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Flame-Retardant Glass-Reinforced Epoxy Laminate (NEMA FR-5)
FR5 glass epoxy delivers flame resistance, high mechanical strength, and elevated thermal performance for electrical insulation in demanding industrial and high-temperature applications.

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Material Overview
FR5 sheet is the flat-panel form of FR-5 glass-epoxy laminate — a flame-retardant, high-temperature thermoset composite produced by impregnating woven fiberglass cloth with a brominated epoxy resin and laminating the assembly under heat and pressure into rigid, dimensionally stable flat stock. FR-5 combines the 355°F (180°C) continuous-use rating of G-11 with UL 94 V-0 flame performance, making FR5 sheet the go-to grade for high-temperature electrical panels and Class H insulation where self-extinguishing behavior is required.
FR5 sheet delivers tensile strength of 40,000 psi, an excellent flexural strength of 70,000 psi, and compressive strength of 60,000 psi. Rockwell hardness reaches M110, shear strength is approximately 19,000 psi, and water absorption over 24 hours is just 0.10%. The material carries a UL 94 V-0 flammability rating and operates continuously up to 180°C. These properties make FR5 sheet a preferred choice for transformer barrier boards, switchgear panels, motor slot insulation, and high-voltage standoffs in Class H-rated equipment.
Standards & compliance. FR5 sheet conforms to NEMA LI-1 Grade FR-5 and is tested per ASTM D709. The flame-retardant rating is established under UL 94 V-0. Ready Plastics stocks FR5 sheet in a range of thicknesses and standard panel dimensions; custom cuts are available through our cut-to-size service.
Sister grades. For 180°C service without flame-retardant requirements, G-11 glass-epoxy sheet offers the same thermal class at lower cost. Where 140°C service is sufficient and V-0 flame performance is required, FR-4 glass-epoxy sheet is the standard choice. For arc resistance at high temperature, see G-7 glass-silicone sheet.
Technical Specifications
Typical values at 23°C / 50% RH. Values are nominal and not guaranteed; refer to lot-specific certificates of conformance for production parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
FR5 material is a NEMA LI-1 Grade FR-5 glass-reinforced epoxy thermoset laminate. It is manufactured from woven fiberglass cloth bonded with epoxy resin and is designed for demanding applications that require both flame resistance and high-temperature performance — up to 180°C (355°F) continuous service.
FR5 extends FR4's operating temperature from 140°C (280°F) to 180°C (355°F) and provides higher flexural strength (75,000 psi vs. 60,000 psi). FR4 carries a UL 94 V-0 rating while FR5 is rated 94HB. Choose FR5 when thermal load demands exceed FR4's range.
FR5 and G-11 share nearly identical mechanical and thermal properties — both operate up to 180°C with 63,000 psi tensile and 75,000 psi flexural strength. The distinction is that FR5 is the flame-retardant variant; G-11 does not carry the FR designation. Select FR5 when fire-safety specifications require a flame-retardant laminate at elevated temperature.
Ready Plastics stocks FR5 material in sheet form. Contact Ready Plastics for current stock sizes, thicknesses, and custom cut-to-size availability.
Yes. FR5 machines similarly to other glass epoxy grades — it can be drilled, milled, and sawed using carbide tooling. The woven glass reinforcement causes moderate abrasion on tooling, so sharp carbide cutters and dust extraction are recommended.
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