G5 vs Phenolic XX
Composite · grade comparison
G5 and Phenolic XX are both composite grades. G5 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) against 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) for Phenolic XX, about 144% more. Phenolic XX is lighter (1.34 g/cm³ vs 1.95 g/cm³ for G5) and G5 is stiffer (17 GPa vs 7 GPa). On the shop floor, Phenolic XX machines more easily (very good vs poor) and Phenolic XX forms better (poor vs not recommended).
G5Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Phenolic XXChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part is machined in volume.
G5 vs Phenolic XX: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all composite grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all composite grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Rockwell M
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Same in both: Elongation at Break 1.5%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Same in both: Dielectric Strength 15 kV/mm381 V/mil
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
UV / Weathering Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Same in both: Weldability 0 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 4.5 kg CO₂/kg
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 0
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every composite grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | G5 | Phenolic XX |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Melamine Matrix | Phenolic Matrix |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both are offered for CNC machining and Sheet metal. Both take the same 1 finish: Painting.
G5 vs Phenolic XX — frequently asked
Is G5 stronger than Phenolic XX?
Yes. G5 has a typical tensile strength of 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) against 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) for Phenolic XX — about 144% more.
Which is cheaper, G5 or Phenolic XX?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$, premium); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, G5 or Phenolic XX?
Phenolic XX. Its machinability rates very good (80/100) against poor (25/100) for G5.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in G5 and Phenolic XX side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.