XXXPC
Grade
ASTM D709 Grade XXXP, D709 Type XXXP
XXXPC = 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.
Values for the XXXPC 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
XXXPCThis page 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 |
What is XXXPC?
XXXPC is XXXP in the XXXPC 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. XXXPC has a tensile strength of 95 MPa (13.8 ksi), weaker than 69% of composite grades. Elongation at break is 1.4% and the elastic modulus is 8.5 GPa (1.23 Msi). XXXPC 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
- Easy to machine — 90/100, better than 94% of composite grades
- Low embodied carbon — 4 kg CO₂/kg, better than 91% of composite grades
- Lightweight — 1.35 g/cm³ (0.0488 lb/in³), better than 75% of composite grades
Limitations
- Needs corrosion protection — 57/100, worse than 83% of composite grades
- Poor heat conductor — 0.25 W/m·K (0.144 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 76% of composite grades
XXXPC properties
Typical room-temperature values for XXXPC; 15 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
XXXPC 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
XXXPC has a tensile strength of 95 MPa (13.8 ksi), weaker than 69% of composite grades. Elongation at break is 1.4% and the elastic modulus is 8.5 GPa (1.23 Msi).
Thermal8
XXXPC 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
XXXPC is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 15 kV/mm (381 V/mil) and a resistivity of 5×10⁹ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (57/100), worse than 83% of composite grades. UV resistance is poor.
Sustainability3
Producing a kilogram of XXXPC takes about 75 MJ of energy and emits 4 kg of CO₂ — less than 91% of composite grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability2
XXXPC's machinability is excellent (90/100, better than 94% of composite grades).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with XXXPC
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) | — |
XXXPC — frequently asked
What is XXXPC used for?
XXXPC 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 XXXPC?
XXXPC has a typical tensile strength of 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) — weaker than 69% of composite grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.
Is XXXPC easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (90/100, better than 94% 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 XXXPC be welded?
Thermoset — cannot be welded; join by riveting, bolting, or epoxy/phenolic adhesive bonding after abrading the surface.
What surface finishes work on XXXPC?
Supplied natural brown/tan matte; can be sanded, sealed or varnished for moisture protection, but takes no plating or anodizing.
Can XXXPC 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 XXXPC?
XXXPC 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.
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.