Machining UP GM 204 (Hm 2472)

UP GM 204 is the EN 60893 designation for the same glass-mat reinforced polyester hard laminate known under DIN 7735 as Hm 2472. It is one and the same product under two standard designations that are both common on the market. Compared with the standard grade UP GM 203 (Hm 2471), UP GM 204 (Hm 2472) offers higher flexural and tensile strength as well as a higher limiting temperature of 155 °C (thermal class F).

We machine precision parts from sheets and rods - sawing, milling, drilling and turning can be carried out cleanly and accurately with sharp, carbide-tipped tools. Because of the abrasive glass-fibre content we use wear-resistant tools and ensure adequate dust extraction. This allows us to reliably produce high-quality insulating and structural parts, from single items to series production.

UP GM 204 (Hm 2472) is worthwhile whenever a highly insulating, particularly resilient structural material is needed for elevated thermal requirements, for example:

• Insulating and separating parts with elevated continuous thermal load (up to 155 °C)
• More heavily loaded structural parts in electrical machine engineering
• Support insulators and busbar holders for elevated requirements
• Components requiring arc- and tracking-resistance (CTI 600)
• Applications where the standard grade UP GM 203 (Hm 2471) reaches its mechanical or thermal limits

Component price is determined mainly by sheet thickness or rod diameter, dimensions, material utilisation (offcut), machining effort and batch size. Due to its upgraded mechanical and thermal properties, UP GM 204 (Hm 2472) falls in the upper price segment of the hartmatte series. We are happy to quote binding prices on request based on your drawing.

UP GM 204 (Hm 2472) is not declared suitable for direct food contact. For general applications without elevated thermal or mechanical requirements, the more economical standard grade UP GM 203 (Hm 2471) is sufficient. The thermoset material is also unsuitable for non-machining forming or welding processes.

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

• Advantage: Higher limiting temperature (155 °C, thermal class F)
• Advantage: Higher flexural and tensile strength than the standard grade
• Advantage: High comparative tracking index (CTI 600)
• Advantage: Thermoset, dimensionally stable
• Advantage: Self-extinguishing (UL 94 V-0)
• Disadvantage: Not declared suitable for direct food contact
• Disadvantage: Higher price than the standard grade UP GM 203 (Hm 2471)
• Disadvantage: Glass-fibre content is abrasive, increased tool wear
• Disadvantage: Cannot be formed or welded (thermoset)
• Practical tip: UP GM 204 (Hm 2472) is the right choice when the limiting temperature or mechanical resilience of the standard grade UP GM 203 (Hm 2471) is not sufficient. For general insulating and structural applications up to 130 °C, UP GM 203 (Hm 2471) is the more economical alternative.