Machining Hgw 2083

Fabric-based laminates (HGW) belong to the industrial laminates: fabric layers are impregnated with a thermosetting resin and pressed under heat and pressure into sheets, round bars or tubes. For Hgw 2083 (PF-CC-203), the reinforcing fabric is an extra-fine cotton fabric and the binding resin is a phenolic resin acc. to DIN 7735 / EN 60893. Compared with the standard grade Hgw 2082, the finer fabric provides higher mechanical strength (flexural strength 180 vs. 150 MPa) and a smoother, more even surface – with the basic electrical and thermal properties almost unchanged. The characteristic colour is brown.

Hgw 2083 machines well – sawing, milling, drilling and turning produce clean, dimensionally accurate results with sharp, carbide-tipped tools, with the finer fabric structure giving a particularly smooth surface. Prior to machining, the material should be at room temperature, or have been stored for at least 24 hours in standard climate beforehand. During machining we ensure adequate dust extraction (resin/fabric dust). This allows us to reliably manufacture mechanically robust precision parts, from single items to series production.

Hgw 2083 is worthwhile whenever, in addition to the economical basics of cotton-fabric laminate, higher strength or a smoother surface is required – for example:

• Precision mechanical components with tight tolerances
• Gears, cams and sliding elements under increased load
• Insulating and partition panels in low-voltage switchgear technology
• Components requiring a smooth, even surface
• Jig and fixture components under higher mechanical load

Hgw 2083 is an engineering laminate; the price depends on the semi-finished shape (sheet, round bar, tube), sheet thickness or bar diameter, dimension, material utilisation (offcut), machining effort and lot size. Hgw 2083 is priced slightly above the standard grade Hgw 2082, since the finer fabric requires more material effort. We are happy to quote binding prices on request based on your drawing.

Equally important are the limits of the material:

• Direct food contact – Hgw 2083 is not declared for this
• Medium-voltage applications with high tracking-resistance requirements (CTI > 200) – HGW 2372.1 or melamine-resin-bonded grades are better suited here
• Continuous use above approx. 110 °C (thermal class E)
• Very humid or wet environments (cotton fabric is hygroscopic)
• Pure cost optimisation without increased strength or surface requirements – the standard grade Hgw 2082 is sufficient here
• Reshaping or welding – not possible as a thermoset (machining only)

An honest assessment – and how the disadvantages can be mitigated in practice: Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Practical tip: Hgw 2083 is the right choice when, compared with the standard grade Hgw 2082, higher strength or a smoother surface is required – for example for precision parts with tight tolerances. If the base strength of a standard cotton-fabric laminate is sufficient, the more economical standard grade Hgw 2082 is the right choice. For medium-voltage applications with high tracking-resistance requirements, HGW 2372.1 should be considered.

• Higher mechanical strength than Hgw 2082
• Smoother, more even surface
• Good electrical insulation properties
• Good machinability
• Proven, widely used material
• Not declared for direct food contact
• Moderate tracking resistance (CTI 100-160) – usually insufficient for medium voltage
• Cotton fabric absorbs moisture
• Continuous use limited to about 110 °C
• Slightly higher price than standard Hgw 2082