FR-4 and G10 are both fiberglass epoxy laminates with similar properties, but the key difference is flame retardancy. FR-4 contains flame-retardant additives and achieves UL 94 V-0 rating, making it self-extinguishing within 10 seconds. G10 uses the same base materials (woven glass fabric + epoxy resin) but without flame retardants, resulting in slightly higher mechanical strength (10-15% stronger) and temperature resistance (+10°C higher).

For CNC machining purposes, both materials machine virtually identically with clean edges and minimal delamination. Choose FR-4 when fire safety regulations apply or when working in electrical/electronic environments where UL approval is required. Choose G10 when maximum mechanical strength is critical and fire retardancy is not a regulatory requirement.

Yes, we regularly CNC machine FR-4/G10 sheets as thin as 0.5mm without breakage. Machining thin fiberglass requires specialized fixturing to prevent flexing and proper tooling to minimize cutting forces. We use vacuum hold-down systems, sacrificial backing plates, and sharp diamond-coated carbide tooling to ensure clean cuts without breakage or delamination.

For very thin sections (under 1mm), we recommend minimum wall thickness of 2mm between features and avoid deep pockets that could create mechanically weak areas. Our experience with thin FR-4 includes PCB test fixtures, thin electrical insulators, precision spacers, and custom gaskets.

Our standard tolerance is ±0.1mm (±0.004"), which is suitable for most FR-4/G10 applications. For precision applications requiring tighter control, we can achieve ±0.03mm (±0.0012") on critical dimensions. Hole diameter tolerance is typically ±0.03mm with ±0.05mm hole position accuracy. For threaded holes, we follow standard thread tolerance classes (typically 6H for metric or 2B for imperial threads).

Surface flatness can be held to 0.05mm over 100mm span. These tight tolerances are achievable across our FR-4/G10 thickness range (0.5mm to 100mm) due to the material's excellent dimensional stability, low thermal expansion, and our precision CNC equipment with advanced fixturing systems.

We have NO minimum order quantity - you can order just 1 piece for prototyping or testing, or thousands of pieces for production runs. This flexibility is especially valuable for:

• R&D Projects: Test multiple design iterations without large commitments or tooling costs
• Specialized Equipment: Low-volume custom fixtures, test jigs, and tooling
• Replacement Parts: Order exact quantities needed without excess inventory
• Market Testing: Produce small batches before scaling to full production

Pricing scales with quantity (volume discounts for 100+ pieces), but you're never forced to order more than you need. This makes FR-4/G10 CNC machining accessible for startups, universities, research labs, and small businesses.

FR-4/G10 CNC machining costs depend on part complexity, quantity, tolerance requirements, material thickness, and finishing operations. Simple parts (basic rectangles with holes) typically start around $10-20 per piece for small quantities (10-50 pieces). Complex parts with intricate features, tight ±0.03mm tolerances, threaded inserts, or special finishing cost more.

The best way to get accurate pricing is to submit your CAD file for a detailed quote. We typically provide quotes within 24 hours and include all costs upfront - no hidden fees for setup, tooling, or programming. Volume pricing available for quantities over 100 pieces with significant discounts at 500+ and 1000+ piece levels.

We stock FR-4 in three standard colors:

• Water Green (Aqua Green): Most common color, provides excellent visual contrast in assemblies. Natural color of FR-4 with standard flame retardant additives.
• Yellow (Amber): High visibility color, often preferred for safety-critical applications or where visual inspection and identification is important.
• Black: Enhanced UV resistance, professional appearance, useful where light blocking is beneficial or for aesthetic matching.

All colors offer identical mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties - color selection is typically based on visual/aesthetic preferences, visual inspection requirements, or specific application needs. G10 is typically available in natural green or tan colors. Custom colors may be available for large production orders (500+ pieces) - please contact us for availability and lead times.

Yes, we provide comprehensive material documentation upon request, including:

• RoHS Compliance Certificates: Independent laboratory testing showing all 10 restricted substances are ND (Not Detected) per EU Directive 2011/65/EU amendment 2015/863
• UL 94 Flammability Certification: Documentation proving V-0 flame rating and self-extinguishing properties
• Material Test Reports: Complete physical, mechanical, electrical, and thermal property test data from accredited laboratories
• Material Traceability: Lot numbers, batch codes, and supplier information for quality system documentation
• Lot-Specific Test Data: Test results specific to the material batch used for your parts

These certificates and test reports are essential for customers with regulatory compliance requirements, aerospace/defense applications, medical device manufacturing, or ISO 9001 quality system documentation needs. Material certificates provided at no additional charge with your order.

We accept all standard CAD file formats including:

• 3D Solid Models: STEP (.stp, .step), IGES (.igs, .iges), Parasolid (.x_t, .x_b), STL (.stl)
• 2D Technical Drawings: DXF (.dxf), DWG (.dwg), PDF with dimensions
• Native CAD Files: SolidWorks (.sldprt, .sldasm), AutoCAD, Inventor (.ipt), CATIA, Pro/Engineer, Fusion 360

If you don't have CAD files, detailed dimensional drawings with specifications, tolerances, and material requirements also work. Our engineering team can assist with design optimization, DFM review, and even help create manufacturable designs from concept sketches or ideas. Upload your files here for a free quote within 24 hours.

Absolutely. Installing threaded inserts is a very common requirement for FR-4 test fixtures, jigs, and mechanical assemblies. We can install:

• Brass Threaded Inserts: Most common choice, excellent electrical conductivity for ground connections
• Stainless Steel Inserts: For corrosive environments, high-temperature applications, or non-magnetic requirements
• Heat-Set Inserts: Melted into precisely sized holes for maximum pullout strength (up to 5x stronger than direct threading)
• Press-Fit Inserts: Precision interference-fit holes for mechanical retention without heat

We can also tap threads directly into FR-4 (M2 to M20 threads), though threaded inserts are strongly recommended for applications with frequent assembly/disassembly cycles, high-stress loading, or torque requirements. Inserts significantly increase pull-out strength (typically 500-2000N depending on size) and durability of threaded connections in fiberglass materials.

Yes, rush service is available when you need FR-4/G10 parts faster than our standard 5-7 day turnaround. Depending on part complexity, quantity, and current production workload, we may be able to complete CNC machining in 2-3 days for rush orders. Rush orders require expedited shipping (express courier at customer cost) to meet tight deadlines.

Contact us with your timeline requirements including target delivery date, and we'll do our best to accommodate your schedule with a clear commitment on whether rush production is feasible. Note that extremely complex parts, very large quantities (500+ pieces), or parts requiring special processes (like custom inserts or special testing) may not be feasible for rush turnaround. Rush service typically adds 30-50% to standard pricing.

FR-4/G10 machined edges are typically finished three ways:

• Standard Deburred (Included): Sharp edges removed with slight edge break created. This prevents splinters from exposed glass fibers and is suitable for most applications. Included at no additional charge.
• Chamfered Edges: 45° chamfer machined on edges, typically 0.5-1.0mm width. Provides professional appearance, easier part handling, and assists with assembly insertion. Slightly increases production time and cost (+10-15%).
• Rounded/Eased Edges: Edges rounded with small radius, typically R0.5-1.0mm. Creates smoothest edge profile, ideal when parts are frequently handled, need to slide smoothly, or where glass fiber exposure must be minimized. Adds modest cost (+15-20%).

For most FR-4/G10 CNC machining applications, standard deburring is sufficient and provides good handling safety. Chamfers or rounded edges add slightly to production time but significantly improve part aesthetics, handling safety, and can ease assembly. Let us know your preference on your quote request, or we'll recommend the best edge finish for your specific application based on how the parts will be used.