G7 vs Phenolic LE
Composite · grade comparison
G7 and Phenolic LE are both composite grades. G7 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) against 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) for Phenolic LE, about 62% more. Phenolic LE is lighter (1.36 g/cm³ vs 1.8 g/cm³ for G7) and G7 is stiffer (14 GPa vs 7 GPa). On the shop floor, Phenolic LE machines more easily (very good vs fair).
G7Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Phenolic LEChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part is machined in volume.
G7 vs Phenolic LE: 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Rockwell M
Shear Modulus
Elongation at Break
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Water Absorption (24 h)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 0.3 W/m·K0.17 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Min Service Temperature -60°C-76 °F
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
Polishability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 0%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 0.2 mm²/s · 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 | G7 | Phenolic LE |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Silicone 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.
G7 vs Phenolic LE — frequently asked
Is G7 stronger than Phenolic LE?
Yes. G7 has a typical tensile strength of 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) against 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) for Phenolic LE — about 62% more.
Which is cheaper, G7 or Phenolic LE?
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, G7 or Phenolic LE?
Phenolic LE. Its machinability rates very good (78/100) against fair (35/100) for G7.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in G7 and Phenolic LE 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.