Rigid Materials
Electrowind Converting Solutions offers precision machining and converting services for a wide variety of rigid (hard) materials. We specialize in machining electrical insulating laminates, thermoplastics and precious metals while offering contract machining and converting capabilities for a wide variety of rigid materials.
Glass Polyester Laminates
| NEMA Grade/Trade Name | Thermal Class | Typical Colour | Features/Benefits | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GPO-1 Polyester Glass Laminate | Class B-130°C | Brown | -economical -easy to machine -outstanding punchability | -electric motors -dry-type transformers -transformer spacers and supports -electrical and mechanical applications -electric motor wedges |
| GPO-2 Polyester Glass Laminate | Class F-155°C | Red | -high strength -good flame/heat resistance -outstanding punchability -cost-effective | -switch plates -controls -control panels -terminal boards -intricate punchings for switches -applications requiring heat and flame resistance and higher retention of properties after heat aging |
| GPO-3 Polyester Glass Laminate (UTR or H900) | Class B-130°C | Red | -industry Standard -outstanding flame and arc/track resistance -electrically insulating -highly flame resistant -low smoke and smoke toxicity | -electrical applications -high-voltage appliances insulators -bus bar supports -barriers, mounting panels and structural support for switchgear -transit applications -marine applications -electric motor wedges |
| SG-200 or HST-II Polyester Glass Laminate | Class R-220°C | Tan | -ideal for high temperature applications -high strength -easy to machine -high-temperature version of GPO-1 | -dry-type transformers -high voltage transformers -DC motors -high temperature NEMA GPO-1 applications -layer and core insulation -washers -transformer winding combs -press platen/mold insulation |
| FHT Polyester Glass Laminate | Class R-220°C | Cream | -highly flexible -high temperature -excellent dielectric strength -easy to machine | -dry-type transformers -layer and core insulation -cost-effective alternative for aramid paper |
| H755 Polyester Glass Laminate | Class F-155°C | Ivory | -a higher temperature NEMA GPO-1 -meets and exceeds NEMA GPO-1 properties | -electrical applications -structural applications -for use in Class F insulation systems |
| H-950 Polyester Glass Laminate | Class F-155°C | Red | -meets and exceeds NEMA GPO-3 properties -excellent smoke, flame and toxicity characteristics -great arc protection -non-toxic as defined by Mil Spec MIL M-14H | -transit application -electrical applications |
Paper-Canvas-Based Laminates
| NEMA Grade/Trade Name | Temperature Class | Typical Colour | Features/Benefits | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C Canvas Phenolic Laminate | Class B-130°C | Brown | -economical -used where electrical insulation is not required -superior impact strength -easy to machine -low moisture and water absorption -excellent mechanical stability | -structural applications -gears -spacers -piston rings -washers -bearings |
| CE Canvas Phenolic Laminate | Class B-130°C | Brown | -cost-effective -excellent wear resistance for wear parts -easy to machine -good mechanical properties and toughness -higher impact strength than NEMA XX grades | -mechanical applications -gears -pulleys -sheaves -insulators -bushings -washers -spacers |
| X Paper Phenolic Laminate | Class B-130°C | Brown | -economical -excellent mechanical and electrical properties -good tensile, compressive and flexural strength -easy to machine | -tap changer boards -terminal strips -phase barriers -tooling boards -fuse boards -conduit tubes -lead clamps |
| XX Paper Phenolic Laminate | Class B-130°C | Brown | -cost-effective -easy to machine -low moisture absorption -excellent dimensional stability | -mechanical applications -insulating washers -sleeves -switch bases -panelboards -electric arc furnace components |
| XXX Paper Phenolic Laminate | Class B-130°C | Brown | -similar to XX but is a better electrical insulator -excellent electrical insulator -mechanically stable -good dielectrics | -insulating washers -sleeves -switch bases -terminal strips -phase barriers -conduit tubes -lead clamps -fuse boards -panelboards |
| L Linen Phenolic Laminate | Class B-130°C | Tan | -good mechanical properties -easy to machine -easy to machine for intricate parts | -structural applications -close tolerance parts -intricate machined parts -gears -washers -bearings |
| LE Linen Phenolic Laminate | Class B-130°C | Tan | -good moisture resistance -easy to machine for intricate parts -versatile, used in a wide range of electrical and structural applications | -intricate machined parts -radio components -fine gears and pinions -spacers -bushings -rollers |
