G10
ASTM D709
G10 is a NEMA laminate of woven E-glass cloth in epoxy resin to ASTM D709, without the flame-retardant additive used in FR-4.
Values for the Epoxy Matrix condition
G10 grades and fills
G10 is supplied in 4 conditions, soft to hard. Epoxy Matrix is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 4 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
flame-retardant (brominated) glass/epoxy, UL 94 V-0 | Pick when a UL 94 V-0 rating or PCB-compatible laminate is required; mechanical properties are essentially G10-like. | 300 | 1.7 | 110 HRM | |
flame-retardant high-temperature glass/epoxy (G11 + V-0) | Choose for hot electrical apparatus that must also meet UL 94 V-0. | 300 | 1.6 | 112 HRM | |
Epoxy MatrixDefault standard G-10 continuous-filament glass cloth / epoxy laminate | Default choice for structural/insulating machined parts where flame rating is not required and service stays below ~130 °C. | 310 | 1.8 | 110 HRM | |
cryogenic-grade glass/epoxy laminate | Specify for superconducting-magnet and LHe/LN2 hardware: controlled resin system and lay-up qualified down to 4 K. | 415 | 1.9 | 110 HRM |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways G10 is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
G11 | G-11 | Coating |
What is G10?
G10 is a NEMA laminate of woven E-glass cloth in epoxy resin to ASTM D709, without the flame-retardant additive used in FR-4. It is chosen for insulators and load-bearing non-metallic parts machined from sheet, rod and tube, offering 310 MPa tensile strength, a 120 °C glass transition, roughly 130 °C service temperature, low moisture absorption and stable dimensions. It cannot be formed after cure, machinability is limited (score 45) because the glass abrades tooling, and it carries no flame-retardant rating — specify FR-4 where flammability is required, G11/FR-5 for higher temperature, or G10-CR for cryogenic service. G10 has a density of 1.8 g/cm³ (0.065 lb/in³), heavier than 59% of composite grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 120°C (248 °F). G10 has a tensile strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi), stronger than 56% of composite grades. Elongation at break is 1.8% and the elastic modulus is 20 GPa (2.9 Msi).
What is G10 used for?
- Electrical insulators and standoffs
- Knife handles and scales
- Transformer and coil spacers
- Switchgear barriers and terminal strips
- Cryogenic structural supports (G10-CR)
- Machine guards and non-conductive fixture plates
- Model rocketry fins and centering rings
Limitations
- Hard to polish — 25/100, worse than 76% of composite grades
G10 properties
Typical room-temperature values for G10-Epoxy Matrix; bars are the position among composite grades.
Physical4
G10 has a density of 1.8 g/cm³ (0.065 lb/in³), heavier than 59% of composite grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 120°C (248 °F).
Mechanical13
G10 has a tensile strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi), stronger than 56% of composite grades. Elongation at break is 1.8% and the elastic modulus is 20 GPa (2.9 Msi).
Thermal8
G10 is rated for continuous service to 130°C (266 °F). It conducts heat at 0.35 W/m·K (0.202 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 50% of composite grades. Thermal expansion is 14 µm/m·K (7.78 µin/in·°F).
Electrical7
G10 is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 20 kV/mm (508 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹² Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is excellent (85/100), better than 65% of composite grades. UV resistance is fair.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of G10 takes about 110 MJ of energy and emits 7 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of composite grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability4
G10's machinability is fair (45/100, better than 63% of composite grades); weldability not recommended (0/100); formability not recommended (0/100).
Common Calculations4
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the composite family
Yield strength against density for every composite grade FabDigit runs. G10 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with G10
Is G10 easy to machine?
Very abrasive — use sharp carbide or PCD/diamond tooling, high speed, low feed, climb-mill and back the exit side to prevent delamination; dust extraction and respiratory protection are mandatory.
Can G10 be welded?
Not weldable (thermoset); join by bonding with epoxy/acrylic structural adhesives or by bolting with washers to spread load.
Can G10 be formed, bent or molded?
Supplied fully cured; cannot be thermoformed or post-formed — parts are produced by cutting, milling, drilling, waterjet or laser (laser leaves charring).
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit's quote engine applies to G10. Design inside these and the part quotes instantly; outside them it routes to an engineer.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Better45 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | — / — |
| Minimum wall | — |
| Minimum internal radius | — |
| Drill depth limit | |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra — / — |
| Hardenable after machining | — |
Sheet metal
| Formability | Not Recommend0 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Not Recommend0 / 100 |
G10 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| E-glass woven clothcontinuous-filament glass fabric (e.g. 7628/2116 style) | 50 – 65 | 58 |
| epoxy resin (DGEBA + hardener)non-flame-retarded for G10; brominated for FR-4 | ≥ 35 (balance) |
What surface finishes work on G10?
Sanding/sealing with epoxy or polyurethane topcoat improves moisture and UV performance; deburr holes and seal cut edges to limit wicking; no plating without special activation.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on composite parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Organic Coating
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to G10 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- ASTM
- D709
- Also called
- NEMA G-10
How much does G10 cost?
G10 is a premium-cost composite ($$$), pricier than about 58% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
G10 — frequently asked
What is G10 used for?
G10 is typically used for electrical insulators and standoffs, knife handles and scales, transformer and coil spacers, switchgear barriers and terminal strips, cryogenic structural supports (G10-CR) and machine guards and non-conductive fixture plates. In short: premium electrical glass laminate.
What is the tensile strength of G10?
G10 has a typical tensile strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) — stronger than 56% of composite grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is G10 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (45/100, better than 63% of composite grades). Very abrasive — use sharp carbide or PCD/diamond tooling, high speed, low feed, climb-mill and back the exit side to prevent delamination; dust extraction and respiratory protection are mandatory.
Can G10 be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated not recommended (0/100). Not weldable (thermoset); join by bonding with epoxy/acrylic structural adhesives or by bolting with washers to spread load.
What surface finishes work on G10?
Sanding/sealing with epoxy or polyurethane topcoat improves moisture and UV performance; deburr holes and seal cut edges to limit wicking; no plating without special activation.
Can G10 be formed, bent or molded?
Supplied fully cured; cannot be thermoformed or post-formed — parts are produced by cutting, milling, drilling, waterjet or laser (laser leaves charring).
What is the maximum service temperature of G10?
G10 is rated for continuous use to about 130°C (266 °F), and briefly to 180°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does G10 cost?
G10 is a premium-cost composite ($$$), pricier than about 58% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in G10?
Yes — G10 is available for CNC machining and sheet metal with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- NEMA LI 1 — Industrial Laminated Thermosetting Products — NEMA (1998)
- MIL-I-24768/2 (GEE) Plastic Sheet, Laminated, Glass Cloth, Epoxy — U.S. DoD (1994)
- Garolite G10/FR4 laminate datasheets — Professional Plastics / Current Inc. (2023)
- Handbook on Materials for Superconducting Machinery (G-10CR data) — NIST/Battelle (1977)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.