Phenolic LE vs Phenolic XX
Composite · grade comparison
Phenolic LE and Phenolic XX are both composite grades. Phenolic LE is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) against 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) for Phenolic XX, about 17% more. Phenolic LE conducts heat better (0.3 W/m·K vs 0.25 W/m·K).
Phenolic LEChoose it when strength drives the design.
Phenolic LE 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.
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
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 7 GPa1 Msi · Elongation at Break 1.5% · Hardness, Shore D 90 Shore D · Hardness, Rockwell M 105 HRM · Hardness, Rockwell R 125 HRR
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Min Service Temperature
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Limiting Oxygen Index
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 25 µm/m·K13.9 µin/in·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 120°C248 °F · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 150°C302 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10⁹ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁶ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 15 kV/mm381 V/mil · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹¹ Ω
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
UV / Weathering Resistance
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 65 / 100
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)
Embodied Water
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 | Phenolic LE | Phenolic XX |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Phenolic 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.
Phenolic LE vs Phenolic XX — frequently asked
Is Phenolic LE stronger than Phenolic XX?
Yes. Phenolic LE has a typical tensile strength of 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) against 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) for Phenolic XX — about 17% more.
Which is cheaper, Phenolic LE 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.
When should I choose Phenolic LE over Phenolic XX?
Pick Phenolic LE when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Phenolic LE 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.