Is G10 the Same as Fiberglass?

G10 and fiberglass are often mentioned together because they belong to the same family of composite laminate materials. However, they are not exactly the same. Fiberglass is the broader category, while G10 is a specific grade within this family. Understanding their differences helps engineers, fabricators, and product designers choose the right material for electrical insulation, industrial components, tooling fixtures, and a wide range of structural applications. This article breaks down their relationship, differences, and performance characteristics in a clear and practical way.

Understanding Fiberglass as a Material Category

Fiberglass refers to a composite material created by reinforcing a resin system with woven glass fibers. The base of the material comes from the glass cloth layers, which provide strength, stability, and dimensional consistency. When combined with a cured thermosetting resin, these layers form a rigid laminate that performs well under mechanical loads and electrical stress.

The term fiberglass can apply to many types of laminates depending on the resin used, such as polyester, epoxy, or phenolic. Different combinations lead to varying levels of heat resistance, strength, moisture absorption, and dielectric properties. In industries such as electrical insulation, aerospace, and mechanical manufacturing, fiberglass functions as a general term that includes dozens of material grades, each designed for a particular purpose.

Fiberglass is valued for its balance of cost efficiency and performance. It provides high tensile strength, low thermal conductivity, and excellent chemical resistance, making it suitable for housings, paneling, circuit insulation, structural supports, and consumer product components.

What Makes G10 Different?

G10 is a high-pressure fiberglass laminate, but it belongs to a very specific class within epoxy-based fiberglass composites. It is made by layering fiberglass cloth with epoxy resin and compressing it under heat until the material becomes solid and uniform. Because it uses epoxy instead of polyester or phenolic resin, G10 delivers higher mechanical stability and improved moisture resistance compared with many standard fiberglass grades.

The manufacturing process ensures that G10 is dense, strong, and capable of holding dimensions with precision. It is commonly used for CNC machined parts, insulating components in motors or transformers, knife handles, tool fixtures, measuring tools, and high-load industrial applications where the laminate must remain stable under stress.

Epoxy resin contributes to a smoother finish, enabling G10 sheets to be polished, machined, or textured without cracking. This makes the material highly suitable for both functional and aesthetic components.

Key Differences Between G10 and General Fiberglass

Although G10 is a member of the fiberglass family, several differences clearly separate the two materials. The following table provides an overview:

G10 belongs to a more premium segment of fiberglass laminates. Fiberglass may cover many categories, from low-cost construction materials to electrical composites, but G10 is engineered specifically for high-demand applications requiring exceptional stability.

Performance Characteristics of G10

G10 performs well in industrial environments due to a combination of mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. It maintains stable thickness, resists wear, and keeps its dielectric strength even in humid or chemically aggressive environments. Its epoxy structure slows moisture penetration and prevents swelling or delamination.

Another advantage is dimensional stability, making it dependable for laser cutting, drilling, and milling. Components such as spacers, fastener supports, terminal boards, and sensor mounts often rely on G10 because it holds tolerances tightly even under prolonged thermal cycles. For product designers working on parts that require consistent behavior over time, G10 is usually preferred over general fiberglass options.

When to Choose G10 Instead of Standard Fiberglass

G10 is the better choice when the application requires:

• Tight machining tolerances

• High dielectric strength

• High mechanical loads

• Moisture-resistant performance

• Chemical-resistant stability

• Structural reliability with minimal deformation

In contrast, general fiberglass may be suitable for applications where cost efficiency and moderate performance are acceptable, such as construction panels, lightweight covers, decorative components, or general-purpose housings.

If you need a material that combines strength, insulation, and precision, G10 remains one of the most trusted composite laminates.

Recommendation for High-Quality G10 Materials

For industries that depend on consistent G10 sheets and epoxy fiberglass laminates, choosing a specialized manufacturer is essential. SENKEDA provides high-performance epoxy sheets, G10 laminates, and related composite materials designed for demanding industrial and electrical applications. Their product range covers insulation boards, machining-grade laminates, and epoxy composite solutions that support precise fabrication and long-term reliability.

Conclusion

G10 is not the same as fiberglass, although it belongs to the fiberglass family. It is a higher-grade composite defined by its epoxy resin system, high density, and outstanding mechanical and electrical properties. While fiberglass covers a broader group of resin-reinforced laminates, G10 is engineered for precision and durability. Understanding these differences helps manufacturers and engineers select the correct material for structural support, electrical insulation, or CNC-machined parts.