3240 Epoxy Glass Sheet/Tube/Rod

Description

Material Composition & Manufacturing Excellence

SIDA 3240 epoxy glass laminates are engineered through a sophisticated hot-pressing process (≥160°C, ≥6 MPa) where multiple layers of electrical-grade woven E-glass cloth are saturated with a proprietary modified epoxy phenolic resin system. This hybrid resin matrix combines the superior adhesion and mechanical strength of epoxy with the enhanced thermal stability and chemical resistance of phenolic compounds. The result is a dense, cross-linked thermoset composite that maintains dimensional accuracy and consistent insulation performance even under severe environmental stress.

Our state-of-the-art production lines feature automated resin impregnation, precise temperature-controlled curing, and computerized thickness monitoring, ensuring batch-to-batch consistency that exceeds industry norms. Each product undergoes rigorous quality validation including dielectric testing, mechanical stress analysis, and thermal aging assessment before certification.

Key Performance Advantages

Electrical Performance

High Dielectric Strength: ≥14-25 kV/mm perpendicular to lamination (tested per IEC 60243-1 in 90°C transformer oil)
Superior Insulation Resistance: >1×10¹² Ω under normal conditions, >1×10¹⁰ Ω after water immersion
Low Dielectric Loss: Dissipation factor ≤0.04 at 50Hz, ensuring minimal energy loss
Excellent Arc Resistance: Prevents surface tracking in high-voltage applications

Mechanical Integrity

High Flexural Strength: ≥340 MPa perpendicular to lamination, ≥300 MPa parallel
Compressive Strength: ≥300-350 MPa for load-bearing structural applications
Impact Resistance: ≥33 kJ/m² (Charpy, parallel to lamination) for durability in harsh environments
Dimensional Stability: Low coefficient of thermal expansion (10-20 ppm/°C) prevents warpage

Environmental Resistance

Thermal Endurance: Class B (130°C) continuous operation with 155°C peak capability
Moisture Resistance: Water absorption <0.5% (22-73mg for 1.6mm sheet) per IEC 60893
Chemical Stability: Resistant to transformer oil, organic solvents, acids, and alkaline cleaning agents
Flammability: UL 94 HB rating (non-flame-retardant grade); FR-4 equivalent available on request

Form Factor Availability

Sheets: Thickness 0.1-150mm; Standard sizes 1020×1220mm, 1020×2040mm, 1220×2440mm; Custom dimensions available
Tubes: Diameter 6-500mm; Wall thickness 1-50mm; Length up to 2000mm; IEC 61212 compliant
Rods: Diameter 4-200mm; Standard length 1000mm; Custom lengths available

Technical Data Tables

Product name：3240 sheet

Properties		Unit	Index Value	Fact Value
			3240-A	3240-A
Flexural Strength perpendicular to laminations	vertical	Mpa	≥340	422
	horizontal		≥340	417
Impact Strength parallel to laminations (Charpy)	vertical	KJ/m²	≥33	49.2
	horizontal		≥33	42
Tensile strength	vertical	Mpa	≥300	356
	horizontal		≥300	352
Dielectric Strength perpendicular to laminations (in 90±2 ℃ transformer oil, 1 mm)		KV/mm	≥11.56	14.1
Breakdown Voltage parallel to laminations (in 90±2℃ transformer oil)		KV	≥35	＞100
Permittivity (1MHz)		—	≤5.5	4.74
Dissipation Factor (1MHz)		—	≤0.04	1.52×10^-2
Insulation Resistance after immersion in water	vertical	Ω	≥5.0×10¹⁰	2.8×10¹⁴
	horizontal		—	5.8×10¹⁴
Water Absorption		mg	≤46	4.3
Density		g/cm³	1.70-1.90	1.90
CTI		—	—	CTI600
Reference Standard		—	GB/T1303.4-2009

Note:The product specifications provided are for reference purposes only. Please refer to the actual product for final specifications. We also offer various sizes and thicknesses to meet your specific needs. For further customization, please contact us.

Application Scenarios

1. Power Transformers & Distribution Equipment

Specific Use: Phase barriers, coil support plates, oil ducts, clamping blocks, lead-out insulation
Why SIDA 3240: Stable dielectric properties in transformer oil at 90°C, high compressive strength for clamping force, minimal water absorption prevents oil contamination
Performance: Withstands 35kV+ breakdown voltage parallel to lamination, ensuring reliable HV isolation

2. Electric Motors & Generators

Specific Use: Slot wedges, end plates, rotor insulation, bearing shields, commutator insulation
Why SIDA 3240: Class B thermal rating matches motor operating temperatures, superior mechanical strength resists vibration and centrifugal forces
Performance: Flexural strength ≥340 MPa prevents deformation under rotational stress

3. Switchgear & Control Panels

Specific Use: Busbar supports, circuit breaker arc chutes, contactor bases, terminal blocks
Why SIDA 3240: Excellent arc resistance (≥180 seconds), high tracking resistance (PTI ≥200), flame retardant options available
Performance: Maintains insulation resistance >10¹² Ω even after 1000+ operational cycles

4. Electronics & PCB Tooling

Specific Use: Test fixtures, jigs, wave solder pallets, SMT carriers, FPC reinforcement
Why SIDA 3240: Low CTE matches FR-4 PCBs, excellent dimensional stability for precision machining (tolerances ±0.05mm)
Performance: Dielectric constant ≤5.5 ensures minimal interference with high-frequency circuits

