Melamine Foam vs Phenolic Foam
Polymer · grade comparison
Melamine Foam and Phenolic Foam are both polymer grades. Phenolic Foam is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 0.15 MPa (0.0218 ksi) against 0.12 MPa (0.0174 ksi) for Melamine Foam, about 25% more. In exchange, Melamine Foam is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 2% for Phenolic Foam. Phenolic Foam is stiffer (0.01 GPa vs 4×10⁻⁴ GPa) and Melamine Foam runs hotter in service (180°C vs 150°C continuous). On the shop floor, Phenolic Foam sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than Melamine Foam (high, $$$$).
Melamine FoamChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Phenolic FoamChoose it when strength drives the design, or when cost is the deciding factor.
Melamine Foam vs Phenolic Foam: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer 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 polymer 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)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
UV / Weathering Resistance
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Formability (cold)
Weldability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 0%
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every polymer grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | Melamine Foam | Phenolic Foam |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Melamine Foam vs Phenolic Foam — frequently asked
Is Phenolic Foam stronger than Melamine Foam?
Yes. Phenolic Foam has a typical tensile strength of 0.15 MPa (0.0218 ksi) against 0.12 MPa (0.0174 ksi) for Melamine Foam — about 25% more.
Which is cheaper, Melamine Foam or Phenolic Foam?
Phenolic Foam is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while Melamine Foam is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, Melamine Foam or Phenolic Foam?
Phenolic Foam, by a small margin. Both rate excellent for machinability — 90/100 against 85/100 for Melamine Foam.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Melamine Foam and Phenolic Foam 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.