Apr 24, 2018 | G10 FR4, G10 Machining, Machining, Military, News
In order for something to truly be considered “military grade,” it has to pass a series of rigid tests and other standards that were developed by the United States Department of Defense in order to better outline the “environmental worthiness and overall durability of material system design” of that particular item. Also commonly referred to as Mil-Spec, these standards outline the qualities that ALL items must adhere to in terms of their dimensions, their durability, their thermal properties and much, much more.
All of this is important because when it comes to the hardworking men and women of the US military, to say that the stakes are high is a little bit of an understatement. But what a lot of people might not realize is that G10 FR4 plastics machining in particular has a number of important (and often surprising) applications that are more than worth exploring.
Plastics Machining and the Military: Breaking It Down
Many in the United States military turn to G10 FR4 plastics machining and providers like JMJ Profile because of the superior level of reliability that they offer. Consider the fact that anything designed for a military application needs to meet very precise (and incredibly demanding) weight and strength requirements. It must be made from a material that has specific insulating and thermal resistance characteristics. Parts that meet these standards typically have uncharacteristically challenging and detailed designs – sometimes including what a lot of consumer-grade suppliers would consider to be impossible.
G10 FR4, however, manages to check all of these boxes – roughly all at the same time – by its very nature. These types of plastics machining techniques are often used to create a unique and rugged type of printed circuit board, for example, which then goes on to be used in some of the harshest environments on planet Earth. They’re often used in applications that generate an amazing amount of power and heat. Based on that, it should come as no surprise that they’re used in everything from the electrical systems on helicopters and other military vehicles to surveillance gear and just about everything in between.
G10 FR4 is also commonly found in military bases around the world in terms of power supplies – particularly in areas where a fully functional facility needs to get up and off the ground as quickly as humanly possible. Because of it’s extreme malleability and unparalleled durability, it is often used in everything from relays to switches to transformers, screw terminal strips and just about every related component you can name.
Plastics machined components are also often used as critical parts of the type of gear that service members use on a daily basis. Because components engineered from plastics can stand up to not only heat but also friction (and environmental concerns like salt water), they’re often used for seals, gears, rollers and more. Because military applications are often so demanding and unusually specific, plastics machining isn’t often just the best choice for a wide range of different military grade applications – it is usually the ONLY choice that can provide the results that are needed when people’s lives are literally on the line.
And of course, another one of the major reasons why plastics machining has such an important role to play in military applications currently taking place around the world is because the types of materials that they create are entirely made in USA factories and facilities. At JMJ Profile, we’re keenly aware of how hard our military brothers and sisters work to protect our country all day, every day, no exceptions. The least we could do to help contribute is provide them with the quality plastics machining components that they need when they need them the most.
JMJ Profile are experts in G10 Machining. We invite you to contact us for a free consultation on your next plastics machining project.
ALSO SEE: Industries Served: Military see: Mil-I-24768/27
