Re: G-10 vs.Polycarbonate

["Jim Lux" <jimlux-at-jpl.nasa.gov> (by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net>)]

The problem with polycarbonate is that it is fairly soft and quite elastic
(which is why it works well for bullet proofing.. it "gives" on a sharp
impact) and though it doesn't actually burn until 800 F, it gets noticeably
soft long before that (below 100C).  The electrodes in a gap get pretty hot,
and the last thing you want is for the electrodes to get loose.

In G10, the strength is from the reinforcing glass fiber, which doesn't get
soft.

IN something like a RSG, you want stiffness and rigidity.


-----Original Message-----
From: Tesla list <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
To: tesla-at-pupman-dot-com <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2000 7:36 AM
Subject: G-10 vs.Polycarbonate


>Original poster: Tesla729-at-cs-dot-com
>
>Hi all,
>
>This may seem like a dumb question, but I was wondering which plas-
>tic is the supreme choice for SG and RSG insulative supports and
>discs? I've heard a lot about the superb heat & impact resistant and ins.
>properties of G-10 material, but I don't have any personal experiebce w/
>G-10 myself. However, I do know that G-10 is quite pricey. On the
>other hand, I do have some experience w/ lexan and it is a little cheaper
>than G-10. The manufacturer's label on sheet lexan says that it is heat
>resistant to temps. up to 800 degrees Farhenheit. And I don't think you
>could find a more impact resistant plastic than lexan (polycarbonate).
>This stuff is as tuff as nails and it's easy to machine. I just thought I
>would get some opinions from some of you coilers who have had expe-
>rience with both of these materials.
>
>Good Coiling,
>David
>
>
>
>