Phenolic LE L (Grade L)
Grade
ASTM D709 · also Micarta Linen, Garolite LE
Choose Grade L when only mechanical/bearing performance matters and dielectric properties are not specified — usually the cheaper stock.
Values for the L condition
Other Phenolic LE grades and fills
Phenolic LE is listed in 2 conditions; see the grade overview at Phenolic LE.
Compare all 2 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LThis page 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 |
What is Phenolic LE L?
Phenolic LE L is Phenolic LE in the L grade — choose Grade L when only mechanical/bearing performance matters and dielectric properties are not specified — usually the cheaper stock. Phenolic LE L has a tensile strength of 100 MPa (14.5 ksi), weaker than 67% of composite grades. Elongation at break is 1.5% and the elastic modulus is 6.5 GPa (0.943 Msi). Phenolic LE L 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 Matrix is the default condition FabDigit quotes; L is available on request or by drawing note.
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
- Low stiffness — 6.5 GPa (0.943 Msi), worse than 78% of composite grades
- Limited service temperature — 120°C (248 °F), worse than 78% of composite grades
- Low fracture toughness — 3.5 MPa·√m (3.19 ksi·√in), worse than 77% of composite grades
Phenolic LE L properties
Typical room-temperature values for Phenolic LE L; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are Phenolic LE reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among composite grades.
Physical4
Phenolic LE L 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 L has a tensile strength of 100 MPa (14.5 ksi), weaker than 67% of composite grades. Elongation at break is 1.5% and the elastic modulus is 6.5 GPa (0.943 Msi).
Thermal9
Phenolic LE L 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 L is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 10 kV/mm (254 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10⁸ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (63/100), worse than 74% of composite grades. UV resistance is fair.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of Phenolic LE L 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 L's machinability is very good (78/100, better than 80% of composite grades); weldability not recommended (0/100); formability not recommended (10/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with Phenolic LE L
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).
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.
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) | — |
Phenolic LE L — frequently asked
What is Phenolic LE L used for?
Phenolic LE L 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 L?
Phenolic LE L has a typical tensile strength of 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) — weaker than 67% of composite grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.
Is Phenolic LE L 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 L 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 L?
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 L 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 L?
Phenolic LE L 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.
Can FabDigit make parts in Phenolic LE L?
Yes — Phenolic LE L 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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.