FR-4 vs G10-ESD
Composite · grade comparison
FR-4 and G10-ESD are both composite grades. FR-4 is stiffer (22 GPa vs 20 GPa). On the shop floor, FR-4 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than G10-ESD (premium, $$$).
FR-4Choose it when cost is the deciding factor.
FR-4 vs G10-ESD: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all composite grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all composite grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Izod Impact, Notched
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Rockwell R
Same in both: Compressive Modulus 18 GPa2.6 Msi · Shear Strength 130 MPa18.9 ksi · Hardness, Rockwell M 110 HRM
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Same in both: Density 1.85 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³ · Water Absorption (24 h) 0.12%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Min Service Temperature
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 0.3 W/m·K0.17 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 1,100 J/kg·K0.26 BTU/lb·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 130°C266 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 85 / 100 · UV / Weathering Resistance 40 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Polishability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 0%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 0.1 mm²/s · Thermal Shock Resistance Index 0
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every composite grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | FR-4 | G10-ESD |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Epoxy Matrix | Epoxy Matrix |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both are offered for CNC machining and Sheet metal. Both take the same 1 finish: Painting.
FR-4 vs G10-ESD — frequently asked
What is the difference between FR-4 and G10-ESD?
FR-4 and G10-ESD are both composite grades. FR-4 is stiffer (22 GPa vs 20 GPa). On the shop floor, FR-4 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than G10-ESD (premium, $$$).
Which is cheaper, FR-4 or G10-ESD?
FR-4 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while G10-ESD is premium ($$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, FR-4 or G10-ESD?
FR-4, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 38/100 for G10-ESD.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in FR-4 and G10-ESD side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.