ITW Formex® announced Formex™ GK, an improved formulation of polypropylene electrical insulation with enhanced structural integrity and ability to be scored and folded into three-dimensional parts, giving it advantages over fish paper and aramid paper as well as other thermoplastic insulators.
In addition, Formex GK offers higher dielectric strength and a higher temperature rating than original Formex™.
Formex GK electrical insulation
Electrical insulators are used inside many industrial and consumer products such as computers, appliances, gaming systems, data storage equipment, telecommunications equipment, electric vehicles, and solar energy systems. Formex GK provides electrical insulation between circuit boards and between circuit boards and housings to prevent contact with unintended conductors. In addition, Formex GK electrical insulation serves as a physical barrier that protects consumers and service workers from exposure to energized components and shields sensitive electronic components.
Formex GK can be die-cut, scored, and folded, allowing for easy fabrication into low-cost, durable, three-dimensional parts – something that alternative technologies are not capable of doing. Parts fabricated from Formex GK are cost-effective replacements for injection molded or fabricated sheet-metal parts used inside electrical equipment such as air-flow baffles and wire-harness organizers. Formex GK reduces tooling and fabricating costs, and because Formex parts can be shipped and stored flat, freight and warehousing costs are reduced as well.
Compared to aramid paper and fish paper, Formex GK electrical insulation is more moisture resistant (moisture absorption <0.06%), has a higher dielectric strength, and has superior dimensional stability. Often these advantages enable thinner insulation to be used thereby saving weight and space and reducing manufacturing costs. Formex GK also has exceptional chemical resistance particularly when compared to polycarbonate.
Formex GK’s unique material properties meet global standards for flame retardancy with a UL 94V-0 Flame Class Rating. All ITW Formex electrical insulating materials comply with UL 94V-0, CSA, IEC, VDE, TUV, BSR and METI standards, plus meet all major North American, European and Asian flammability and environmental requirements, including RoHS, WEEE and REACH.
Formex GK electrical insulation is available as extruded sheets, rolls or profile extruded panels and can be fabricated into a wide range of shapes to meet the flammability and dielectric needs of a variety of applications.