A Guide to Unilate® CNC Machining

Characteristics of Unilate®

Unilate® is a resin material made primarily from PET (polyethylene terephthalate), compounded with short glass fibers and inorganic fillers, then formed by extrusion and bonded through heat-press lamination.

It is a registered trademark of Unitika Ltd. With excellent heat resistance and mechanical strength, it is used as an insulating material in electronic components and semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

Its low moisture absorption also gives it better dimensional stability under humid or wet conditions than laminated insulating materials like Bakelite, and it stands out in particular for its resistance to warping and distortion.

Key Points

• Excellent mechanical strength

• Laminate board with high resistance to warping and distortion

• Electrical insulation

• Low moisture absorption

• Excellent weather resistance

Types of Unilate

• Standard grade

• Antistatic grade

• Conductive grade

• Flame retardant grade

• Extra-thick grade

• Round bar

Material Selection Notes

As a laminated board, Unilate has directional strength depending on the orientation of the laminate layers. It holds up well against mildly acidic chemicals, but caution is needed with strongly acidic or mildly alkaline substances. It has little to no resistance to caustic soda and will react with it.

Unilate is also prone to burring during machining, and burrs should be expected in virtually all tapping operations.

• Strength varies depending on the direction of force relative to the laminate layers

• Reacts with caustic soda

• Prone to burring

Unilate CNC Machining at Yumoto Electric

Yumoto Electric manufactures custom Unilate machined parts starting from a single piece. We have experience with over 200 materials, including metals such as aluminum alloys, stainless steel, molybdenum, and titanium; and engineering plastics including PEEK, POM, and MC Nylon.

If you’re unsure about material selection or machining methods, we offer complimentary consultations to help optimize your design and production. For any questions, please feel free to contact us.