What is EP-GC-306?
EP-GC-306 is a glass-fabric reinforced epoxy resin laminate to EN 60893 whose resin system is specifically designed for a significantly increased tracking resistance (CTI ≥ 600 instead of the usual CTI 200-250) while retaining very good basic mechanical values.
Technical Data
| Property | Value | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|
| General Properties | ||
| Density | 1.8-2.0 g/cm³ | ISO 1183 |
| Water absorption (10 mm thickness) | ≤ 34 mg | ISO 62 |
| Colour | manufacturer-dependent | – |
| Mechanical Properties | ||
| Flexural strength | ≥ 340 MPa | ISO 178 |
| Flexural modulus of elasticity | ≥ 22 · 10³ MPa | ISO 178 |
| Tensile strength | ≥ 300 MPa | ISO 527-4 |
| Compressive strength (⊥) | ≥ 350 MPa | ISO 604 |
| Impact strength (Charpy/Izod) | ≥ 50 kJ/m² | ISO 179 / ISO 180 |
| Shear strength (∥) | ≥ 30 MPa | VDE 0318 Part 2 |
| Thermal Properties | ||
| Temperature index (thermal endurance) | ≥ 155 | IEC 60216 |
| Electrical Properties | ||
| Electric strength ⊥ (90 °C, oil bath, 3 mm) | ≥ 10.2 kV/mm | IEC 60243-1 |
| Electric strength ∥ (90 °C, oil bath) | ≥ 45 kV | IEC 60243-1 |
| Permittivity (50 Hz / 1 MHz) | ≤ 5.3 | IEC 60250 |
| Dielectric dissipation factor (50 Hz / 1 MHz) | ≤ 0.04 | IEC 60250 |
| Insulation resistance | ≥ 50,000 MΩ | IEC 60167 |
| Proof tracking index PTI | ≥ 500 V | IEC 60112 |
| Comparative tracking index CTI | ≥ 600 V | IEC 60112 |
EP-GC-306 in detail
1What is EP-GC-306?+
EP-GC-306 (acc. to EN 60893) is a glass-fabric reinforced epoxy resin laminate whose resin system is specifically designed for a significantly increased tracking resistance (CTI ≥ 600 instead of the usual CTI 200-250) while retaining very good basic mechanical values. A reliable assignment to a DIN 7735 Hgw short designation is not established for this grade.
2How does Liedtke machine EP-GC-306?+
We machine precision parts from EP-GC-306 sheets, round bars and tubes. Sawing, milling, drilling and turning produce clean, dimensionally accurate results with sharp, carbide-tipped or diamond-coated tools, and we allow for the increased tool wear caused by the glass fabric while ensuring adequate dust extraction.
3When should I choose EP-GC-306?+
EP-GC-306 is worthwhile whenever a particularly high tracking resistance is required, for example:
- Electrical engineering and switchgear construction with elevated tracking-resistance requirement (insulating material group I acc. to IEC 60664)
- Power electronics and converter engineering
- Applications in humid, contaminated or dust-laden environments
- Transformer and apparatus manufacturing with elevated insulation requirements
- Components where standard grades (CTI 200-250) do not meet the insulation coordination requirement
4What determines the price of an EP-GC-306 part?+
The component price is determined mainly by sheet thickness, dimensions, material utilisation (offcuts), machining effort and batch size. Due to the special resin formulation designed for high tracking resistance, EP-GC-306 is priced above the standard grades of the epoxy/glass-fabric series. We are glad to provide binding prices on request based on your drawing.
5When is EP-GC-306 not the right choice?+
EP-GC-306 is not declared for direct food contact. If no elevated tracking resistance is required, the standard grades of the epoxy/glass-fabric series (e.g. EP GC 202/203) are sufficient and more economical. As a thermoset, EP-GC-306 also cannot be reshaped or welded, and no reliably documented DIN 7735 Hgw assignment exists for this grade.
6Advantages and disadvantages of EP-GC-306+
An honest assessment, and how the disadvantages can be mitigated in practice:
- Advantage: Significantly increased tracking resistance (CTI ≥ 600)
- Advantage: Very good mechanical and dielectric properties
- Advantage: Low water absorption
- Advantage: Well suited to humid/contaminated environments
- Disadvantage: Not declared for direct food contact
- Disadvantage: Higher price than standard grades without a CTI requirement
- Disadvantage: Higher tool wear during machining (glass fabric)
- Disadvantage: No reliably documented DIN 7735 Hgw assignment
- Practical tip: EP-GC-306 is the right choice when a tracking resistance of CTI ≥ 600 is required – for example for elevated insulation requirements acc. to IEC 60664 or in humid/contaminated environments. If CTI 200-250 is sufficient, the standard grades of the epoxy/glass-fabric series are the more economical choice.
Typical Properties
- Very good mechanical and dielectric properties
- Significantly increased tracking resistance (CTI ≥ 600)
- Very good electrical insulation properties
- Low water absorption
- Thermoset laminate (dimensionally stable)
- Well suited to humid/contaminated environments
Typical Industries
- Electrical engineering and switchgear construction (elevated tracking-resistance requirement)
- Power electronics and converter engineering
- Transformer and apparatus manufacturing
- Mechanical and plant engineering (highly stressed insulating parts)
- Jig, fixture and tool making
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