XXXP
ASTM D709 Grade XXXP, D709 Type XXXP
XXXP is the punching version of grade XXX, a paper-base phenolic laminate to ASTM D709 Grade/Type XXXP that combines high dielectric performance with clean cold punching.
Reference datasheet — XXXP is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
XXXP grades and fills
XXXP is supplied in 2 conditions, soft to hard.
Compare all 2 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Enhanced cold-punching / thicker-section punching grade | Choose when punching thicker sheet or complex tight-pitch patterns at room temperature; slightly softer resin trades a little flexural strength and moisture resistance for punch quality. | 95 | 1.4 | 100 HRM | |
XXXP-FR | Use where a UL 94 V-0 rating is mandated (appliance and power-device insulation) while keeping cold punchability; FR additives slightly reduce electrical loss performance. | 100 | 1.1 | 105 HRM |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways XXXP is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
ROD | XXXP-type paper phenolic rod / tube | Supply form |
STDDefault | XXXP | Standard supply |
What is XXXP?
XXXP is the punching version of grade XXX, a paper-base phenolic laminate to ASTM D709 Grade/Type XXXP that combines high dielectric performance with clean cold punching. It is specified for precision insulating components produced by blanking rather than machining, and is supplied as sheet and rod. Tensile strength is 105 MPa with a maximum service temperature of 125 °C; the paper core still absorbs moisture at cut edges and the material cannot be re-formed after cure. Use XXXPC where the part runs in transformer or switch oil. XXXP has a density of 1.35 g/cm³ (0.0488 lb/in³), lighter than 75% of composite grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 150°C (302 °F). XXXP has a tensile strength of 105 MPa (15.2 ksi), weaker than 67% of composite grades. Elongation at break is 1.2% and the elastic modulus is 9 GPa (1.31 Msi).
What is XXXP used for?
- Precision punched electrical insulators
- Relay and switch insulating components
- Terminal board and tag strip blanks
- Insulating washers and shims
- Coil end laminations and slot wedges
- Low-voltage panel spacers
Advantages
- Low embodied carbon — 4 kg CO₂/kg, better than 91% of composite grades
- Easy to machine — 85/100, better than 90% of composite grades
- Lightweight — 1.35 g/cm³ (0.0488 lb/in³), better than 75% of composite grades
Limitations
- Needs corrosion protection — 60/100, worse than 79% of composite grades
- Poor heat conductor — 0.25 W/m·K (0.144 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 76% of composite grades
XXXP properties
Typical room-temperature values; bars are the position among composite grades.
Physical4
XXXP has a density of 1.35 g/cm³ (0.0488 lb/in³), lighter than 75% of composite grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 150°C (302 °F).
Mechanical11
XXXP has a tensile strength of 105 MPa (15.2 ksi), weaker than 67% of composite grades. Elongation at break is 1.2% and the elastic modulus is 9 GPa (1.31 Msi).
Thermal8
XXXP is rated for continuous service to 125°C (257 °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 25 µm/m·K (13.9 µin/in·°F).
Electrical7
XXXP is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 15 kV/mm (381 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹⁰ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (60/100), worse than 79% of composite grades. UV resistance is poor.
Sustainability3
Producing a kilogram of XXXP takes about 75 MJ of energy and emits 4 kg of CO₂ — less than 91% of composite grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability2
XXXP's machinability is excellent (85/100, better than 90% of composite grades).
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. XXXP is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with XXXP
Is XXXP easy to machine?
Machines easily with carbide tools at high speed and low feed; use dust extraction — phenolic/paper dust is fine and irritating, and edges should be deburred to avoid moisture wicking.
Can XXXP be welded?
Thermoset — cannot be welded; join by riveting, bolting, or epoxy/phenolic adhesive bonding after abrading the surface.
Can XXXP be formed, bent or molded?
Not thermoformable; the defining feature is clean cold punching/blanking at room temperature in thin sections (thicker stock benefits from 40–90 °C preheat and sharp, close-clearance tooling).
XXXP 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 |
|---|---|---|
| phenolic (phenol-formaldehyde) resinresole/novolac binder, punch-modified | 40 – 55 | 48 |
| plasticizer / punch modifier + processingives room-temperature punchability | 0.5 – 4 | 2 |
| cellulose kraft paperelectrical-grade paper reinforcement | ≥ 45 (balance) |
What surface finishes work on XXXP?
Supplied natural brown/tan matte; can be sanded, sealed or varnished for moisture protection, but takes no plating or anodizing.
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to XXXP in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- ASTM
- D709 Grade XXXPD709 Type XXXP
- Also called
- NEMA XXXP
How much does XXXP cost?
XXXP is a standard-cost composite ($$), cheaper than about 71% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
XXXP — frequently asked
What is XXXP used for?
XXXP is typically used for precision punched electrical insulators, relay and switch insulating components, terminal board and tag strip blanks, insulating washers and shims, coil end laminations and slot wedges and low-voltage panel spacers. In short: cold-punchable phenolic paper; high dielectric, high machinability; blanking alternative to XXX.
What is the tensile strength of XXXP?
XXXP has a typical tensile strength of 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) — weaker than 67% of composite grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.
Is XXXP easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (85/100, better than 90% of composite grades). Machines easily with carbide tools at high speed and low feed; use dust extraction — phenolic/paper dust is fine and irritating, and edges should be deburred to avoid moisture wicking.
Can XXXP be welded?
Thermoset — cannot be welded; join by riveting, bolting, or epoxy/phenolic adhesive bonding after abrading the surface.
What surface finishes work on XXXP?
Supplied natural brown/tan matte; can be sanded, sealed or varnished for moisture protection, but takes no plating or anodizing.
Can XXXP be formed, bent or molded?
Not thermoformable; the defining feature is clean cold punching/blanking at room temperature in thin sections (thicker stock benefits from 40–90 °C preheat and sharp, close-clearance tooling).
What is the maximum service temperature of XXXP?
XXXP is rated for continuous use to about 125°C (257 °F), and briefly to 160°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does XXXP cost?
XXXP is a standard-cost composite ($$), cheaper than about 71% 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.
Sources
- ASTM D709 — Standard Specification for Laminated Thermosetting Materials — ASTM International (2017)
- NEMA LI 1 — Industrial Laminated Thermosetting Products — NEMA (1998)
- Engineered Materials Handbook Vol. 2 — Engineering Plastics — ASM International (1988)
- Paper-phenolic laminate sheet (XXXP/XXXPC) technical data — industrial 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.