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Phenolic

Durable, cost-effective laminates for various industrial applications.

Phenolic is a durable industrial laminate used for terminal boards, antenna insulators, printed circuit boards, washers, spacers, cams, inserts, bushings, and more.

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    Cut-to-Size, Routing

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    Inventory Stocking

  • National

    Inventory Access

Your Branch: Baltimore/Washington Zip code: 21075 |

Product Overview

Performance Characteristics:

  • Easy To Bond
  • Easy To Machine
  • Chemical Resistant
  • Good Dimensional Stability
  • Good Electrical Insulation
  • High Temperature
  • Impact Resistant
  • Stain Resistant
  • Strong and Stiff
  • Printable
  • Wear Resistant
  • Abrasion Resistant
  • Moisture Resistant
  • Patterns and Finishes
  • Typical Properties of Phenolic

    Common Properties

    • Common Brand Names Bakelite, Novotex, Arboron
    • Typical Thickness Size 0.125 - 1.00 in
    • Typical Lengths 48 - 96 in
    • Typical Widths 24 - 48 in
    • Friendly Names Phenolic Sheet, PF Sheet, Resin Sheet
    • Common Profiles Sheets, Panels, Rods

    Physical Properties

    • Density 0.9g/cm³
    • Water Absorption 0.2%
    • Moisture Absorption at Equilibrium 0.3%
    • Linear Mold Shrinkage 0.01mm/mm
    • Melt Flow 10g/10 min

    Regulations

    • UL-94 Flame Class
    • ASTM/Mil-Spec
    • FAR 25.853 Flammability
    • D635 Self Extinguishing
    • RoHS Compliant
    • REACH Compliant

    Literature and Data Sheets

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    Showing 10 out of 14 items

    High-Performance Phenolic for Industrial Applications

    Phenolic sheet and rod are high-strength industrial thermosets manufactured by impregnating layers of paper, cotton, or fabric with a phenolic resin and curing them under heat and pressure. The result is a rigid, durable material known for its excellent mechanical strength, electrical insulating properties, and resistance to heat, wear, and moisture.

    At Piedmont Plastics, we offer a wide selection of industrial phenolics tailored for use in demanding environments across electrical, mechanical, and structural industries. Our phenolic materials are available in a variety of NEMA grades and configurations, including paper-based and cotton-based options to meet your specific application requirements.

    Whether you need components for circuit boards, insulators, or mechanical parts, our phenolic sheet and rod products deliver proven performance. Trust Piedmont Plastics to provide reliable material solutions backed by expert guidance and nationwide availability. Contact us today to discuss your project needs or request a quote.

    Grade Phenolic Composite Type Certifies
    X Paper Base MIL-I-24768/28 (PBM)
    XX Paper Base MIL-I-24768/28 (PBG)
    XXX Paper Base MIL-I-24768/28 (PBE)
    C Canvas Cotton-Cloth MIL-I-24768/16 (FBM)
    CE Canvas Cotton-Cloth MIL-I-24768/16 (FBG)
    L Linen Cotton-Cloth MIL-I-24768/16 (FBI)
    LE Linen Cotton-Cloth MIL-I-24768/16 (FBE)
    NEMA Certification Table

    An Expert is just around the corner.

    With over 100 years of combined product knowledge and industry experience, we are confident our plastics experts can help you find a solution for your application.

    Key Features of Our Phenolic

    • Wide Range of NEMA Grades: Paper grade phenolics (X, XX, XXX) and cotton grade phenolics (C, CE, L, LE) are each designed for specific mechanical and electrical performance needs.

    • Exceptional Electrical Insulation: Phenolics are ideal for electrical applications due to their low conductivity and high dielectric strength, making them reliable insulators in high-voltage environments.

    • High Mechanical Strength and Dimensional Stability: Cotton-based phenolic grades offer excellent load-bearing capabilities, making them suitable for structural components and high-stress industrial applications.

    • Thermal and Moisture Resistance: As a thermoset plastic, phenolic resists heat and humidity without warping or degrading, providing reliable performance in demanding environments.

    • Easy to Machine and Fabricate: Phenolic materials can be easily cut, drilled, milled, or turned using conventional tools, allowing for custom fabrication and precise part creation.

    • Flame Retardant Options Available: Certain grades of phenolic are inherently flame resistant, making them a safe choice for applications where fire performance is a key requirement.