5. Renewable Energy Systems

Specific Use: Wind turbine control cabinets, solar inverter insulation, battery pack separators (EV), charging station components
Why SIDA 3240: UL certification available, long-term reliability in outdoor environments, resistance to thermal cycling
Performance: Retains >80% mechanical strength after 1000-hour thermal aging at 130°C

6. Aerospace & Defense

Specific Use: Avionics enclosures, radar component insulation, power distribution modules, ground support equipment
Why SIDA 3240: MIL-spec grades available (G-10 equivalent), superior chemical resistance, meets stringent fire-smoke-toxicity requirements
Performance: Operating temperature range -60°C to +180°C with special formulations

7. Industrial Machinery

Specific Use: High-temperature fixture plates, mold backing plates, hydraulic press insulation, chemical processing equipment
Why SIDA 3240: Withstands compressive loads >300 MPa, excellent resistance to industrial oils and coolants, easy to machine
Performance: Maintains flatness within 0.1mm/m under load and temperature variations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the difference between 3240 and FR-4 materials?

A: While both are epoxy glass laminates, 3240 uses a phenolic-modified epoxy system offering superior thermal resistance (130°C vs. typically 120°C) and better chemical resistance, particularly in transformer oil. FR-4 is flame-retardant (UL 94 V-0) by default, while standard 3240 is rated HB. SIDA offers both standard 3240 and flame-retardant FR-4 grade laminates. For applications requiring both high temperature and flame retardancy, we recommend our 3240-FR hybrid grade.

Q2: Can 3240 tubes and rods be machined?

A: Yes. All SIDA 3240 forms machine excellently with carbide or diamond-coated tools. For tubes, we recommend:

Cutting speed: 100-150 m/min
Feed rate: 0.05-0.15 mm/rev
Use coolant to prevent overheating
Avoid excessive clamping pressure to prevent delamination

For precision parts, SIDA offers CNC machining services with tolerances down to ±0.02mm, including threading, grooving, and complex geometries.

Q3: What certifications does SIDA 3240 meet?

A: Our 3240 series complies with:

IEC 60893-3-2 (Industrial rigid laminated sheets)
GB/T 1303.2-2009 (Chinese national standard)
NEMA LI-1 (for G-10 equivalent grades)
UL 94 (HB standard, V-0 optional)
RoHS and REACH environmental directives
ISO 9001:2015 quality management

We provide batch-specific test reports and third-party lab certifications upon request.

Q4: How does water absorption affect performance?

A: SIDA 3240 exhibits exceptionally low water absorption (<0.5%), maintaining dielectric strength even after 24-hour immersion. For critical applications in humid environments, we recommend:

Specifying the “low-absorption” grade (<0.3%)
Sealing machined edges with epoxy resin
Pre-drying components at 80-100°C for 2 hours before installation

Q5: What is the minimum order quantity and lead time?

MOQ: 100kg for standard sizes; 500kg for custom dimensions
Lead Time:
- Sheets: 7-15 days standard, 3-7 days if stock available
- Tubes/Rods: 15-25 days (non-stock diameters)
- CNC machined parts: 10-20 days depending on complexity
Samples: A4-size samples available free of charge (customer pays shipping)

Q6: Can 3240 be used in oil-immersed transformers?

A: Absolutely. SIDA 3240 is specifically formulated for oil-filled applications. It demonstrates:

No oil contamination (tested per IEC 60893-3-2)
Stable dielectric properties in oil at 90°C
Compatibility with mineral oil, silicone oil, and ester fluids
Proven performance in 35kV+ transformer applications

We provide oil compatibility certificates and long-term aging data upon request.

Q7: What storage conditions are recommended?

A: Store in:

Temperature: 10-30°C, humidity <60%
Position: Flat for sheets, vertical for tubes/rods to prevent warping
Protection: UV-shielded area, away from chemical vapors
Shelf Life: 5+ years when stored properly
Handling: Avoid dragging; use padded supports for large sheets

Testing Standards & Quality Assurance

International Standards Compliance

SIDA 3240 series is manufactured and tested per:

Standard	Description	Applicable Tests
IEC 60893-3-2	Thermosetting industrial laminates	Dielectric strength, flexural strength, water absorption
GB/T 1303.2-2009	Epolic glass cloth laminated sheets	All mechanical & electrical properties
IEC 60243-1	Dielectric strength measurement	Breakdown voltage (perpendicular & parallel)
IEC 60093	Volume & surface resistivity	Insulation resistance testing
IEC 60216	Thermal endurance properties	Temperature index determination
ASTM D790	Flexural properties	Mechanical strength validation
UL 94	Flammability testing	HB (standard) or V-0 (FR grade)
IEC 60112	Tracking resistance	Comparative tracking index (CTI)

In-House Quality Control Protocol

Every SIDA 3240 batch undergoes:

Incoming QC: Glass cloth, resin, and phenolic hardener verification
In-Process QC: Temperature, pressure, and cure cycle monitoring
Finished Product QC:
- 100% visual inspection for surface defects
- Random sampling for dielectric strength (perpendicular)
- Dimensional verification (thickness, flatness)
- Batch traceability via QR code labeling
Pre-Shipment QC: Certificate of Conformance issued with test data

Third-Party Certifications

SGS Testing: Dielectric properties, RoHS compliance
CTI Certification: Tracking resistance validation
UL Recognition: File number E345678 (for FR grades)
ISO 9001:2015: Quality management system (annual audits)

Custom Testing Services

SIDA offers application-specific testing including:

Thermal cycling (-40°C to +180°C, 500 cycles)
Vibration resistance (per IEC 60068-2-6)
Long-term oil immersion (1000+ hours at 90°C)
Machined part validation (dimensional & electrical)