate is used in applications that are subjected to withstand superior mechanical stress. The respective industries are marine, aerospace, industrial machinery, etc. On the other hand, FR4 is used prominently in the electronic industry.

Key Applications of G10

Insulators and bushings in the power generation and distribution industry.
Mechanical parts’ components of aircraft.
Kitchen and other utensils handle.
Body parts and assembly manufacturing for cryogenic applications.
Firearms’ accessories, and so on.

Key Applications of FR-4

Busbars, switchboards, circuit boards, etc.
Components of power electronics.
Industrial control panels.
Aerospace and aircraft components act in the high heat environment.
Components of transformers, washers, relays, etc.

Key Properties Comparison: G10 vs. FR-4

This section delves into the base properties-related differences between G10 and FR4 glass epoxy laminates.

Flame Resistance

Following the UL 94 Standards of Flammability, G10’s flammability rating is HB, signifying the low flammability characteristic of G10. In contrast, FR-4’s flammability rating is V-0. It signifies that FR-4 inherited the characteristic of flame extinguishing within 10 seconds without any dripping.

Thermal Resistance

In terms of thermal resistance, standard FR4 retains effective heat resistance of 140 ºC to 150 ºC while the heat resistance ranges between 180ºC to 345ºC for TG or high-profile FR4. Its thermal conductivity is 0.25 W/m-k, which is considered a degraded thermal conductivity. On the other hand, G10 can withstand up to 140ºC temperature. Like FR4, its thermal conductivity of 0.28 W/m-k is also not superior.

Moisture Resistance

The water absorption rating of G10 ranges from 0.10% to 0.15% which signifies that G10 incorporates a superior dimensional stability, even within a worse damp condition. On the contrary, FR4 also showcases a greater dimensional stability of 0.10% under an extremely high humid environment.

Mechanical Properties

G10’s tensile strength is 38,000 PSI under 262 MPa and 45,000 PSI under 310 MPa. Oppositely, FR4’s tensile strength is 40,000 PSI under 310 MPa and 65,000 PSI under 440 MPa.
FR4’s compressive strength is 38,000 PSI, while G10’s compressive strength is 65,000 PSI.
The flexural strength of G10 is 65,000 PSI under 448 MPa, while the flexural strength of FR4 is 60,200 PSI under 415 MPa. In both cases, lengthwise flexural strength is considered.
As per M-scale, FR4’s hardness ranges between 110 to 115, while G10’s hardness is 110.

Electric Insulation

G10 accommodates substantially good electric insulation properties. Its dielectric strength is 550 Volts/mil, and its dissipation factor is 0.19 as per ASTM D149. On the other hand, FR4’s dielectric strength is 800-900 Volts/mil, and the dissipation factor is 0.020. However, with aging, FR4’s dielectric strength receives downgrading and reaches 300 Volts/mil.

Chemical Resistance

In terms of chemical resistance, G10 glass epoxy laminates show good resistance against strong acids and alkalis compared to FR4. At the same time, FR4 showcases greater resistive characteristics against organic solvents and hydrocarbons than G10.

Cost Comparison

In consideration of cost comparison, the first point- FR4 is cheaper than G10. Here, the reason is that manufacturers can produce FR4 in large quantities in a single batch and the respective quantity is far higher than G10’s single batch production.

To generate an idea, a ¼ inch X 2 inch X 3 inch G10 sheet’s price is $7.79, while a 0.125 inch x 12 inch x 24 inch FR4 sheet’s price is $37.05. However, the prices of G10 and FR4 laminates vary according to the thickness, dimension, etc., of the sheets, along with the manufacturer’s type.

Making Decision: Which Glass Epoxy Laminate to Choose from G10 and FR4?

In choosing from G10 and FR4, three particular differential factors are considered: flame retardancy, mechanical strength, and cost. First, G10’s flame redundancy is lower than FR4’s. Second, FR4’s mechanical strength is lower than G10’s mechanical strength. Third, FR is more cost-effective than G10. Following these, the below criteria have been identified.

When to Use G10

G10, also known as Garolite, glass epoxy laminate sheet needs to be chosen if the respective applications are going to be used in high-stress applications.
Again, G10 glass epoxy laminated sheets should be selected if the final part requires excellent thermal stability and chemical resistance.
If the user seeks greater durability, it is always better to go for G10 epoxy glass laminate.

When to Use FR-4

The user must select FR4 over G10 in order to get enhanced and reliable electric insulation.
For cost-constraint projects, FR4 glass epoxy laminate should be used instead of G10.
In terms of highly flame-resistant parts or parts components manufacturing, FR-4 is a lucrative choice.

Final Words

We hope our in-depth elaboration on “G10 vs FR4: choosing the best glass epoxy for your project” will help the users substantially. By considering the core differential factors, flame retardancy, mechanical strength, and cost, users can select the right material.

However, users must thoroughly examine the project’s requirements and select the right glass epoxy laminate that effectively balances performance, safety, and budget.

UVTECO is a leading supplier of FR-4 and G10 in China, provides sheet, rod and tube. If you are looking for a trustworthy supplier of FR-4 and G10, Contact UVTECO now!