    Benefits of Phenolic

    Phenolic delivers reliable performance in high-stress environments with excellent resistance to solvents, oils, and chemicals. It offers strong electrical insulation, thermal resistance, and low moisture absorption for long-lasting durability. As a cost-effective alternative to metals, phenolic is ideal for a wide range of industrial applications. Contact Piedmont Plastics today to find the right phenolic solution for your project!

    Applications of Phenolic Sheet and Rod

    Phenolics can be found in many different industries and applications. Their versatility is highly regarded, especially for use in applications that require precision and electrical properties. Common uses of phenolic sheet and rod include:

    • Electrical insulators and switchboards

    • Terminal boards and arc barriers

    • Gears, pulleys, and bushings

    • Structural and mechanical components

    • Fixtures and jigs in machining environments

    • Transformer spacers and washers

    • Automotive and aerospace assemblies

    Additionally, phenolics are highly valued for their ability to provide protection against violent storms or ballistic forces. They are also utilized in textile bobbins, lap spools, and structural parts that demand excellent impact strength or where the size-to-strength ratio is of utmost importance.

    Related Products - Industrial Laminates

    • G-10 and FR4 – G-10 and FR4 are both made with woven glass fabric and an epoxy resin system. This grade offers consistent quality and excellent electrical properties in both dry and humid conditions. With its remarkable strength, impact resistance, and low water absorption, G-10 is well-suited for terminal boards, washers, sleeves, structural components, high temperature applications and more. Other epoxy grade of industrial laminates include G11 and FR5.

    • GPO-3 - Known for its exceptional thermal and electrical insulation properties, GPO-3 is ideal for a wide range of applications in industries such as electrical engineering and aerospace. Its high resistance to heat and flame, coupled with excellent mechanical strength, ensures reliable performance in demanding environments.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Phenolic

    When selecting the right industrial thermoset materials, it's important to understand the unique properties and advantages that phenolic offers. To help you make the best choice for your project, we've answered some of the most common questions about industrial phenolics, including their grades, performance, and applications. Explore the FAQs below to learn more about how phenolic materials can meet your specific needs.

    Phenolic material is made by layering paper, cotton fabric, or other substrates with phenolic resin, then curing it under heat and pressure to create a strong, rigid thermoset plastic. The result is a durable material known for its excellent electrical insulation, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance.

    Paper grade phenolics (NEMA X, XX, XXX) offer excellent electrical insulation and are ideal for light mechanical uses, while cotton grade phenolics (NEMA C, CE, L, LE) provide greater mechanical strength, impact resistance, and better wear performance for demanding structural applications.

    Yes, phenolic sheets can be easily machined using standard woodworking or metalworking tools. They can be cut, drilled, milled, or turned to create custom components with tight tolerances for industrial and electrical applications. Piedmont Plastics can also cut your material to size.

    Yes, phenolic is an excellent electrical insulator. It offers high dielectric strength, low conductivity, and reliable performance in high-voltage and high-temperature environments, making it ideal for electrical panels, switchgear, and insulating components.

    Yes, phenolic is considered an industrial laminate, but not all industrial laminates are phenolics. While phenolic laminates are among the most common, industrial laminates can also be made with other resins such as epoxy, melamine, silicone, or polyester, depending on the application. Each type offers different performance characteristics like higher heat resistance, better chemical resistance, or enhanced electrical properties.

    Why Buy Phenolic Sheet and Rod from Piedmont Plastics?

    At Piedmont Plastics, we offer more than just materials—we provide complete solutions designed to meet your industrial and electrical needs. Here’s why we are your trusted supplier of phenolic sheet and rod:

    • Broad Product Selection: Our extensive inventory includes a wide range of phenolic sheets and rods, available in multiple NEMA grades and sizes to suit a variety of electrical, mechanical, and structural applications.

    • Custom Cut and Fabrication Services: With advanced CNC cutting and fabrication capabilities, we deliver precision-machined phenolic parts tailored to your exact specifications for optimal performance.

    • Proven Expertise: Backed by decades of industry experience, our knowledgeable team is ready to assist you in selecting the ideal phenolic material to meet the demands of your project.

    • Multiple Locations: With a nationwide network of branches, Piedmont Plastics ensures that high-performance phenolic materials are readily available wherever your business operates.

    • Uncompromised Quality: We are committed to delivering industrial thermoset materials that meet or exceed stringent industry standards, providing superior strength, insulation, and durability with every order.

    Talk to An Expert In
    Baltimore/Washington

    Zip code: 21075 |

    7045 Troy Hill Drive

    301-881-7900

    Contact Information

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