What is EP GC 203?
EP GC 203 (Hgw 2372.4 acc. to DIN 7735) is a glass-fabric reinforced epoxy resin laminate with an elevated temperature limit of 155 °C compared with the standard grade (EP GC 202 / Hgw 2372.1, "FR-4"). It combines very high mechanical strength, low water absorption and very good electrical insulation properties with an extended continuous-use temperature limit.
Technical Data
| Property | Value | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|
| General Properties | ||
| Density | 1.7-1.9 (typical 1.85) g / cm³ | DIN 53479 |
| Water absorption (5 mm thickness) | 15 (DIN 7735: 30) mg | DIN 53495 |
| Glow resistance | 2a | DIN 53459 |
| Colour | green | – |
| Mechanical Properties | ||
| Flexural strength | 530 (DIN 7735: 350) MPa | DIN 53452 |
| Flexural strength at elevated temperature | 295 (DIN 7735: 175) MPa | DIN 53452 |
| Tensile strength | 320 (DIN 7735: 220) MPa | DIN 53455 |
| Compressive strength | 320 (DIN 7735: 150) MPa | DIN 53454 |
| Impact strength | 145 (DIN 7735: 100) kJ / m² | DIN 53453 |
| Notched impact strength | 60 (DIN 7735: 50) kJ / m² | DIN 53453 |
| Bond strength (splitting force) | 4200 (DIN 7735: 3000) N | DIN 53463 |
| Modulus of elasticity | 28,000 (DIN 7735: 18,000) MPa | DIN 53452 |
| Thermal Properties | ||
| Temperature limit | 155 °C | VDE 0304 |
| Thermal conductivity ∥ / ⊥ | 0.3 / 0.25 W / (m·K) | DIN 52612 |
| Coefficient of linear expansion ∥ / ⊥ | 10-20 / 15 · 10⁻⁶ / K | VDE 0304 |
| Thermal class | F | VDE 0534 |
| Electrical Properties | ||
| Surface resistivity | 10¹² (DIN 7735: 5 · 10¹⁰) Ω | DIN 53482 |
| Electric strength ∥ / ⊥ | 80 / 70 (DIN 7735: 40 / 40) kV | DIN 53481 |
| Dielectric dissipation factor (1 MHz) | 0.03 (DIN 7735: 0.05) | DIN 53483 |
| Dielectric constant | 5 | DIN 53483 |
| Comparative tracking index CTI | 210 (DIN 7735: 200) | IEC 60112 |
| Electrolytic corrosion (tracking) | AN 1.2 (DIN 7735: AN 1.4) | DIN 53489 |
EP GC 203 in detail
1What is EP GC 203?+
EP GC 203 to EN 60893 is a glass-fabric reinforced epoxy-resin laminate with an elevated temperature limit of 155 °C compared with the standard grade. It is technically identical to the material known in Germany under DIN 7735 as Hgw 2372.4, both designations refer to the same material, which is why we maintain both as separate pages. It combines very high mechanical strength, low water absorption and very good electrical insulation properties.
2How does Liedtke machine EP GC 203?+
We machine precision parts from sheets, round bars and tubes: sawing, milling, drilling and turning produce clean, dimensionally accurate results with sharp, carbide-tipped or diamond-coated tools. We allow for the increased tool wear caused by the glass fabric and ensure adequate dust extraction during machining.
3When should I choose EP GC 203?+
EP GC 203 is worthwhile whenever high mechanical strength, good electrical insulation and an elevated continuous thermal load capacity are required together, for example:
- High-strength insulating parts requiring an elevated continuous-use temperature (up to 155 °C)
- Medium-voltage switchgear and transformer construction
- Components located near heat sources in mechanical engineering
- Applications where the standard grade (130 °C class) is thermally insufficient
4What determines the price of an EP GC 203 part?+
The component price is determined mainly by sheet thickness, dimensions, material utilisation, machining effort and batch size. Due to the adapted resin formulation for the elevated temperature limit, EP GC 203 is priced above the standard grade EP GC 202. We are happy to provide binding prices on request based on your drawing.
5When is EP GC 203 not the right choice?+
EP GC 203 is not declared for direct food contact. If no elevated temperature resistance is required, the standard grade EP GC 202 (Hgw 2372.1) is the more economical choice. For continuous use well above 155 °C, the corresponding 180 °C special grades are more suitable, and as a thermoset, EP GC 203 cannot be reshaped or welded.
6Advantages and disadvantages of EP GC 203+
An honest assessment, and how the disadvantages can be mitigated in practice:
- Advantage: Very high mechanical strength
- Advantage: Elevated temperature limit (155 °C)
- Advantage: Very good electrical insulation properties
- Disadvantage: Not declared for direct food contact
- Disadvantage: Higher tool wear during machining (glass fabric)
- Disadvantage: Higher price than the standard grade EP GC 202
- Practical tip: EP GC 203 is the right choice when high strength, low water absorption and an elevated continuous-use temperature up to 155 °C are required. If 130 °C is sufficient, the standard grade EP GC 202 (Hgw 2372.1) is the more economical choice; for requirements up to 180 °C, the corresponding high-temperature special grades of the series are more suitable.
Typical Properties
- Very high mechanical strength
- Elevated temperature limit (155 °C)
- Low water absorption
- Very good electrical insulation properties
- Thermoset laminate (dimensionally stable)
- Colour green
Typical Industries
- Electrical engineering and switchgear construction (medium voltage)
- Transformer and apparatus manufacturing
- Mechanical and plant engineering (high-strength insulating parts)
- Jig, fixture and tool making
- Test and measurement engineering
- Drive technology
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