Garolite (G10/FR4) is a high-performance fiberglass-reinforced laminate used for CNC machined parts requiring strength, dimensional stability, and excellent electrical insulation.
Material Overview
What is Garolite (G10 / FR4)?
Garolite (G10 / FR4) is a fiberglass-reinforced epoxy laminate known for its high strength, dimensional stability, and excellent electrical insulation properties. It is commonly used in CNC machining, CNC milling, and drilling & threading for precision components that require rigidity and dielectric performance. Because it is supplied as a laminated sheet material, Garolite is also frequently processed through sheet cutting for flat parts and panel-based designs used in electrical, industrial, and structural applications.
Specifications
Garolite (G10 / FR4) Specifications
Engineering-grade properties of Garolite (G10/FR4), including mechanical, electrical, and thermal characteristics relevant to machining, insulation, and structural applications. This data supports material selection for high-performance composite components.
Garolite (G10 / FR4) Engineering Properties
Material Type
Fiberglass-reinforced epoxy laminate
Common Grades
G10 (general-purpose), FR4 (flame-retardant)
Primary Characteristics
High strength, rigid, excellent electrical insulation, low moisture absorption
Tensile Strength
40,000–60,000 psi (275–410 MPa)
Flexural Strength
60,000–80,000 psi (410–550 MPa)
Compressive Strength
35,000–60,000 psi (240–410 MPa)
Elongation at Break
Low (brittle behavior compared to thermoplastics)
Density
1.80–2.00 g/cm³
Elastic Modulus
2.5–3.5 Msi (17–24 GPa)
Dielectric Strength
≈ 300–500 V/mil
Volume Resistivity
Very high (excellent insulator)
Arc Resistance
Excellent
Continuous Service Temperature
~120–140 °C (FR4 higher due to flame retardancy)
Thermal Conductivity
Low
Machinability
Good (abrasive to tooling due to fiberglass content)
Standardized comparison across key engineering and manufacturing criteria.
Strength
Weight
Machinability
Dimensional Stability
Electrical Insulation
Moisture Resistance
Thermal Resistance
Cost Efficiency
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Where Garolite (G10 / FR4) is Commonly Used
Garolite is widely used in applications that require high strength, electrical insulation, and dimensional stability. It is especially common in electrical systems, industrial equipment, and structural composite components.
Electrical insulators and terminal boards
Printed circuit board (PCB) substrates
Structural panels and support plates
Machined spacers and standoffs
Fixtures and nests for manufacturing
High-strength composite components
Switchgear and electrical enclosures
Aerospace and industrial composite parts
Custom machined insulation components
Material FAQs
Garolite (G10 / FR4) FAQs for Manufacturing and Industrial Applications
Common questions from engineering, sourcing, and product development teams working with Garolite (G10 / FR4) across machining, electrical insulation, and structural composite applications.
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Material Guide
Garolite (G10/FR4): Properties, Machining, and Applications
Garolite (commonly G10 or FR4) is a fiberglass-reinforced epoxy laminate widely used in industrial applications requiring electrical insulation, mechanical strength, and dimensional stability. It is typically processed through CNC machining services, CNC milling, and sheet cutting rather than molding.
For engineering and sourcing teams, Garolite is often selected when a combination of structural rigidity, electrical performance, and environmental resistance is required, especially in applications where metals are not suitable due to conductivity or weight.
Key manufacturing characteristics of Garolite
Composite laminate structure: Made from fiberglass cloth layers bonded with epoxy resin, resulting in anisotropic properties.
High mechanical strength: Stronger and stiffer than many thermoplastics, especially in-plane.
Excellent electrical insulation: Widely used in electrical and electronic applications.
Low moisture absorption: Performs reliably in humid environments compared to materials like nylon.
Abrasive to tooling: Fiberglass content increases tool wear during CNC machining services.
Available in sheet form: Commonly processed through sheet cutting and machining operations.
Mechanical and physical properties of Garolite
Garolite is typically selected for structural and electrical performance rather than ease of processing or cosmetic appearance. Compared to thermoplastics like acetal or ABS, it offers significantly higher stiffness and better thermal and electrical performance.
Typical performance profile
High strength-to-weight ratio
Excellent dielectric properties
Good dimensional stability under load
Low thermal expansion in-plane
Stable performance in harsh environments
Why engineers choose it
Provides electrical insulation with structural strength
Performs well in high-humidity and industrial environments
Maintains stability in precision components
Suitable for replacing metals in non-conductive applications
Strengths and advantages of Garolite
Electrical insulation performance: Excellent dielectric strength for electronic and electrical systems.
High stiffness and strength: Outperforms most plastics in structural rigidity.
Dimensional stability: Maintains shape under mechanical and thermal stress.
Environmental resistance: Performs well in moisture, chemicals, and industrial conditions.
Lightweight alternative to metal: Reduces weight while maintaining strength.
Sheet-based manufacturing: Ideal for precision parts produced from plate or laminate stock.
Trade-offs and limitations of Garolite
Tool wear during machining: Fiberglass reinforcement is abrasive and reduces tool life.
Brittle failure mode: Can crack or delaminate under impact or improper machining.
Limited machinability compared to thermoplastics: Requires controlled feeds and tooling.
Dust generation: Machining produces fine fiberglass dust that requires proper handling.
Not ideal for cosmetic applications: Surface finish is typically functional rather than aesthetic.
Fabrication and machining considerations for Garolite
Machining behavior
Garolite can be processed through CNC milling and drilling operations, but requires careful tooling selection and parameter control due to its abrasive fiberglass content.
Use carbide or diamond-coated tooling to extend tool life
Avoid aggressive feeds that can cause delamination
Maintain proper support to prevent edge chipping
Sheet processing
Garolite is commonly supplied in sheet form and processed using sheet cutting for flat components and panels.
Efficient for 2D geometries and plate-based designs
Laser or waterjet cutting may be used depending on thickness
Edge finishing may be required for functional or safety reasons
Hole features and geometry
Drilled holes must be controlled to avoid fiber breakout
Threading may require inserts depending on load requirements
Sharp internal corners should be avoided to reduce stress concentration
Safety and handling
Dust extraction is critical during machining
Personal protective equipment is recommended
Proper cleanup prevents contamination and health risks
Common applications for Garolite
Garolite is widely used in applications requiring electrical insulation, structural stability, and environmental resistance.
Electrical insulation components
Circuit board substrates (FR4)
Industrial panels and structural plates
Test fixtures and tooling plates
Semiconductor and electronics components
Aerospace and defense insulation parts
High-performance mechanical supports
When Garolite is a strong material choice
Garolite is often the right choice when electrical performance, structural stability, and environmental resistance are more important than ease of machining or cosmetic finish.
When electrical insulation is required in structural components
When parts must perform in humid or harsh environments
When replacing metal with a non-conductive material
