PF LAM-G
Grade
ASTM D700 · GB GB/T 34483
LAM-G = glass-fabric phenolic laminate
Highest-strength phenolic sheet for hot, humid structural-insulation duty where epoxy G-10 cost is not justified.
Values for the LAM-G condition
Other PF grades and fills
PF is listed in 10 conditions; see the grade overview at PF.
Compare all 10 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Friction/brake compound | Binder-based friction formulation for brake pads, linings and clutch facings — designed for stable µ at 300–400 °C flash temperatures. | — | 18 | 0.3 | 110 HRR |
Graphite / PTFE / MoS₂ lubricated bearing grade | Choose for dry-running bushings, thrust washers and water-lubricated marine bearings. | — | 40 | 0.5 | 105 HRM |
Mineral filled heat-resistant grade | Use for continuous 170–180 °C electrical service and better arc/heat resistance than wood-flour grades. | — | 42 | 0.4 | 115 HRM |
WFDefault Wood-flour / cellulose filled general purpose | The default low-cost black/brown molding compound for knobs, handles, switch bodies and closures. | — | 52 | 0.6 | 108 HRM |
As cast | Choose when a translucent/coloured, void-free polishable phenolic is needed (billiard balls, decorative rod, dominoes). | — | 55 | 1.2 | 100 HRM |
Cotton/rag (cellulose fabric) filled impact grade | Pick where phenolic must survive assembly shock or threaded/insert loading — 3–5× the notched impact of GP. | — | 55 | 1 | 100 HRM |
Glass-fiber filled (25–55 %) structural/electrical grade | Highest strength, stiffness and HDT phenolic — commutators, pump housings, ignition and under-hood parts. | — | 85 | 0.7 | 118 HRM |
Paper-base phenolic laminate | Cheapest insulating sheet/rod stock; punchable at room or warm temperature for low-cost electrical panels and single-sided PCB base. | — | 85 | — | — |
Cotton-fabric phenolic laminate | Tough, machinable laminate for gears, bushings, wear strips and structural insulators where paper base is too brittle. | — | 95 | — | — |
LAM-GThis page Glass-fabric phenolic laminate | Highest-strength phenolic sheet for hot, humid structural-insulation duty where epoxy G-10 cost is not justified. | — | 220 | — | — |
What is PF LAM-G?
PF LAM-G is PF in the LAM-G grade — highest-strength phenolic sheet for hot, humid structural-insulation duty where epoxy G-10 cost is not justified. PF LAM-G has a tensile strength of 220 MPa (31.9 ksi), stronger than 100% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 0.6% and the elastic modulus is 7 GPa (1.02 Msi). PF LAM-G has a density of 1.8 g/cm³ (0.065 lb/in³), heavier than 95% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 160°C (320 °F). WF is the default condition FabDigit quotes; LAM-G is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Stiff — 7 GPa (1.02 Msi), better than 90% of polymer grades
- Conducts heat well — 0.3 W/m·K (0.173 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 83% of polymer grades
- High service temperature — 155°C (311 °F), better than 81% of polymer grades
Limitations
- Limited ductility — 0.6%, worse than 99% of polymer grades
- Difficult to weld — 0/100, worse than 98% of polymer grades
- Heavy — 1.8 g/cm³ (0.065 lb/in³), worse than 95% of polymer grades
- Limited formability — 5/100, worse than 95% of polymer grades
- Low fracture toughness — 1 MPa·√m (0.91 ksi·√in), worse than 87% of polymer grades
PF LAM-G properties
Typical room-temperature values for PF LAM-G; 11 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are PF reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among polymer grades.
Physical4
PF LAM-G has a density of 1.8 g/cm³ (0.065 lb/in³), heavier than 95% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 160°C (320 °F).
Mechanical14
PF LAM-G has a tensile strength of 220 MPa (31.9 ksi), stronger than 100% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 0.6% and the elastic modulus is 7 GPa (1.02 Msi).
