Bakelite stock — view 01
Specify the laminate behind the material name
When requesting a phenolic electrical or mechanical component from Aria, identify the laminate grade and the requirements it must meet. We help you review those alongside holes, mounting features and other critical geometry. Paper-based and other reinforced phenolic materials should not inherit one another’s property values simply because they share a common name.
Material photos
Bakelite stock — view 02
Bakelite stock — view 03
Bakelite stock — view 04
Bakelite stock — view 05
Bakelite stock — view 06
Bakelite stock — view 07
Bakelite stock — view 09
Material options
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Available variants | Bakelite Black, Bakelite Orange |
| Colors | Black, Brown |
| Special properties | Paper XX, cloth C/CE, glass-reinforced G3 and wood-filled molding compounds have different electrical, mechanical and thermal properties. |
Detailed values describe Paper-based phenolic laminate (ASTM); NEMA XX paper-based phenolic laminate. Family ranges are broader selection references and may include different grades or reinforcement levels. Confirm the selected grade, condition and test method for your part.
Material properties
| Property | Metric | Imperial | Test method / conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.35 g/cm³ | 0.0488 lb/in³ | ASTM D792 · Paper-based · Reference: Paper-based phenolic laminate (ASTM) |
| Water Absorption (24 hr) | 2.0 % | 2.0 % | ASTM D570 · 24h · Reference: Paper-based phenolic laminate (ASTM) |
| Tensile Strength (longitudinal) | 103 MPa | 15,000 psi | ASTM D638 · lengthwise · Reference: Paper-based phenolic laminate (ASTM) |
| Tensile Strength (transverse) | 83 MPa | 12,000 psi | ASTM D638 · crosswise · Reference: Paper-based phenolic laminate (ASTM) |
| Flexural Strength (longitudinal) | 110 MPa | 16,000 psi | ASTM D790 · lengthwise · Reference: Paper-based phenolic laminate (ASTM) |
| Flexural Modulus (longitudinal) | 7,580 MPa | 1,100,000 psi | ASTM D790 · lengthwise · Reference: Paper-based phenolic laminate (ASTM) |
| Compressive Strength | 221 MPa | 32,000 psi | ASTM D695 · Reference: Paper-based phenolic laminate (ASTM) |
| Rockwell Hardness | M100 (M scale) | M100 (M scale) | ASTM D785 · Reference: Paper-based phenolic laminate (ASTM) |
| Notched Izod (longitudinal) | 35 J/m | 0.65 ft·lb/in | ASTM D256 · lengthwise · Reference: Paper-based phenolic laminate (ASTM) |
| Continuous Use Temp. | 121 °C | 250 °F | NEMA XX · Reference: NEMA XX paper-based phenolic laminate |
Material family ranges — selection reference
| Property | Family reference |
|---|---|
| Material class | Thermoset plastic |
| Density (g/cm³) | 1.35–1.45 |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 40–110 |
| Elongation at break (%) | <2 |
| Elastic modulus (GPa) | 5–9 |
| Hardness | M100–M120 |
| Temperature reference (°C) | Service temperature 120–180 |
Compatible manufacturing processes
Selection requirements
- CNC Milling Services · Precision CNC machining · CNC turning
CNC milling, turning, drilling or punching of laminate/rod; compression molding uses a suitable molding compound. Thermoset phenolic cannot be remelted or thermoformed. Specify reinforcement and laminate direction, avoid impact-sensitive use, and provide dust extraction when machining.
Advantages and considerations
Advantages
Good electrical insulation, rigidity, wear and creep resistance. It does not remelt; a supplied continuous-use reference for paper laminate is about 120°C.
Material limitations
Brittle with low impact strength, moisture-sensitive for tight tolerances and generally restricted to dark colors. Machining creates dust and laminate direction affects properties.
How Aria supports your project
Help choosing a material
Compare materials for the loads, temperature and environment your part will face.
Design feedback before production
We review tool access, geometry and material choice before manufacturing.
Inspection to your drawing
Dimensional checks and inspection reports for the critical features on your drawing.
Compatible surface finishes
Selection requirements
- As machined · Painting
Thermoset phenolic cannot be remelted or thermoformed. Specify reinforcement and laminate direction, avoid impact-sensitive use, and provide dust extraction when machining. Machined smooth surfaces; limited painting and printing. Electroplating is generally unsuitable.
Applications
Typical applications
Terminal boards, switches, gears, bearings, washers, insulators, handles, knobs and wear strips.
Design considerations
Processing options
CNC milling, turning, drilling or punching of laminate/rod; compression molding uses a suitable molding compound.
Finishing options
Machined smooth surfaces; limited painting and printing. Electroplating is generally unsuitable.
Grade and finish combinations
Thermoset phenolic cannot be remelted or thermoformed. Specify reinforcement and laminate direction, avoid impact-sensitive use, and provide dust extraction when machining.
Color and grade options
Brown to black for paper-based laminate. Brown/green tones for some cloth laminates; colors are restricted.
Start a project
Get a quote for your parts
Upload your CAD files and tell us the material and quantity you need.
Talk to an engineer