Formex® GS : ESD Protective Flame Retardant Electrical Insulation
Formex™ GS flame retardant polypropylene is a superior electrical insulation with ESD protection for use in industrial and electronic equipment.
The insulating material is available in rolls and sheets and can be fabricated into custom parts. Insul-Fab is an authorized distributor of Formex GS products and offer our extensive inventory with competitive pricing and quick shipment.
If value-add is needed, Insul-Fab converts Formex™ GS with flexibility, quality, and excellent service. Volumes large or small can be accommodated with our diverse equipment for cutting, laminating, forming, printing, and machining.
View the full line of ITW Formex Products
FEATURES
- Flame Retardant Polypropylene (FRPP)
- GK with ESD surface protection (formerly "Statex™")
- Complies with UL 94, CSA, IEC, RoHS and WEEE
- UL listed 94V-0 or 94VTM-0. UL Recognized File E121855
- Non-hygroscopic ; Very low moisture absorption
- Temperature rating: 115°C/239°F
- Rolls and sheets available in full or partial standard stock sizes
- Value-add fabrication available for prototype and production
DETAILS
Formex™ GS polypropylene flame retardant electrical insulating materials provide superior electric surge shielding in industrial and consumer electronic equipment. It is also useful as a thermal and electrical barrier material which is reflected in its UL 94V-0 Flame Class Rating. Formex™ materials are available as sheets and rolls or and can be fabricated into a wide range of shapes to meet the flammability and dielectric needs of a variety of applications. Formex™ GS is similar to Formex™ GK in many aspects but it has ESD (Electro-Static Discharge) protection on one surface indicated with black lines on natural color material.
Standard Product Availability
Below is a list of the standard products as they are delivered from the factory. Insul-Fab can supply smaller rolls or sheets, per request.
Formex™ GS Products |
||||
| Formex™ PN | Thickness | Color | Dielectric Breakdown | Standard Sizes |
|
GS-10
|
.010”
(.25mm)
|
Natural
w/ lines
|
16,264 volts
|
24” Roll
24" x 48"
|
|
GS-17
|
.017”
(.43mm)
|
Natural
w/ lines
|
20,292 volts
|
24” Roll
24" x 48"
|
|
GS-30
|
.030”
(.76mm)
|
Natural
w/ lines
|
26,480 volts
|
24” Roll
24" x 48"
|
Fabrication
Fabrication is most commonly done with die cutting or laser cutting to acheive a finished part design. Differrent types of score lines can be applied during the cutting process which allow for the material to be folded neatly into a finished shape, typically during customer assembly. Formex materials can also be heat formed or thermoformed where more complex geometry or rigid bends are required.
Adhesive Backing and Lamination
Many Formex design applications require the use of a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) for attachment. Insul-Fab can laminate PSA's to Formex for both bulk material and fabricated part orders. Formex can also be laminated with other materials, such as aluminum foil, to make EMI shielding laminates.
While many adhesives bond well to Formex products, we recommend the following laminating adhesives.
| Adhesive | Construction |
| 3M 467MP and 3M 468MP | .002” and .005” unsupported acrylic for performance applications |
| 3M 9485PC | .005” performance acrylic for small contact areas on large parts |
| Concote CC530 and CC533 | .002" and .004” unsupported acrylic for economical larger parts |
APPLICATIONS
Formex™ products are used in a wide variety of industrial and consumer electrical and electronic applications as electric surge shielding, compliance barriers, electrical insulation, and thermal insulation. It can also be formed into ducts or baffles to channel air flow for heat management in enclosures. Product applications include:
- Power supplies, transformers, and inverters
- Electric vehicle battery packs and charging equipment
- Servers and data storage system
- Telecommunications equipment
- Lighting
- UPS and surge protectors
- Medical Devices
- HVAC Equipment and Appliances
- EMI Shielding Laminates
RESOURCES
Data Sheets
Brochures & Literature
Related Links
- ITW Formex® website
- ITW Formex™ RoHS Compliance Information
- Insul-Fab Electrical Insulation Products
- Insul-Fab Fabrication Capabilities