Materials database

Flame retardant woven fiberglass cloth with epoxy resin binder — the worldwide standard substrate material for printed circuit boards (PCBs). Designated NEMA grade FR-4 and IPC-4101. Good mechanical strength, dimensional stability and electrical insulation up to 130°C (Tg). Dielectric constant 4.2–4.7 at 1 MHz. Self-extinguishing (UL94 V-0). Used for single/multilayer PCBs, electrical insulation boards, structural composites in electronics, test fixtures and jigs. Available in thicknesses 0.1–50 mm.

Glass fiber reinforced epoxy composite — the cost-effective structural composite for industrial, marine and construction applications. E-glass fiber in epoxy matrix. Unidirectional: UTS ~1000 MPa, E ~40 GPa. Quasi-isotropic layup: UTS ~300 MPa, E ~18 GPa. Density 1.8–2.1 g/cm³. Electrically insulating (unlike CFRP). Used for boat hulls, wind turbine blades, chemical tanks/pipes, architectural panels, ladders, gratings, automotive body panels and electrical insulation structures.

Semi-aromatic polyamide (meta-xylylenediamine + adipic acid) reinforced with 50% glass fiber. Exceptional stiffness (18–20 GPa) and strength (250–280 MPa) approaching die-cast aluminum. Very low water absorption (0.15%) compared to PA66 — mechanical properties remain stable in humid conditions. Excellent barrier properties (O2 and CO2). Trade names: Reny (Mitsubishi Gas Chemical), Ixef (Solvay). Used for automotive structural brackets, metal-replacement components, power tool housings and precision mechanical parts.

Glass-fiber reinforced polyamide 12 (30% short glass fiber). PA12 base resin absorbs significantly less moisture than PA6 or PA66 (0.7% vs 2.5-3.0% at saturation), providing more stable mechanical and dimensional properties in humid environments. GF30 reinforcement boosts tensile strength to ~120 MPa and stiffness to ~8.5 GPa. Better chemical resistance than PA6 GF30 against fuels, oils, and brake fluids. Used for fuel lines, automotive under-hood components, cable connectors, pneumatic tubing, sports equipment, and MJF/SLS 3D-printed structural parts.

Polyamide 6 reinforced with 30% short carbon fibers. Superior stiffness-to-weight ratio compared to glass fiber variants: tensile modulus 22–28 GPa (vs 9 GPa for PA6 GF30) at only 1.28 g/cm³ density. Electrically conductive (EMI shielding). Trade names: Ultramid C3U (BASF), Technyl C (Domo). Used for lightweight structural components, drone frames, robotics, automotive underbody shields, laptop housings and premium sporting goods. Higher cost than GF variants.

Polyamide 6 with 30% short glass fiber reinforcement — the industry standard for metal replacement in structural injection-molded parts. UTS doubles vs unfilled PA6 (175 vs 80 MPa), stiffness triples (E-Mod 9.5 vs 3.0 GPa), and HDT jumps to 200°C+. The classic materialref.com differentiation case: Ultramid B3WG6 (BASF) = Zytel 73G30 (DuPont) = Durethan BKV 30 (LANXESS) = Akulon K224-G6 (DSM) = Grilon BG-30 (EMS) = Technyl C216 V30 (Domo) — all the same base material. Used for automotive brackets, engine covers, power tool housings, electrical connectors, and structural inserts.

Polyamide 66 with 30% short glass fiber — stronger and more heat-resistant than PA6 GF30 due to higher-Tm base polymer. UTS ~190 MPa dry, HDT ~250°C. THE automotive under-hood material for structural brackets. Trade names include Ultramid A3WG6 (BASF), Zytel 70G30 (DuPont), Durethan AKV 30 (LANXESS), Technyl A218 V30 (Domo). Used for engine brackets, radiator end tanks, air intake manifolds, and electrical connectors.

Polybutylene Terephthalate with 30% glass fiber — THE connector and electrical component material. Key advantage over PA6 GF30: near-zero moisture absorption (0.02-0.2%), so mechanical and electrical properties are stable regardless of humidity. Lower UTS than PA6 GF30 but consistent. Trade names include Ultradur B4300 G6 (BASF), Valox 420 (SABIC), Celanex (Celanese), Crastin (DuPont). Used for electrical connectors, relay housings, coil formers, automotive sensors, and any part requiring dimensional stability in humid environments.

Glass-fiber reinforced polycarbonate (30% short glass fiber). Combines PC's inherent impact resistance and transparency with dramatically improved stiffness, strength, creep resistance, and dimensional stability. UL94 V-0 flame rating. Very low moisture absorption (<0.15%) ensures stable properties in humid environments. HDT ~145°C under load. Trade names: Makrolon GF, Lexan GF, TECANAT GF30. Used for structural housings, electrical connectors, automotive lamp bezels, precision jigs/fixtures, load-bearing brackets, and 3D-printed functional parts (FDM).

Polypropylene with 30% short glass fiber — a cost-effective alternative to PA GF30 for applications up to ~130°C. Much cheaper base resin (PP vs PA), zero moisture sensitivity, and excellent chemical resistance. Lower strength than PA6 GF30 (UTS 80 vs 175 MPa) but sufficient for many structural parts. Trade names include Celstran PP-GF30 (Celanese), Tepex (LANXESS), Stamax (SABIC). Used for automotive front-end carriers, battery trays, HVAC components, and household appliance frames.

Polyphenylene Sulfide with 40% glass fiber — the ultimate under-hood engineering plastic. Service to 240°C continuous, inherently V-0 flame resistant without additives, near-zero moisture absorption (<0.02%), exceptional chemical resistance (comparable to PEEK/fluoropolymers). Trade names include Ryton R-4 (Solvay), Fortron 1140L4 (Celanese), Tedur (INEOS), TECATRON GF40 (Ensinger). Used for automotive water pump impellers, thermostat housings, EGR valves, LED reflectors, and semiconductor wafer carriers.