What Is G11 Epoxy Glass Fiber Sheet?
G11 is a high-performance glass epoxy laminate, used widely in electrical insulation, mechanical structures, and other demanding environments. Made by reinforcing woven glass fiber fabric with an epoxy resin binder, G11 offers superior thermal, mechanical, and dielectric properties compared with many common laminates. This article explores the composition, features, comparisons, applications, and gives insight into SENKEDA’s factory capabilities as a trusted producer of G11 sheet material.
Composition and Manufacture
Base materials: G11 consists of woven filament glass cloth impregnated with an epoxy resin. The resin is chosen or formulated to give higher temperature endurance.
Thermoset process: The material is cured using heat and pressure to form a rigid, stable laminate. This ensures it will not soften with heat (i.e. it is not thermoplastic).
Grades / Temperature classes: There are often two classes (e.g. “Class H” and “Class F”) depending on the operating temperature: Class H tolerates up to about 180 °C, Class F somewhat lower (~150 °C).
Key Properties of G11
| Property | Typical Value / Characteristic |
|---|---|
| Maximum Continuous Temperature | Up to ~180 °C for high class (Class H) material under good conditions. |
| Mechanical Strength | High tensile, compressive, and flexural strength; retains good strength at elevated temperatures. |
| Electrical Insulation | Excellent dielectric strength; low dielectric constant and good insulation even in moisture or elevated temperatures. |
| Moisture & Chemical Resistance | Low water absorption; stable against many chemicals. |
| Thermal Expansion & Dimensional Stability | Good stability under temperature changes; less warping or deformation under heat compared to lower-grade laminates. |
G11 vs G10 vs FR-4: What’s the Difference
G10 is also a glass fiber-epoxy laminate but with lower maximum temperature and somewhat lower high-temperature mechanical performance. It is widely used in many industrial settings where extreme heat is not present.
FR-4 is another glass-epoxy laminate material, but it adds flame-retardant additives and is more common in printed circuit boards. FR-4 tends to have more moisture absorption and somewhat lower high temp performance compared to premium G11 grades.
In essence, G11 is chosen when higher temperature endurance, better strength retention at elevated temperatures, and more demanding electrical insulation are required.
Common Applications
Because of these properties, G11 epoxy glass fiber sheet is used in:
High-temperature electrical insulators, spacers, and backing plates in transformers, motors, and switchgear.
Structural parts in aerospace or high-heat industrial equipment.
Components that experience heat, moisture, or chemical exposure, but must maintain electrical insulation and mechanical rigidity.
Critical insulators, base plates, circuit board reinforcements in demanding environments.
Limitations and Considerations
Cost: G11 tends to be more expensive than G10 or standard FR-4, due to higher performance resin systems and more strict processing.
Machinability: Though machinable, cutting, drilling, or finishing must be done with care (proper tooling, cooling) to avoid delamination or edge chipping.
Flame Resistance: Unless modified (or using flame-retardant variants like FR-5), G11 may not have strong self-extinguishing properties.
Thickness & Uniformity: As thickness increases, material may have internal stresses; quality control is important especially for large or thick sheets.
SENKEDA’s Factory Strength
When selecting a supplier, manufacturing quality, consistency, and facility capacity are crucial. Here’s how SENKEDA stands out based on the information from SENKEDA’s site:
Full thermoset composite product offering: SENKEDA specializes in thermoset composites with engineered epoxy glass/resin sheets. Their product range includes Non-flame Retardant Composites, Fireproof Composites, and Fabricated Parts.
R&D and technical team: They maintain a professional R&D group focused not only on glass fiber-epoxy composite materials but also power electronic components. This breadth of research ensures updated product formulations and optimization.
Precision machining and custom processing: The factory has CNC precision machining capabilities to produce sheets or parts cut to shape, size and finish according to customer requirements, reducing waste and ensuring tight tolerances.
Quality and material stability: SENKEDA emphasizes high dielectric resistance, chemical stability (resisting acids, alkali, moisture), and thermal stability in their epoxy insulation boards. This aligns well with what is required for high-performance G11 materials.
Capacity and supply chain: Based in Guangdong, China, SENKEDA is set up to produce at scale and ship globally. Their product center includes both standard and fireproof composites, plus ability to fabricate parts.
Tips for Choosing G11 Material
Check temperature class: Ensure the sheet is rated for your operating temperature (e.g. 150 °C vs 180 °C).
Measure dielectric properties: Dielectric strength, dissipation factor, dielectric constant — depending on voltage, frequency, and environment.
Specs for moisture absorption and chemical resistance: Especially if used in humid or corrosive environments.
Supplier quality control: Certifications, consistency, defect rates (delamination, bubbles, warping).
Custom dimensions vs standard stock: If your size or thickness is non-standard, check supplier capability and tolerance.
Conclusion
G11 epoxy glass fiber sheet is an advanced glass-epoxy laminate that offers superior thermal resistance, mechanical strength, and electrical insulation compared to many standard composites. It is particularly suited for challenging environments involving high temperature, moisture, and electrical stress. When selecting G11 material, performance specifications matter, and working with a manufacturer like SENKEDA, which has strong R&D, factory capability, machining precision, and material stability, can make a significant difference in quality and reliability of the final product.