We have experience with Garolite machining and supply high-precision products for use in electrical, mechanical, and structural projects. Our skilled machinists and fast CNC machines maintain strict tolerances and keep the components free from damage when finishing insulating parts, whether they are prototypes or mass-produced products.
We are knowledgeable about operating on all types of Garolite, starting from G10/FR4 to the specialty grades. We cooperate with your team to design parts that satisfy your project’s quality, conformity, and timeframe expectations
Cutting, drilling, and forming Garolite, which is a high-pressure thermoset laminate, makes it suitable for use as parts. Garolite is known for being tough, unable to conduct electricity, and resistant to moisture, heat, and chemicals. Since the material is hard and can be abrasive, machining it calls for great care and precise equipment, and the knowledge to use them effectively.
It is a fiberglass-reinforced epoxy laminate and is famous for its good insulating and strong mechanical properties. FR4 is flame-retardant and is often selected for making circuit boards and electrical enclosures. They are both strong, light, and reliable in different temperatures. They are especially useful in industrial, aerospace, and electronic fields because they have to perform well under pressure.
Machining Garolite is a job done with accuracy and requires knowledge about different composite types and effective tools. If not used properly, Garolite can be challenging due to its fast tool wear, tendency to chip at the edges, and problems with delamination.
Most of the time, Garolite sheets are precisely cut using CNC routers or laser-cutting equipment with diamond or carbide-coated tools. These specific tools are picked due to their strong resistance to fiberglass’s roughness. To avoid frayed edges or splintering, the cutting speed, feed, and depth are set in the optimal way, so the machine can cut smoothly on every type of shape.
High-speed spindles are needed when drilling Garolite to prevent the fiber from breaking at the drill’s edge. Machinists use fluted and properly shaped drill bits to help remove bits quickly and keep stress from building up in one spot. Two steps commonly in use are pecks or step-drilling, which help to limit heat while still keeping the work precise.
Exact tool paths for cutting and routing are set by programmers onto CNC machines used for Garolite. Since the material is hard and sensitive to heat, cutting tools rely frequently on coolants or bursts of air to stop them from overheating and becoming damaged. It is important to achieve undamaged, smooth surfaces from the drilling process, mostly in the case of high-tolerance parts.
Machining Garolite often leaves dangerous glasses fibers or burrs that might cause harm to individuals and the machine’s operation. Little pieces of metal or wood called burrs are removed from edges by using either hands or machines and abrasives or brushes during this process. Chamfering and edge rounding can be carried out at this part of the process.
Workers can be put at risk from breathing fine particulates created during Garolite machining, particularly fiberglass dust that may collect in the work zone. Therefore, using high-efficiency vacuums and air filtration is a key step in the process. At TOPS Precision, we strictly follow procedures for health and safety so that our operations are clean and follow all regulations.
The following are some properties of Garolite material:
Garolite does not allow electricity to flow under high-voltage conditions. That is the reason many such applications use this material, such as switchgear, transformers, and circuit boards, where electrical isolation plays a key role.
Unlike other materials, Garolite can stay in shape despite serious stress or changes in temperature. The small response of the material to heat keeps the size and shape of parts stable, no matter the conditions.
Reinforcing Garolite with fiberglass makes it stand out because of its strength in both pulling and crushing. Mechanical loads can be placed on fiberglass, as it is resistant to pressure and shape changes, so it is fit for use in structures and for insulation.
Low water absorption rate is a unique trait of Garolite. Since it doesn’t swell, warp, or get damaged in wet and humid areas, Fleetwood gives valuable results outdoors.
Grades such as G11 of Garolite are strictly created to keep their strength and functions under long exposures to heated conditions. For this reason, it can be used in hot places like the interior of engines or industrial heating systems.
It remains undamaged from applications of many solvents, oils, greases, and cleaning products. Hard materials can stand up to corrosive substances, which is valuable whenever chemical exposure happens regularly.
The following is the table for Garollite grades available:
Grade | Key Features | Common Uses | Temp Limit | Dielectric Strength |
G10 | Strong, moisture-resistant, great insulator | Insulators, spacers | 130°C | ~550 V/mil |
FR4 | Flame-retardant G10 variant | PCBs, electronics | 130°C | ~500 V/mil |
G11 | High-temp G10 with superior heat resistance | Aerospace, heat shields | 180°C | ~550 V/mil |
XX | Paper-based, cost-effective, easy to machine | Terminal boards | 105°C | ~250 V/mil |
XXX | Dense paper laminate, better electrical strength | Relays, bushings | 105°C | ~300 V/mil |
CE | Cotton-based, good wear resistance | Gears, bushings | 120°C | ~300 V/mil |
LE | Fine cotton, strong and smooth finish | Threaded parts, structural components | 130°C | ~350 V/mil |
The adaptability of Garolite allows it to be used in many sectors and projects.
Try to use common sheet sizes: Try to fit your parts to standard Garolite sheet dimensions to use less material and cut back on the costs of raw materials.
Avoid Being Overly Tolerant: Change your tolerances for function only, since tight ones will need more time and will wear out your tools faster.
Avoid sharp corners: Because of their rounded curves, falls on abrasive Garolite, internal features are more rapid to create and maintain the life of cutting tools.
Bundle Orders: When items are produced in batches, it becomes more cost-effective to set up and use tools. Inquire about getting multiple items or frequent orders at one time.
Select the Grade Early: Picking a grade that offers the amount of performance needed prevents you from wasting resources.
Suppose your project calls for Garolite sheets, whether for electrical housing, flame-proof panels, or precise washers, TOPS Precision is ready to serve you. We make it easy to get high-performance components from the CAD files, drawings, or ideas you provide us with every time. We’ll support you from the beginning to the end of the process to match your expectations.
G10 and FR4 are made of fiberglass, but unlike G10, FR4 includes a compound that resists burning. A PCB’s core is more likely to be FR4, while G10 is chosen when flame safety rules are not needed.
Yes. Grades G11 or FR4 are suitable for surfaces exposed to high heat; however, choose the most appropriate grade for optimal thermal performance.
Working with Garolite should be safe when the area is well ventilated and you are using proper safety equipment. Because the fibers tend to be irritating, good ventilation and filter systems are required in the factory.
It is at TOPS Precision that Garolite is machined to tight tolerances, as close as ±0.002″ based on the part’s structure and kind.
You can drill and tap Garolite, but you should be careful not to crack it. Special equipment allows us to manufacture strong and precise threads.
The lead time is based on the product’s design details and the chosen quantity, which generally takes 5 to 15 business days. Fast, special services can be arranged.