| Permali Permawood® (Lignostone®) | Class B-130°C | Brown | -low specific weight -good electrical insulation -withstands high mechanical loading -good slippage -low and high-temperature resistance -resistant to abrasion and wear | -ideal for oil-filled transformers -ideal for power and distribution transformers -ideal for locomotive transformers -top and bottom platforms -pressure rings -stepped blocks -pressure parts -top and bottom coil supports -lead and cleat supports -fasteners -spacers |
| Arboron® Paper Phenolic Laminate | Class B-130°C | Black | -high strength -high arc resistance -excellent chemical and abrasion resistance -easy to machine -good electrical and mechanical properties | -electrical control and test panels -switchgear mounting -bus bar insulation -phase barriers -electrical enclosures -drill jigs and fixtures -non-conductive work benches -electric arc furnace components -needle trade templates -die stock -transportation industry panels |
Woven Fiberglass Laminates
| NEMA Grade/Trade Name | Temperature Class | Typical Colour | Features/Benefits | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G-10/FR-4 Epoxy Glass Laminate | Class B-130°C | Yellow | -extremely high mechanical strength -good dielectric loss properties -water absorption virtually nil -outstanding insulator | -widely used in electronics -used where strength-to-size ratio is critical -terminal boards -washers -sleeves -structural components -electric motor slot wedges and topsticks -electric arc furnace mast arm insulation -electric arc furnace components |
| G-7 Silicone Glass Laminate | Class R-220°C | Cream | -high temperature resistance -excellent heat and arc resistance -good dielectric loss and electrical properties under dry and humid conditions -self-extinguishing | -electronic applications -high temperature applications -high heat and/or arc resistant applications -heating and appliance insulation -electric arc furnace mast arm insulation -electric arc furnace components |
| G-9 Melamine Glass Laminate | Class B-130°C | Natural | -extremely hard and abrasion resistant -excellent arc resistance -good dimensional stability -caustic resistant | -switchboard panels -arc barriers -structural electrical parts -specialty terminal blocks -circuit breaker components -motor wedges -armature insulation -electric arc furnace mast arm insulation -electric arc furnace components |
| G-11 Epoxy Glass Laminate | Class B-130°C | Yellow | -high mechanical strength at temperatures up to 150°C -self-extinguishing -retains 50% of its flexural strength at elevated temperatures -not flame retardant | -power generation and transmission components -switchboard panels -arc barriers -structural electrical parts -specialty terminal blocks -circuit breaker components -motor wedges -armature insulation -electric arc furnace mast arm insulation -electric arc furnace components |
| G-5 Melamine Glass Laminate | Class B-130°C | Tan | -flame resistant -easy to machine -excellent electrical properties in high humidity conditions -high strength -excellent arc resistance | -structural electrical parts -arc barriers -circuit breakers -motor wedges -switchgear terminal boards -armature end insulation -fuse insulators |
Thermoplastics
| Grade/Trade Name | Temperature Class | Typical Colour | Features/Benefits | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexan® Polycarbonate | n/a | Clear | -high impact strength (bulletproof options) -crystal-clear transparency -dimensional stability at elevated temperatures -lightweight -flame retardant -excellent for formed or bent parts | -bus, train and truck interior components -vertical glazing -windows -windshields -machine and safety guards -helmets, visors and riot shields -window well covers -interior/exterior signage and displays -internal shielding for switchgear |
| Acrylic | n/a | Various colours available | -excellent mechanical and chemical properties -outstanding optical qualities -available in a variety of colours and finishes -weather resistant -lightweight -an ideal glazing material -FDA approval | -ideal for glazing applications -ideal for decorative applications -interior/exterior signage and displays -room dividers and partitions -window glazing -picture frames -furniture -skylights |
| ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) | n/a | Beige or Black | -relatively low cost -easy to machine -excellent impact resistance -excellent aesthetic qualities -easy to paint and glue | -battery cases -appliance housings -power tool housings -tool boxes -furniture -camera bodies -automotive body parts -enclosures and casings |
