FR-4 vs G10
Composite · grade comparison
FR-4 and G10 are both composite grades, both electrical insulation composite. FR-4 is stiffer (22 GPa vs 20 GPa) and G10 conducts heat better (0.35 W/m·K vs 0.3 W/m·K). On the shop floor, FR-4 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than G10 (premium, $$$).
FR-4Choose it when cost is the deciding factor.
FR-4 vs G10: 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
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Shear Strength
Izod Impact, Notched
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.14 · Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 310 MPa45 ksi · Elongation at Break 1.8% · Compressive Modulus 18 GPa2.6 Msi · Flexural Modulus 20 GPa2.9 Msi · Hardness, Rockwell M 110 HRM
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Min Service Temperature
Limiting Oxygen Index
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,100 J/kg·K0.26 BTU/lb·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 130°C266 °F · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 180°C356 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹² Ω·m3.94×10¹⁹ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 20 kV/mm508 V/mil · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹³ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 200 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
UV / Weathering Resistance
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 85 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Polishability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability 45 / 100
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)
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 — frequently asked
What is the difference between FR-4 and G10?
FR-4 and G10 are both composite grades, both electrical insulation composite. FR-4 is stiffer (22 GPa vs 20 GPa) and G10 conducts heat better (0.35 W/m·K vs 0.3 W/m·K). On the shop floor, FR-4 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than G10 (premium, $$$).
Which is cheaper, FR-4 or G10?
FR-4 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while G10 is premium ($$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
When should I choose FR-4 over G10?
Pick FR-4 when cost is the deciding factor.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in FR-4 and G10 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.