UF CELL
Grade · default condition
ASTM D705
CELL = cellulose-filled
Pick the α-cellulose filled molding powder (ASTM D705 Type I) for bright-coloured, glossy switch plates, lampholders and bottle caps; service temperature is limited to 75 °C.
Values for the CELL condition
Other UF grades and fills
UF is listed in 7 conditions; see the grade overview at UF.
Compare all 7 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UF foam | Choose the in-situ foamed ultra-low-density product (0.012 g/cm³, 0.035 W/m·K) for filling wall cavities; strength, moisture resistance and shrinkage behaviour are all poor. | — | 0.02 | 1.5 | — |
Liquid UF adhesive resin | Use the liquid adhesive resin at roughly 55–65% solids for particleboard and plywood bonding where GB/T 39600 E1 formaldehyde emission limits are sufficient. | — | 40 | 0.5 | 100 HRM |
Mineral-filled | Use the mineral-filled grade for electrical parts needing higher heat resistance to 90 °C, lower water absorption and steadier dielectric behaviour; machinability drops to a score of 30. | — | 48 | — | 118 HRM |
Wood-flour / cellulose-pulp filled | Choose the wood-flour or paper-pulp filled grade to cut cost on dark, non-cosmetic parts such as junction boxes and bases, accepting 52 MPa strength and 70 °C service. | — | 52 | — | 110 HRM |
Impact-modified / cellulose-fabric reinforced | Pick the long cellulose-fibre or rag-fabric reinforced impact grade for electrical parts exposed to mechanical shock; toughness rises markedly while service stays at 75 °C. | — | 60 | 1 | 105 HRM |
CELLDefaultThis page Cellulose-filled | Pick the α-cellulose filled molding powder (ASTM D705 Type I) for bright-coloured, glossy switch plates, lampholders and bottle caps; service temperature is limited to 75 °C. | — | 65 | 0.8 | 115 HRM |
Melamine-modified UF | Choose the melamine-modified formulation for boiling-water resistance, 95 °C service and higher surface hardness in tableware and water-resistant adhesives, at intermediate cost. | — | 70 | — | 120 HRM |
What is UF CELL?
UF CELL is UF in the CELL grade — pick the α-cellulose filled molding powder (ASTM D705 Type I) for bright-coloured, glossy switch plates, lampholders and bottle caps; service temperature is limited to 75 °C. UF CELL has a tensile strength of 65 MPa (9.43 ksi), stronger than 73% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 0.8% and the elastic modulus is 9 GPa (1.31 Msi). UF CELL has a density of 1.5 g/cm³ (0.0542 lb/in³), heavier than 88% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 130°C (266 °F).
Advantages
- Stiff — 9 GPa (1.31 Msi), better than 93% of polymer grades
- Conducts heat well — 0.3 W/m·K (0.173 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 83% of polymer grades
- Low embodied carbon — 3.2 kg CO₂/kg, better than 81% of polymer grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 70/100, better than 77% of polymer grades
Limitations
- Limited ductility — 0.8%, worse than 98% of polymer grades
- Difficult to weld — 0/100, worse than 98% of polymer grades
- Limited formability — 5/100, worse than 95% of polymer grades
- Needs corrosion protection — 55/100, worse than 94% of polymer grades
- Heavy — 1.5 g/cm³ (0.0542 lb/in³), worse than 88% of polymer grades
UF CELL properties
Typical room-temperature values for UF CELL; 24 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are UF reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among polymer grades.
Physical5
UF CELL has a density of 1.5 g/cm³ (0.0542 lb/in³), heavier than 88% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 130°C (266 °F).
Mechanical12
UF CELL has a tensile strength of 65 MPa (9.43 ksi), stronger than 73% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 0.8% and the elastic modulus is 9 GPa (1.31 Msi).
Thermal10
UF CELL is rated for continuous service to 75°C (167 °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 30 µm/m·K (16.7 µin/in·°F).