| Delrin® (Acetal Homopolymer) | n/a | Various colours available | -good dimensional stability -low friction plastic -low moisture absorption -easy to machine -high strength and stiffness -superior impact and creep resistance -excellent chemical resistance -FDA, NSF and USDA approval -good wear and abrasion resistance -excellent for wear parts | -parts exposed to moist or wet environments -pump and valve components -gears -bearings -automotive components -fan and blower blades -shower heads -bushings -rollers -fittings -electrical insulation parts -conveyor belts -healthcare delivery devices -safety restraints -wear parts |
| Ultem® PEI (Polyetherimide) | n/a | Various colours and finishes available | -excellent mechanical strength -outstanding heat resistance -exceptional resistance to environmental forces -inherent flame resistance with low smoke generation -high mechanical strength -high dielectric strength and stability -easy to machine and finish -FDA and NSF approval in natural grade | -automotive components including transmission components, throttle bodies, sensors, and thermostat housings -aircraft components including air and fuel valves, food tray containers, steering wheels, interior panels and semi-structural parts -medical components including reusable medical devices like sterilization trays, stopcocks, dentist devices and pipettes -food trays, microwaveable bowls, cooking utensils and ovenware -electrical, lighting and telecommunication device components -water-pump impellers, expansion valves, hot water reservoirs and heat exchange systems |
| Cast Nylon (Polyamide) | n/a | Available in various colours | -high impact resistance -lightweight -excellent tensile and compressive strength -good slip and abrasive performance -easy to machine -good wear properties -excellent electrical insulator -outstanding thermal properties -water absorbing and should not be used in wet or humid applications | -can replace metals such as bronze, iron, steel and aluminum as a lightweight and easier to maintain material in mechanical applications -bearings -gears -pulleys -sheaves -wear shoes -wear pads -valve seals -sprockets -wear plates |
Ballistic Materials
| Grade/Trade Name | Temperature Class | Typical Colour | Features/Benefits | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ShotBlocker | n/a | Natural | -excellent anti-ballistic properties -superior impact resistance -lighter than steel -cost-effective material for ballistic applications | -walls, counters and doors for guard stations, high-security facilities, courtrooms, banks and convenience stores -lightweight, cost-effective alternative to steel for armoring automobiles, trucks, jeeps and aircraft |
| Lexan® Polycarbonate | n/a | Clear | -high impact strength (bulletproof options) -crystal-clear transparency -dimensional stability at elevated temperatures -lightweight -flame retardant -excellent for formed or bent parts | -bus, train and truck interior components -vertical glazing -windows -windshields -machine and safety guards -helmets, visors and riot shields -window well covers -interior/exterior signage and displays |
Specialty Rigid Materials
| Grade/Trade Name | Temperature Class | Typical Colour | Features/Benefits | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mica Plate | n/a | Natural | -high temperature resistance -excellent thermal and electrical properties -asbestos-free | -a variety of electromechanical and thermomechanical applications -platen insulation -used in high voltage appliances and devices -used in induction and arc furnaces -press platen/mold insulation |
| Glass | n/a | Clear or available in various colours | -optically clear -aesthetically pleasing -sterile material -versatile for a variety of applications | -plates -insulator rings -window flanges -liners -cover slips -signage and displays -windows -stained glass displays -interior and exterior panels -electronics and decorative applications |
| Ceramic | n/a | Various colours available | -excellent dielectric strength -excellent physical properties -excellent wear properties -electrical and corrosion resistance | -semi-conductor components -wear components -heat insulating parts -sensor parts -liner motor parts -electrical insulating components -washers |
| Wood | n/a | Natural | -economical -strong -natural -versatile -lightweight -durable | -signage and displays -doors -cabinets -handles |
| Granite, Marble and Other Stone Materials | n/a | Natural | -very hard -extremely strong -aesthetically pleasing -does not fade | -countertops -building veneer -monuments -floor tiles -pavers -stair treads -sculptures -architectural panels |
| Steel, Aluminum, Titanium, Bronze, Copper, Brass, Iron and Other Metal Materials | n/a | Natural | -hard -durable -conductive -aesthetically pleasing | -automotive components -electronics components -aerospace components -medical device components -transportation components |