Phenolic LE
ASTM D709 · also Micarta Linen, Garolite LE
Phenolic LE is a cotton-fabric-reinforced phenolic (PF) laminate — the coarse-weave linen grade in the ASTM D709 family — built on a thermoset phenol-formaldehyde matrix.
Values for the Phenolic Matrix condition
Phenolic LE grades and fills
Phenolic LE is supplied in 2 conditions, soft to hard. Phenolic Matrix is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 2 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grade L | Choose Grade L when only mechanical/bearing performance matters and dielectric properties are not specified — usually the cheaper stock. | 100 | 1.5 | 90 Shore D | |
Phenolic MatrixDefault fine-weave cotton/linen fabric in phenolic resin (NEMA LE) | Standard commercial LE sheet/rod/tube: pick it for machined electrical-mechanical parts needing a fine machined finish, good impact and moderate insulation. | 105 | 1.5 | 90 Shore D |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways Phenolic LE is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
LE-MIL | LE to MIL-I-24768/16 | Certification |
What is Phenolic LE?
Phenolic LE is a cotton-fabric-reinforced phenolic (PF) laminate — the coarse-weave linen grade in the ASTM D709 family — built on a thermoset phenol-formaldehyde matrix. Engineers choose it for larger mechanical gears and structural bushings that need impact toughness and quiet running, and it is stocked as pressed sheet, rod and tube. Tensile strength is 105 MPa with a 120 °C maximum service temperature; it cannot be welded or reformed, picks up moisture at unsealed edges, and its dust is abrasive and irritant. For higher electrical and dimensional stability, G-10 epoxy laminate is the nearest alternative. Phenolic LE has a density of 1.36 g/cm³ (0.0491 lb/in³), lighter than 70% of composite grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 150°C (302 °F). Phenolic LE has a tensile strength of 105 MPa (15.2 ksi), weaker than 67% of composite grades. Elongation at break is 1.5% and the elastic modulus is 7 GPa (1.02 Msi).
What is Phenolic LE used for?
- Industrial gears
- Structural bushings and bearing sleeves
- Electrical insulators
- Insulating spacers and standoffs
- Thrust washers and wear pads
- Machine fixture and jig plates
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 78/100, better than 80% of composite grades
- Low embodied carbon — 4.5 kg CO₂/kg, better than 79% of composite grades
Limitations
- Absorbs moisture — dry before molding — 1.5%, worse than 81% of composite grades
- Limited service temperature — 120°C (248 °F), worse than 78% of composite grades
- Low stiffness — 7 GPa (1.02 Msi), worse than 77% of composite grades
- Low fracture toughness — 3.5 MPa·√m (3.19 ksi·√in), worse than 77% of composite grades
Phenolic LE properties
Typical room-temperature values for Phenolic LE-Phenolic Matrix; bars are the position among composite grades.
Physical4
Phenolic LE has a density of 1.36 g/cm³ (0.0491 lb/in³), lighter than 70% of composite grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 150°C (302 °F).
Mechanical15
Phenolic LE has a tensile strength of 105 MPa (15.2 ksi), weaker than 67% of composite grades. Elongation at break is 1.5% and the elastic modulus is 7 GPa (1.02 Msi).
Thermal9
Phenolic LE is rated for continuous service to 120°C (248 °F). It conducts heat at 0.3 W/m·K (0.173 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 63% of composite grades. Thermal expansion is 25 µm/m·K (13.9 µin/in·°F).
Electrical6
Phenolic LE is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 15 kV/mm (381 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10⁹ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (65/100), worse than 72% of composite grades. UV resistance is fair.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of Phenolic LE takes about 85 MJ of energy and emits 4.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 79% of composite grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability4
Phenolic LE's machinability is very good (78/100, better than 80% of composite grades); weldability not recommended (0/100); formability not recommended (10/100).
Common Calculations4
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the composite family
Yield strength against density for every composite grade FabDigit runs. Phenolic LE is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with Phenolic LE
Is Phenolic LE easy to machine?