Electrical7
UF CELL is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 14 kV/mm (355.6 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹⁰ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (55/100), worse than 94% of polymer grades. UV resistance is fair.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of UF CELL takes about 80 MJ of energy and emits 3.2 kg of CO₂ — less than 85% of polymer grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability6
UF CELL's machinability is fair (40/100, worse than 82% of polymer grades); weldability not recommended (0/100); formability not recommended (5/100).
Common Calculations4
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with UF CELL
Is UF easy to machine?
Drills, turns and taps, but the material is brittle and the fillers abrade tooling — use carbide with sharp positive-rake edges, high speed and light feed, and back up the part to avoid edge chipping. Run dust extraction; no coolant is needed.
Can UF be welded?
Not weldable; the network is cross-linked. Join with epoxy or cyanoacrylate adhesive, molded-in inserts or self-tapping screws.
Can UF be formed, bent or molded?
Compression and transfer molding are the standard routes: mold 140–170 °C, 15–35 MPa, cure 20–60 s/mm. Preheat the charge and vent the tool to release the condensation water from the polycondensation reaction; store molding powder cool and sealed, since overage powder pre-cures and loses flow.
What surface finishes work on UF?
Parts release with a high-gloss molded skin, so finishing is normally limited to deflashing and polishing. The surface cannot be plated or anodized; screen and pad printing adhere well, and long outdoor exposure causes yellowing.
UF 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 |
|---|---|---|
| ureacondenses with formaldehyde to form urea-formaldehyde matrix | 25 – 40 | 32 |
| formaldehydeF/U molar ratio 1.0-1.6; lower ratio lowers formaldehyde emission | 20 – 32 | 26 |
| alpha-cellulose filler (α )main filler in general-purpose molding powder | 25 – 40 | 33 |
| latent acid catalyst ( / ) | 0.3 – 1.5 | 0.8 |
| lubricant ( / ) | 0.3 – 1.5 | 0.8 |
| pigments / opacifier | 0.5 – 5 | 2 |
| moisture & volatiles | 1 – 4 | 2.5 |
UF CELL — frequently asked
What is UF CELL used for?
UF CELL is typically used for electrical switches and sockets, wood adhesives and small appliance housings. In short: lowest-cost amino thermoset; hard glossy molded finish; 75 °C service ceiling.
What is the tensile strength of UF CELL?
UF CELL has a typical tensile strength of 65 MPa (9.43 ksi) — stronger than 73% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.
Is UF CELL easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (40/100, worse than 82% of polymer grades). Drills, turns and taps, but the material is brittle and the fillers abrade tooling — use carbide with sharp positive-rake edges, high speed and light feed, and back up the part to avoid edge chipping. Run dust extraction; no coolant is needed.
Can UF CELL be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated not recommended (0/100). Not weldable; the network is cross-linked. Join with epoxy or cyanoacrylate adhesive, molded-in inserts or self-tapping screws.
What surface finishes work on UF CELL?
Parts release with a high-gloss molded skin, so finishing is normally limited to deflashing and polishing. The surface cannot be plated or anodized; screen and pad printing adhere well, and long outdoor exposure causes yellowing.
Can UF CELL be formed, bent or molded?
Compression and transfer molding are the standard routes: mold 140–170 °C, 15–35 MPa, cure 20–60 s/mm. Preheat the charge and vent the tool to release the condensation water from the polycondensation reaction; store molding powder cool and sealed, since overage powder pre-cures and loses flow.
What is the maximum service temperature of UF CELL?
UF CELL is rated for continuous use to about 75°C (167 °F), and briefly to 100°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- ASTM D705 — Standard Specification for Urea Formaldehyde Molding Compounds — ASTM International (2018)
- Engineered Materials Handbook, Vol. 2: Engineering Plastics (Amino Resins) — ASM International (1988)
- Modern Plastics Handbook — Thermosets — McGraw-Hill (2000)
- Amino (UF/MF) molding compound technical data — Hexion / Dynea / (2022)
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.