Electrical insulator.
Dimensionally stable.
Machinable thermoset.
Phenolic laminate (Bakelite, Garolite XX/CE/LE) combines phenolic resin with paper, canvas, or linen reinforcement. Electrical insulator with excellent dimensional stability and machinability. Workhorse material for electrical standoffs, transformer insulation, and industrial jigs.
Phenolic grades.
Different reinforcement materials produce different mechanical and electrical properties. Paper-based for electrical, canvas for general mechanical, linen for precision machining.
XX Paper
Paper-reinforced phenolic. Best electrical properties, cost-effective. Used for electrical panels, transformer insulation, general electrical hardware.
CE Canvas
Canvas-reinforced phenolic. Better mechanical properties than paper grades. Used for mechanical jigs, insulator blocks, structural electrical.
LE Linen
Linen-reinforced phenolic. Fine weave enables precision machining. Best for fine-feature machining, clock gears, precision jigs.
G3 Glass
Glass-cloth reinforced phenolic. Highest temperature (185 °C) and strongest. Used for high-temperature electrical insulation.
G5 / G7 Glass-Silicone
Silicone-phenolic with glass cloth. Higher temperature rating (220 °C). For aerospace electrical and specialty high-temperature applications.
MC Mica Filled
Mica-filled phenolic for arc resistance. Used in electrical switchgear, high-voltage insulation, arc chute applications.
Why phenolic endures.
Despite being an old material, phenolic laminate remains the cost-effective choice for electrical insulation and industrial applications where modern plastics are overkill.
Electrical insulator
11 kV/mm dielectric strength. Industry standard for transformer insulation, electrical standoffs, switchgear components.
Dimensionally stable
Thermoset polymer — doesn't creep, doesn't soften with temperature. Precision jigs and fixtures hold tolerance indefinitely.
Machinable
Cuts cleanly with carbide tooling. Holds threads. Accepts inserts. More machinable than most filled thermoplastics.
Cost effective
Base phenolic material $5-15/kg — cheapest structural plastic. For electrical and industrial applications where premium plastics aren't needed.
Phenolic applications.
Transformer insulation
XX paper phenolic bobbins, spacers, insulation bars for power transformers
Electrical standoffs
CE canvas phenolic standoffs for panels, electrical enclosures
Industrial jigs
LE linen phenolic precision jigs, fixtures, gauge blocks
Clock gears
LE phenolic gears for timepiece mechanisms — quiet, dimensionally stable
Electrical panels
Phenolic panel backing boards for breakers, relays, connectors
High-voltage insulators
G3/G5 glass phenolic for HV electrical insulation
Arc-resistant hardware
MC mica phenolic for switchgear arc chutes, interrupters
Structural insulators
Phenolic structural spacers in high-voltage transformers
Machine tool parts
Phenolic wear strips, guides, insulator blocks in machinery
Phenolic finishing.
As-machined
Dark brown color. Clear fiber pattern visible on finished surface. Ra 1.6 µm typical.
Sanded
Manual sanding achievable for improved cosmetic finish.
Painted
Accepts standard paints. Light sanding improves adhesion.
Machined threads
Threads hold in phenolic. Inserts recommended for high-cycle fasteners.
Pressed inserts
Threaded metal inserts pressed or epoxied into phenolic.
Laser marked
Good contrast on phenolic surface. Standard for part identification.
Waxed
Wax finish for decorative applications or improved dimensional stability in humid environments.
Beveled edges
Sharp edges chip easily — chamfer or radius preferred.
Phenolic questions.
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