Thermal10
PF LAM-G is rated for continuous service to 155°C (311 °F). It conducts heat at 0.3 W/m·K (0.173 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 83% of polymer grades. Thermal expansion is 15 µm/m·K (8.33 µin/in·°F).
Electrical7
PF LAM-G is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 12 kV/mm (304.8 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹⁰ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (68/100), worse than 85% of polymer grades. UV resistance is poor.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of PF LAM-G takes about 87 MJ of energy and emits 4 kg of CO₂ — less than 77% of polymer grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability7
PF LAM-G's machinability is fair (35/100, worse than 84% of polymer grades); weldability not recommended (0/100); formability not recommended (5/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with PF LAM-G
Is PF easy to machine?
Machines easily but is abrasive and dusty — use carbide or PCD tools, positive rake, sharp edges, high speed with light feed and vacuum dust extraction; no coolant needed on laminates.
Can PF be welded?
Not weldable (thermoset); join by fasteners, molded-in inserts, or structural adhesives (epoxy) after abrading and degreasing.
Can PF be formed, bent or molded?
Compression and transfer molding at 150–190 °C mold with 15–35 MPa and 15–30 s/mm cure; preheat (RF or IR) to 90–110 °C to shorten cure; vent to release condensation water and ammonia.
What surface finishes work on PF?
Molded parts release with a glossy skin; deflash by tumbling or media blast, then buff/wax-polish for cast grades; paint or plate only after alkaline etch and a primer — plating adhesion is fair at best.
PF 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 resin (novolac/resolmatrix binder | 35 – 55 | 45 |
| wood flour / cellulose fillerdefault GP filler; replaced by mineral, cotton or glass in other variants | 35 – 55 | 45 |
| hexamethylenetetramine (hexa) curing ageon resin basis for novolac systems | 5 – 12 | 8 |
| lime / magnesium oxideacid scavenger, cure accelerator | 0.5 – 3 | 1.5 |
| stearate lubricant / mold release | 0.5 – 2 | 1 |
| carbon black / pigmentphenolics are only available in dark colors | 0.5 – 3 | 1.5 |
PF LAM-G — frequently asked
What is PF LAM-G used for?
PF LAM-G is typically used for electrical switchgear, brake pads/friction parts, cookware handles and bakelite housings. In short: lowest-cost high-heat thermoset; 150 °C continuous service; machinable laminate stock.
What is the tensile strength of PF LAM-G?
PF LAM-G has a typical tensile strength of 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) — stronger than 100% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 10 listed tempers.
Is PF LAM-G easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (35/100, worse than 84% of polymer grades). Machines easily but is abrasive and dusty — use carbide or PCD tools, positive rake, sharp edges, high speed with light feed and vacuum dust extraction; no coolant needed on laminates.
Can PF LAM-G be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated not recommended (0/100). Not weldable (thermoset); join by fasteners, molded-in inserts, or structural adhesives (epoxy) after abrading and degreasing.
What surface finishes work on PF LAM-G?
Molded parts release with a glossy skin; deflash by tumbling or media blast, then buff/wax-polish for cast grades; paint or plate only after alkaline etch and a primer — plating adhesion is fair at best.
Can PF LAM-G be formed, bent or molded?
Compression and transfer molding at 150–190 °C mold with 15–35 MPa and 15–30 s/mm cure; preheat (RF or IR) to 90–110 °C to shorten cure; vent to release condensation water and ammonia.
What is the maximum service temperature of PF LAM-G?
PF LAM-G is rated for continuous use to about 155°C (311 °F), and briefly to 190°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- ASTM D700 — Standard Specification for Phenolic Molding Compounds — ASTM International (2021)
- ISO 14526 Plastics — Phenolic powder moulding compounds (PF-PMCs) — ISO (2020)
- Engineered Materials Handbook Vol.2: Engineering Plastics — Phenolics — ASM International (1988)
- NEMA LI 1 — Industrial Laminated Thermosetting Products (grades X, XX, XPC, C, CE, L, LE, G-3) — NEMA (1998)
- Phenolic molding compound and laminate technical datasheets — Hexion / Sumitomo Bakelite / Ensinger (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.