Overview
EP GC 203 to EN 60893 is the internationally standardised designation for the material known in Germany as Hgw 2372.4 to DIN 7735. Both designations refer to the same glass-fabric reinforced epoxy-resin laminate with an elevated temperature limit; at Liedtke Kunststofftechnik you will therefore find it as a standalone page under both EP GC 203 and Hgw 2372.4.
Within the glass-fabric/epoxy family to DIN 7735 / EN 60893, EP GC 203 marks an upgraded temperature class: while the standard grade EP GC 202 (Hgw 2372.1, FR-4) is rated for around 130 °C, EP GC 203 reaches 155 °C (thermal class F) through an adapted resin formulation, combined with higher mechanical values. Like the other grades, it is produced by pressing epoxy-resin-impregnated glass-fabric layers into sheets, round bars or tubes.
Typical values include a flexural strength around 530 MPa, tensile strength around 320 MPa and compressive strength around 320 MPa, with a modulus of elasticity around 28,000 MPa and a density of 1.7-1.9 g/cm³ (typically 1.85 g/cm³). Electrically, the material offers a tracking resistance of CTI 200-210 and an electric strength of 80 kV (∥) resp. 70 kV (⊥). The limiting temperature for continuous use is 155 °C (thermal class F).
EP GC 203 is used primarily for high-strength insulating parts requiring an elevated continuous-use temperature, in medium-voltage switchgear and transformer construction, and for components located near heat sources in mechanical engineering. If 130 °C is sufficient, the standard grade EP GC 202 (Hgw 2372.1) is the more economical choice; EP GC 203 is not declared for direct food contact.
Technical Data
| Property | Value | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 | – |
Frequently Asked Questions about EP GC 203
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.
3What 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.
4When 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.
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