XXXP FR (XXXP-FR)
Flame-retardant grade
ASTM D709 Grade XXXP, D709 Type XXXP
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.
Values for the FR condition
Other XXXP grades and fills
XXXP is listed in 2 conditions; see the grade overview at XXXP.
- XXXPC
- FR
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 |
FRThis page 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 |
What is XXXP FR?
XXXP FR is XXXP in the FR grade — 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. XXXP FR has a tensile strength of 100 MPa (14.5 ksi), weaker than 67% of composite grades. Elongation at break is 1.1% and the elastic modulus is 9 GPa (1.31 Msi). XXXP FR 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).
Advantages
- Low embodied carbon — 4 kg CO₂/kg, better than 91% of composite grades
- Easy to machine — 82/100, better than 90% of composite grades
- Lightweight — 1.35 g/cm³ (0.0488 lb/in³), better than 75% of composite grades
Limitations
- Limited ductility — 1.1%, worse than 78% of composite grades
- Limited service temperature — 120°C (248 °F), worse than 78% of composite grades
- Needs corrosion protection — 62/100, worse than 75% of composite grades
XXXP FR properties
Typical room-temperature values for XXXP FR; 19 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are XXXP reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among composite grades.
Physical4
XXXP FR 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 FR has a tensile strength of 100 MPa (14.5 ksi), weaker than 67% of composite grades. Elongation at break is 1.1% and the elastic modulus is 9 GPa (1.31 Msi).
Thermal8
XXXP FR is rated for continuous service to 120°C (248 °F). It conducts heat at 0.28 W/m·K (0.162 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 71% of composite grades. Thermal expansion is 25 µm/m·K (13.9 µin/in·°F).
Electrical7
XXXP FR is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 15 kV/mm (381 V/mil) and a resistivity of 8×10⁹ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (62/100), worse than 75% of composite grades. UV resistance is poor.
Sustainability3
Producing a kilogram of XXXP FR 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 FR's machinability is very good (82/100, better than 90% of composite grades).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with XXXP FR
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).
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.
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) | — |
XXXP FR — frequently asked
What is XXXP FR used for?
XXXP FR 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 FR?
XXXP FR 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 XXXP FR easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (82/100, 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 FR 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 FR?
Supplied natural brown/tan matte; can be sanded, sealed or varnished for moisture protection, but takes no plating or anodizing.
Can XXXP FR 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 FR?
XXXP FR is rated for continuous use to about 120°C (248 °F), and briefly to 160°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.