Nomex NP-LAM
Matrix
NP-LAM = aramid-paper/phenolic laminate sheet
Machinable rigid laminate for lightweight FR structural panels, bushings and electrical insulation parts.
Values for the NP-LAM condition
Other Nomex grades and fills
Nomex is listed in 8 conditions; see the grade overview at Nomex.
Compare all 8 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Phenolic-coated aramid honeycomb core, 29 kg/m³ | Lightest common grade for radomes, ducts and non-structural interior panels. | — | 0.85 | — | — |
Phenolic-coated aramid honeycomb core, 48 kg/m³ | Standard aerospace/interior sandwich core: best strength-to-weight with good damage tolerance and FST performance. | — | 2 | — | — |
Phenolic-coated aramid honeycomb core, 144 kg/m³ | High-density core for floor panels, hard points and highly loaded sandwich zones. | — | 10 | — | — |
Uncalendered low-density aramid paper | Soft, porous, highly conformable paper for cushioning/impregnation where varnish penetration matters more than dielectric strength. | — | 20 | 8 | — |
993/994 | Rigid 1.5–9 mm board for transformer spacers, barriers and end-frame insulation at class 220. | — | 45 | 6 | — |
Mica-filled corona-resistant aramid paper | Pick for inverter-fed motors and traction windings where partial-discharge (corona) endurance is required. | — | 55 | 7 | — |
410Default Calendered meta-aramid insulation paper | Standard high-density insulating paper for motor slot liners, phase insulation and transformer windings (class 220). | — | 90 | 12 | — |
NP-LAMThis page Aramid-paper/phenolic laminate sheet | Machinable rigid laminate for lightweight FR structural panels, bushings and electrical insulation parts. | — | 140 | 2 | 100 HRM |
What is Nomex NP-LAM?
Nomex NP-LAM is Nomex in the NP-LAM condition — machinable rigid laminate for lightweight FR structural panels, bushings and electrical insulation parts. Nomex NP-LAM has a tensile strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi), weaker than 58% of composite grades. Elongation at break is 2% and the elastic modulus is 8 GPa (1.16 Msi). Nomex NP-LAM has a density of 1.3 g/cm³ (0.047 lb/in³), lighter than 78% of composite grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 275°C (527 °F). 410 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; NP-LAM is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Lightweight — 1.3 g/cm³ (0.047 lb/in³), better than 78% of composite grades
Limitations
- Hard to polish — 10/100, worse than 97% of composite grades
- Absorbs moisture — dry before molding — 4.5%, worse than 95% of composite grades
- Degrades in UV without stabilisers — 25/100, worse than 86% of composite grades
- Poor heat conductor — 0.25 W/m·K (0.144 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 76% of composite grades
Nomex NP-LAM properties
Typical room-temperature values for Nomex NP-LAM; 17 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are Nomex reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among composite grades.
Physical4
Nomex NP-LAM has a density of 1.3 g/cm³ (0.047 lb/in³), lighter than 78% of composite grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 275°C (527 °F).
Mechanical4
Nomex NP-LAM has a tensile strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi), weaker than 58% of composite grades. Elongation at break is 2% and the elastic modulus is 8 GPa (1.16 Msi).
Thermal8
Nomex NP-LAM is rated for continuous service to 180°C (356 °F). It conducts heat at 0.25 W/m·K (0.144 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 76% of composite grades. Thermal expansion is 17 µm/m·K (9.44 µin/in·°F).
Electrical5
Nomex NP-LAM is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 18 kV/mm (457.2 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹² Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (65/100), worse than 72% of composite grades. UV resistance is poor.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of Nomex NP-LAM takes about 260 MJ of energy and emits 11 kg of CO₂ — more than 57% of composite grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability2
Nomex NP-LAM's machinability is fair (50/100, better than 69% of composite grades).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with Nomex NP-LAM
Is Nomex easy to machine?
Paper and pressboard die-cut, laser or waterjet cut cleanly; honeycomb core needs razor/serrated blades, high-speed router with sharp carbide or waterjet plus vacuum fixturing to avoid cell crush and fuzzing.
Can Nomex be welded?
Not weldable or heat-sealable (no melting point) — join by adhesive bonding, resin impregnation, stitching or mechanical clamping.
Can Nomex be formed, bent or molded?
Paper and honeycomb are cold-formable/creped to gentle curvature; core is expanded from an HOBE block and phenolic-dipped, and sandwich panels are co-cured or bonded with 120–180 °C film adhesive.
What surface finishes work on Nomex?
Dry the material before bonding or varnish impregnation (hygroscopic); surfaces accept phenolic/epoxy varnish, corona or plasma treatment improves adhesion; no plating or polishing applies.
Nomex chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| mica filleronly in corona-resistant 418-type paper | 0 – 50 | 0 |
| phenolic resin coatingonly in honeycomb core / laminate forms | 0 – 45 | 0 |
| poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide) (meta-afrom m-phenylenediamine + isophthaloyl chloride; paper grades = floc + binder fibrids | balance | — |
Nomex NP-LAM — frequently asked
What is Nomex NP-LAM used for?
Nomex NP-LAM is typically used for honeycomb sandwich cores, firefighter/protective clothing, electrical insulation paper and filtration media. In short: flame-resistant meta-aramid; standard honeycomb core material; class H electrical insulation.
What is the tensile strength of Nomex NP-LAM?
Nomex NP-LAM has a typical tensile strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) — weaker than 58% of composite grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 8 listed tempers.
Is Nomex NP-LAM easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (50/100, better than 69% of composite grades). Paper and pressboard die-cut, laser or waterjet cut cleanly; honeycomb core needs razor/serrated blades, high-speed router with sharp carbide or waterjet plus vacuum fixturing to avoid cell crush and fuzzing.
Can Nomex NP-LAM be welded?
Not weldable or heat-sealable (no melting point) — join by adhesive bonding, resin impregnation, stitching or mechanical clamping.
What surface finishes work on Nomex NP-LAM?
Dry the material before bonding or varnish impregnation (hygroscopic); surfaces accept phenolic/epoxy varnish, corona or plasma treatment improves adhesion; no plating or polishing applies.
Can Nomex NP-LAM be formed, bent or molded?
Paper and honeycomb are cold-formable/creped to gentle curvature; core is expanded from an HOBE block and phenolic-dipped, and sandwich panels are co-cured or bonded with 120–180 °C film adhesive.
What is the maximum service temperature of Nomex NP-LAM?
Nomex NP-LAM is rated for continuous use to about 180°C (356 °F), and briefly to 300°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- Nomex 410 / 411 / 418 Technical Data Sheets — DuPont (2022)
- HexWeb HRH-10 Aramid Fibre/Phenolic Honeycomb Product Data — Hexcel (2020)
- Nomex Brand Fiber Technical Guide — DuPont (2021)
- IEC 60216 / IEC 60641 insulation thermal classification (class 220) — IEC (2013)
- ASTM D202 — Testing Insulating Paper — ASTM (2017)
- Engineered Materials Handbook Vol. 2 — Engineering Plastics — ASM International (1988)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.