Sheet in PPE GF30 1000x610 mm natural

Sheet in PPE GF30 is polyphenylene ether with 30 percent glass fiber, a material chosen when you want to keep the hydrolysis resistance of PPE and at the same time raise the stiffness and dimensional stability a notch. The glass fiber reinforcement lifts tensile strength and modulus of elasticity markedly compared with unfilled PPE, while water absorption stays close to zero. The density is around 1.3 g/cm3 and the fire rating is HB.

The continuous service temperature is around 100 degrees, with short-term resistance higher. The lowest working temperature is around minus 20 degrees. The combination of stiffness, dimensional stability and low water absorption that PPE GF30 gives is unusual among engineering plastics. Most glass fiber filled nylons become stiff but pick up moisture and move. PPE GF30 holds its measurements even in a damp environment and takes hot water and steam without hydrolyzing.

In sheet form the material is used in designs where milled components have to sit flat and square over time. Valve housings, holders for sensors, mounting plates in pump systems and structural parts in process equipment are typical examples. PPE GF30 also works well as an electrically insulating base in combined electrical and liquid environments, since it does not lose insulation capacity when the humidity rises. Sterilization with steam or hot water is no problem.

Machining requires carbide tools since the glass fiber wears on cutting edges. Count on a shorter tool life than when machining unfilled PPE. Cutting speeds are a little below PA6 GF30, with plenty of cooling or compressed air to reduce heat build-up and the spread of dust. Drilling, milling, tapping and cutting work with standard technique for glass fiber filled thermoplastics, but pre-drill for threads and use sharp inserts. The material is somewhat more notch sensitive than unfilled PPE, so avoid abrupt inward corners.

The choice against unfilled PPE is a trade-off. PPE GF30 gives stiffer parts that move less under load and have higher form stability at temperature, but impact strength drops and machining takes more out of the tools. Against PA6.6 GF30, PPE GF30 wins in a damp environment and in contact with hot water, while PA6.6 GF30 is preferable at higher point loads in a dry environment. Against POM GF30, PPE GF30 has considerably lower water absorption and better resistance to acids and bases.

The sheets are supplied in standard formats with thicknesses that suit both milled structural parts and thinner washers. If you need cut blanks, a specific thickness or help comparing the grades ahead of a project, you are welcome to get in touch.

The measurements 1000x610 mm give a slightly wider working surface for structural parts in the glass fiber reinforced grade.