G11 Epoxy Board Maintenance Guide
G11 epoxy boards possess excellent mechanical strength, high-temperature resistance, and electrical insulation, making them widely used in motors, transformers, and switchgear. Improper maintenance can lead to decreased insulation performance, surface damage, or deformation after prolonged use. This article details the maintenance steps and precautions for G11 epoxy boards, helping companies extend material lifespan and ensure equipment safety.
Daily Cleaning and Stain Removal
Regular cleaning is fundamental to G11 epoxy board maintenance. Dust, oil, and other contaminants can affect surface insulation performance.
Key Steps:
1. Gentle Dry Wiping: For ordinary dust, gently wipe the surface with a soft, clean non-woven cloth or cotton cloth.
2. Wet Cleaning: For stubborn stains, apply a small amount of neutral detergent (such as diluted soapy water) or isopropyl alcohol to a cloth and wipe. Isopropyl alcohol evaporates quickly without residue and effectively dissolves oil stains.
3. Thorough Drying: After cleaning, wipe dry with a clean cloth and place in a well-ventilated area to allow complete drying, preventing moisture intrusion.
Important Precautions:
1. Avoid using strong solvents: Do not use acetone, strong acids, strong alkalis, or other highly corrosive chemical solvents during cleaning. These solvents will corrode the epoxy resin, causing surface roughness, loss of gloss, cracking, and damaging its mechanical and electrical properties.
2. Avoid rough materials: To prevent surface scratches, do not use steel wool, scouring pads, or other abrasive or hard cleaning tools.
Storage Conditions and Environment
The key to preventive maintenance lies in the correct storage environment, which prevents performance changes when the material is not in use.
Key Steps:
Temperature and Humidity Control:
G11 epoxy boards should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated environment. The ideal temperature is 20–25°C, and the relative humidity should be kept below 50%.
Flat Storage:
The boards should be stored flat, with a smooth wooden board or shelf underneath to avoid deformation or warping caused by long-term vertical storage or improper support.
Dust Protection:
Cover the boards with dust-proof cloth or plastic film, but do not seal them completely to prevent condensation caused by temperature differences in a closed space.
Important Notes:
Keep Away From Heat and Sunlight:
Do not store G11 boards near heaters, boilers, or in direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures and ultraviolet radiation accelerates epoxy resin aging.
Avoid Heavy Pressure:
Although G11 epoxy board has high mechanical strength, excessive stacking or uneven load may still cause deformation.
Post-Machining Treatment
After drilling, cutting, milling, or other machining processes, the exposed edges and hole walls require special attention during maintenance.
Key Steps:
Deburring:
After machining, lightly polish the edges and hole openings with fine sandpaper of 400 grit or above to remove all burrs and sharp corners. This helps prevent scratches and reduces the risk of edge cracking caused by stress concentration.
Cleaning Residues:
Use compressed air or a soft brush to thoroughly remove fiberglass and epoxy debris from the surface and inside the holes.
Important Notes:
If G11 components are used in high-humidity environments, apply epoxy varnish or insulating varnish to seal the machined edges. The protective layer formed after sealing effectively blocks moisture intrusion from the edges and helps maintain stable insulation performance.
Daily Use and Handling Precautions
To effectively extend the service life of G11 epoxy boards, proper usage habits are essential.
Avoid Overloading:
Be clear about the performance parameters of G11 boards. Do not use them continuously in environments exceeding their heat distortion temperature (typically around 180°C), and do not apply loads beyond their mechanical strength.
Prevent Physical Impact:
Although G11 boards are strong, severe impacts or drops may still cause cracking or internal damage and should therefore be avoided.
Electrical Safety:
As an insulating material, the surface must be checked before use to ensure there are no visible cracks or carbonization marks. Such defects can significantly reduce insulation strength.
The performance of G11 epoxy boards depends not only on the inherent properties of the material but also on proper daily maintenance. By following the recommended cleaning, storage, post-machining treatment, and usage guidelines, you can effectively prolong the service life of G11 epoxy boards and ensure the safe operation of electrical equipment.
