Why Using G10 Instead of Glass-Filled Nylon Saves Money
When it comes to the choice between glass-filled nylon and G10, which one should you choose if you want to save money? There are two reasons why G10 is a cheaper alternative than glass-filled nylon: cost and weight.
The cost of raw materials used to make glass-filled nylon is much higher than that of G10 due to its weight per volume. G10 has a density of 490 kg/m3 while glass-filled Nylon has a density of 950 kg/m3. Additionally, the raw material used for G10 thermosetting glass-epoxy laminate is significantly less expensive.
What is G10?
G10 is a fiber-reinforced laminate composed of woven fabric matrices impregnated with a thermosetting resin. G10 is a common glass fiber-reinforced composite material that was originally utilized in the power generation industry, but has spread to nearly every corner of manufacturing due to its high strength and low weight.
Why G10 Is Cheaper Than Glass Filled Nylon?
The cost of raw materials used to make glass-filled nylon is much higher than that of G10 due to its weight per volume. Let’s compare two materials of the same thickness and length, with the same properties and geometry, but from different groups. The glass-filled Nylon has a density of 950 kg/m3, while the G10 has a density of 490 kg/m3. This means that you need more glass-filled Nylon than G10 to achieve the same thickness. If you want the same length for both materials, the volume of the G10 is approximately 1.91 times less than the glass-filled Nylon. The difference in costs between these two materials will be the same.
G10 is Lightweight
G10 has a specific strength of around 22,000 psi, while most glass-filled Nylons have a specific strength of somewhere between 10,000 and 15,000 psi. G10 has a higher strength-to-weight ratio than glass-filled Nylon, which means that you don’t need as much material to achieve the same strength. Therefore, it is much lighter compared to glass filled nylon.
G10 requires more machining experience than glass-filled nylon
G10 has a higher hardness, which means that it requires more cutting experience to achieve the same geometry. The hardness of the material is measured by the Vickers hardness test, which can be from 39 HV up to 63 HV. The Vickers hardness of glass-filled Nylon is approximately 30 HV. This means that it is easier to machine than G10.
The Bottom Line
G10 is a much stronger material than glass-filled Nylon, so it will last longer when used in the same application. G10 has a higher hardness, which means that you will need more experience to machine it. But it will also be more durable, so it will last longer. If you want to save money and get the best result, you should use G10 instead of glass-filled Nylon. G10 has a higher strength and is lighter than glass-filled Nylon. It is harder to machine, but it will last longer.