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G10 vs G5

Composite · grade comparison

G10 and G5 are both composite grades. G10 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 310 MPa (45 ksi) against 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) for G5, about 41% more. G10 is the more ductile: elongation 1.8% versus 1.5% for G5. G10 is lighter (1.8 g/cm³ vs 1.95 g/cm³ for G5) and G10 is stiffer (20 GPa vs 17 GPa). On the shop floor, G10 machines more easily (fair vs poor).

G10Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

G5Choose it when the part sees heat.

G10 vs G5: properties

G10G5

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

20 GPa2.9 Msi
17 GPa2.5 Msi

Shear Modulus

5 GPa0.73 Msi
6 GPa0.87 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.14
0.17

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

310 MPa45 ksi
220 MPa31.9 ksi

Elongation at Break

1.8%
1.5%

Compressive Strength

480 MPa69.6 ksi
415 MPa60.2 ksi

Compressive Modulus

18 GPa2.6 Msi
16 GPa2.3 Msi

Flexural Strength

480 MPa69.6 ksi
310 MPa45 ksi

Flexural Modulus

20 GPa2.9 Msi
18 GPa2.6 Msi

Shear Strength

150 MPa21.8 ksi
125 MPa18.1 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

15 MPa·√m13.7 ksi·√in
12 MPa·√m10.9 ksi·√in

Izod Impact, Notched

430 J/m8.1 ft·lbf/in
550 J/m10.3 ft·lbf/in

Hardness, Rockwell M

110 HRM
115 HRM

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

1.8 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³
1.95 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³

Glass Transition (Tg)

120°C248 °F
—

Water Absorption (24 h)

0.15%
0.9%

Water Absorption (Saturation)

0.6%
2%

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

130°C266 °F
150°C302 °F

Limiting Oxygen Index

22%
45%

Max Service Temperature (short-term)

180°C356 °F
200°C392 °F

Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa

—
200°C392 °F

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 0.35 W/m·K0.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 1,100 J/kg·K0.26 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 14 µm/m·K7.8 µin/in·°F · Min Service Temperature -60°C-76 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Resistivity

1×10¹² Ω·m3.94×10¹⁹ µΩ·in
1×10¹¹ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁸ µΩ·in

Dielectric Strength

20 kV/mm508 V/mil
15 kV/mm381 V/mil

Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)

5
7.5

Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)

0.022
0.03

Volume Resistivity

1×10¹⁴ Ω·cm
1×10¹³ Ω·cm

Surface Resistivity

1×10¹³ Ω
1×10¹² Ω

Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)

200 V
600 V

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

85 / 100
58 / 100

UV / Weathering Resistance

35 / 100
45 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

45 / 100
25 / 100

Formability (cold)

0 / 100
5 / 100

Polishability

25 / 100
30 / 100

Same in both: Weldability 0 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

110 MJ/kg47,292 BTU/lb
75 MJ/kg32,244 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

7 kg CO₂/kg
4.5 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

200 L/kg24 gal/lb
—

Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 0%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

172 kN·m/kg
113 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

11.1 MN·m/kg
8.7 MN·m/kg

Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 0.2 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.

1101001,000510Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleG5G10

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityG10G5
Default conditionEpoxy MatrixMelamine Matrix
Relative cost$$$ Premium$$$ Premium
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

Both are offered for CNC machining and Sheet metal. Both take the same 1 finish: Painting.

G10 vs G5 — frequently asked

Is G10 stronger than G5?

Yes. G10 has a typical tensile strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) against 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) for G5 — about 41% more.

Which is cheaper, G10 or G5?

Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$, premium); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.

Which is easier to machine, G10 or G5?

G10. Its machinability rates fair (45/100) against poor (25/100) for G5.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in G10 and G5 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.