Epoxy - 3D printing and more

What is Epoxy?

Epoxy is a class of polymers containing more than one epoxide group. Epoxy is usually processed with other chemicals to produce ‘Epoxy plastics’. The vast majority of Epoxy resins are industrial produced petroleum derivatives. Epoxy 4W/EP is a general purpose FR-4 epoxide resin and also covers the specification of G10 conforming to BSEN60893 3-2-EPGC202, based on a medium weave glass cloth. This material has excellent electrical, mechanical and fire resistance properties.

What makes it different?

Epoxy resin bonded glass fabric laminates offers a very high mechanical strength, low moisture absorption all combined with excellent electrical properties under both dry and humid conditions. Epoxy material is rigid with good dimensional stability and a good resistance to a wide range of working environments.

Epoxy for 3D printing?

In the last year Epoxy 4W/EP which also covers the specification for G10, has become a popular material to be used as a 3D printing base board. Mostly used in commercial printers, it has become more popular in domestic settings due to its balance between flexibility and rigidity when removing sticky prints from the board. Another reason for its popularity with customers, is the low cost of the boards making it affordable and now a durable option for your 3D printing needs. Reviews from customers also state that Epoxy is lasting longer than their existing boards – up to 8 months rather than the current 3-6 months.  

What are the material characteristics of Epoxy?

• Very good electrical properties
• High strength
• High rigidity
• Low moisture absorption
• Fire resistant (UL94 V-0)
• Easily machined

What applications can Epoxy be used?

• Terminal supports
• Switchgears
• Circuit boards
• Transformers
• Rotor slot wedges
• FRP Plates
• Bus bars
• Electronic test equipment
• Construction
• 3D printing base boards

At Ai plastics, we are able to provide Epoxy in rods and sheet forms, ranging in sheet sizes from 0.5mm thick to 50mm thick. In rods, we offer sizes from 20mm diameter to 60mm diameter. If you are looking for some more information, email us at www.aiplastics.com or call us at 0161 727 0250. You can also download our datasheet here.