We have a problem with some G-10 material. Our customer states that the insulation resistance level is not high enough. Supplier says material meets specs.
Anyone out there familiar with these materials and test methods??

James

We have a problem with some G-10 material. Our customer states that the insulation resistance level is not high enough. Supplier says material meets specs.
Anyone out there familiar with these materials and test methods??

JamesHi James:

I've attached the mil spec. I hope it helps answer your questions.

Not sure what G-10 is, but there should be lots of data on the 'net to help with that measurement. An Anaren (HP) or Kiethley rep. might have some good application notes as well. Where it gets fun is when you get to do high voltage breakdown voltage testing! Snap, crackle, pop!

E/IxR is all I know :(

Not sure what G-10 is, but there should be lots of data on the 'net to help with that measurement. An Anaren (HP) or Kiethley rep. might have some good application notes as well. Where it gets fun is when you get to do high voltage breakdown voltage testing! Snap, crackle, pop!

Mike,
G-10 is a fiberglass and epoxy resin laminate designed for high temp / high humidity applications. Yea there is a lot of stuff on the net, I'm having trouble sorting it all out. Basically what is happening is I have a customer telling me the material is bad and a supplier telling us its good.
Gotta love testing hehehehe!!!!

Al,
Thanks for the MIL-specs. I'll review them tomorrow.

James

Basically what is happening is I have a customer telling me the material is bad and a supplier telling us its good.


How about getting a report from the customer and the supplier on how they did the testing and what results they obtained. Then, send each report to the other and ask why there is a descrepency.

There are several possible scenarios:
* perhaps one did the wrong sort of testing
* perhaps one misinterpreted the results
* perhaps some equipment is miscalibrated
* perhaps its an unusual application of G-10
* perhaps the material degraded over time
* ... others

In any case, the "experts" who did the testing at each end can help sort out the problem, rather than you needing to become an expert as well.

Tim

I would add to Tim's scenerios (which are very good) the possibility of material variability. If everyone is testing the same way and testing correctly then perhaps there are parts of the material that are good and some parts that are bad. Could both testers test the same material sample, or a samaple that comes from the same area? Then, if the results are the same, maybe look for variability in the material. Just a few ideas...