HIGH-TEMPERATURE APPLICATIONS AND ENDURANCEOF G10-FR4 MATERIAL
Introduction
If we look around, then we see a variety of intricate and beautiful objects possessing various kinds of geometries and having different material forms. These objects could be our cars, mobiles, televisions, bridges, structures and many more. The strength and durability of these objects depend on the material they are made up of. Hence, the correct choice of material in any engineering pursuit is nothing less than a game changer.
In this article, we shall discuss a very profound and proficient material which has been the apple of an engineer’s eye for decades. It is called G10-FE4. We shall emphasize more on the high-temperature applications of this material along with its endurance in such intense conditions.
What is G10-FR4 Material?
G10-FR4 is a fiber glass epoxy resin which is manufactured at high pressure and heat. It has multiple properties to offer, making it a versatile material. It has a fire retardant which makes it resist fire. This property has many applications in conditions where fire hazards are a norm. Some of its properties include thermal stability, mechanical and electrical strength, chemical resistance, moisture absorption, dimensional stability and many more. G10-FR4 has got many benefits to offer like cost efficiency and a multitude of diverse characteristics.
High-Temperature Applications of G10-FR4
Mold Industry
One of the greatest uses of G10-FR4 is in mold industry. Different high-level and low-level products are manufactured under high temperature. This condition requires the use of materials with anti-flammability tendencies. As already mentioned, G10-FR4 has a fire retardant which makes its use in mold industries very likable. The fire retardant in this material helps protect the geometric structure of the product by resisting high levels of heat.
Aerospace Industry
Different aerial vehicles and space shuttles emit huge amounts of hot gases to propel forward. In such cases, it is of utmost importance that the design of these vehicles can achieve high tolerances. Materials like G10-FR4 offer good thermal stability which can withstand these hot gases. These materials are used in the design and fabrication of space shuttles, rockets, airplanes, wings, jet propellers etcetera.
Electrical and Electronics Industry
The advent of modern technology has paved way for many electrical and electronics products. These products include transformers, sensors, motors, smartphones and many high-power devices. The thing about these devices is that they get heat up easily. This could get very dangerous and deadly. G10-FR4 helps in mitigating the amount of heat coming from these devices and machines. They also in-turn help reduce the surrounding temperature of these products. This is a great benefit offered by G10-FR4 which has ensured safety parameters of any engineering design.
Drilling Equipment
The oil and gas industries have always been the money spinners for the conquered ones. The machines which help drill deep into the Earth’s surface for the mere ejaculation of these reserves tend to get heat up. They need high power to function. This causes excessive heat within and without the drilling machines. G10-FR4 is used in such machines to make sure that they withstand the high temperature and reduce the heat-induced factors. This make sures that the drilling is done without being prone to much danger.
Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)
Printed Circuit Boards are used in every electronic device today. Their tendency to get heat up could cause many damages to the device. G10-FR4 is used in the making of PCB as an insulation to make sure that no such hazards are caused. This enhances the efficiency of the device.
Endurance Properties of G10-FR4
Thermal Stability
G10-FR4 materials have high disposition to thermal stability. They can endure temperatures from 140oC to 180oC. These temperature ranges are considered ideal for G10-FR4. This stable behavior of G10-FR4 under high temperature ensures the dimensional stability and mechanical intactness of the object.
Insulation
G10-FR4 has the ability to endure high temperature ranges while keeping its electrical insulation intact. This is very important for objects which require high power like power electronics and industrial electronics etcetera.
Chemical Resistance
G10-FR4 has the trait of resisting chemical exposure. This is very useful for operations where exposure to various chemicals is a norm. This also helps in protecting the structure formation of the object from different chemicals.
Thermal Cycling
G10-FR4 has proved itself to be the best choice in varying temperature conditions. It has the capability to endure the mechanical and electrical properties of the item in low to high temperature variations.
Flame Resistance and Reliability
The fire retardant in the G10-FR4 is the basis of its resistance to flame. This helps in keeping the components safe where fire hazards are common. It has furthermore made a name of itself which makes it reliable and credible for the engineers to use.
Conclusion
To wrap up, G10-FR4 has many thermal applications along with its enduring abilities in various field. It is very useful to use but we also need to keep in mind its limitations. It can work in high temperatures and can be exposed to chemicals but only up to a certain point. The moment it exceeds its enduring limits, it will get damaged and destroy the structure of the item. Thus, keeping all its pros and cons should an engineer use it wisely.