Machines like a hard, abrasive plastic — use sharp carbide or PCD tools, high speed with low feed, dust extraction (phenolic/cotton dust is irritant); holds fine detail and threads well, back up cuts to avoid edge chipping.
Can Phenolic LE be welded?
Thermoset — cannot be welded or thermally reformed; join by bolting, riveting or epoxy adhesive after abrading and degreasing the surface.
Can Phenolic LE be formed, bent or molded?
Supplied as fully cured pressed laminate sheet/rod/tube; no post-forming other than gentle hot bending of thin sheet (<1.5 mm) — parts are made by machining, punching or blanking (punch warm, ~90–120 °C, for clean holes).
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit's quote engine applies to Phenolic LE. Design inside these and the part quotes instantly; outside them it routes to an engineer.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Better78 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | — / — |
| Minimum wall | — |
| Minimum internal radius | — |
| Drill depth limit | |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra — / — |
| Hardenable after machining | — |
Sheet metal
| Formability | Not Recommend10 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Not Recommend0 / 100 |
Phenolic LE 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 |
|---|---|---|
| phenol-formaldehyde resinresole/novolac thermoset matrix | 40 – 50 | 45 |
| fine-weave cotton/linen fabricreinforcement, ~4 oz/yd² fine weave | ≥ 50 (balance) |
What surface finishes work on Phenolic LE?
No plating/anodizing; sand and seal or varnish/epoxy-coat cut edges to limit moisture pick-up, or apply phenolic paint; can be lightly buffed but remains a matte brown finish.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on composite parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Organic Coating
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Phenolic LE in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- ASTM
- D709
- Trade names
- Micarta LinenGarolite LEGrade L
- Also called
- NEMA LE
How much does Phenolic LE cost?
Phenolic LE is a premium-cost composite ($$$), pricier than about 58% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Phenolic LE — frequently asked
What is Phenolic LE used for?
Phenolic LE is typically used for industrial gears, structural bushings and bearing sleeves, electrical insulators, insulating spacers and standoffs, thrust washers and wear pads and machine fixture and jig plates. In short: linen phenolic gear stock.
What is the tensile strength of Phenolic LE?
Phenolic LE has a typical tensile strength of 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) — weaker than 67% of composite grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.
Is Phenolic LE easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (78/100, better than 80% of composite grades). Machines like a hard, abrasive plastic — use sharp carbide or PCD tools, high speed with low feed, dust extraction (phenolic/cotton dust is irritant); holds fine detail and threads well, back up cuts to avoid edge chipping.
Can Phenolic LE be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated not recommended (0/100). Thermoset — cannot be welded or thermally reformed; join by bolting, riveting or epoxy adhesive after abrading and degreasing the surface.
What surface finishes work on Phenolic LE?
No plating/anodizing; sand and seal or varnish/epoxy-coat cut edges to limit moisture pick-up, or apply phenolic paint; can be lightly buffed but remains a matte brown finish.
Can Phenolic LE be formed, bent or molded?
Supplied as fully cured pressed laminate sheet/rod/tube; no post-forming other than gentle hot bending of thin sheet (<1.5 mm) — parts are made by machining, punching or blanking (punch warm, ~90–120 °C, for clean holes).
What is the maximum service temperature of Phenolic LE?
Phenolic LE is rated for continuous use to about 120°C (248 °F), and briefly to 150°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does Phenolic LE cost?
Phenolic LE is a premium-cost composite ($$$), pricier than about 58% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in Phenolic LE?
Yes — Phenolic LE is available for CNC machining and sheet metal with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM D709 — Laminated Thermosetting Materials — ASTM International (2017)
- NEMA LI-1 — Industrial Laminated Thermosetting Products — NEMA (1998)
- MIL-I-24768/16 (type FBG) — Plastic Sheet, Laminated, Cotton Fabric Base, Phenolic — US DoD (2016)
- Engineered Materials Handbook Vol. 2 — Engineering Plastics — ASM International (1988)
- Industrial laminate grade LE data (Micarta / Garolite LE stock sheet) — laminate producers (2023)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.