Materials Overview

Get Familiar with Atlas Fibre’s Composite Materials

Atlas Fibre is North America’s leading supplier and fabricator of NEMA-grade thermoset composite laminates, advanced plastics that are designed for durability and engineered for excellence.

Explore the different grades of material available and access data on the mechanical and physical properties of each within Atlas Fibre’s Laminate Resource Center.

Material Specifications and Data Sheets

Phenolics

Paper Phenolic Sheets (XX)

Paper Phenolic – XX

Atlas Fibre’s XX paper-based phenolic offers excellent wear resistance, mechanical strength, and cost efficiency. This lightweight, easily machinable thermoset composite is known for its superior electrical insulation and dimensional stability. Made from paper layers impregnated with phenolic resin, XX performs well in applications up to 250°F (121°C) with low moisture absorption for stability in humid environments. Best suited for low to moderate mechanical stress, it is commonly used in insulating panels, switchboards, relay spacers, technical bases, and electrical bushings. Available in sheet, rod, and tube.

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XXX – Paper Phenolic (Electrical Grade)

Atlas Fibre’s XXX paper-based phenolic is valued for its excellent machinability and high electrical insulation. Available in sheets, rods, and tubes, it outperforms XX grade with superior dielectric strength, mechanical performance, and moisture resistance. Made from a higher-quality paper base and phenolic resin, XXX withstands temperatures up to 350°F (177°C), ensuring reliability in demanding electrical applications. Its dimensional stability and moderate mechanical strength make it ideal for high-voltage insulators, transformer components, arc chutes, electrical busbars, terminal blocks, and electrical distribution equipment.

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Linen Phenolic

L – Linen Phenolic

Atlas Fibre’s L phenolic is a high-quality thermoset plastic with a tight weave, producing a smooth surface ideal for intricate, precision-machined components. Lightweight and durable, it offers superior machinability, making it well-suited for end-use consumer goods. Compared to canvas phenolic, its fine weave enhances dimensional stability and tight tolerances, ensuring accuracy in high-precision applications. With good mechanical strength, moderate wear resistance, and low moisture absorption, it performs reliably in friction-prone environments and withstands temperatures up to 250°F (121°C). Common applications include fine machined parts, threaded components, bearings, electrical insulators, small gears, and cams.

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Linen Phenolic

LE – Linen Phenolic (Electrical Grade)

Atlas Fibre’s electrical-grade linen phenolic (LE) is a high-performance composite known for its exceptional mechanical strength and electrical insulation. Its fine linen reinforcement provides a smooth finish, making it ideal for precision-machined components. Lightweight, durable, and dimensionally stable, LE maintains tight tolerances and offers superior machinability for intricate parts like terminal boards, switchgear, and insulating bushings. With high dielectric strength, heat resistance up to 250°F (121°C), and low moisture absorption, it performs reliably in humid and demanding environments. Common applications include electrical insulators, machined components, threaded fasteners, and custom mechanical parts.

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Canvas Phenolic (C)

Canvas Phenolic is a durable composite laminate made from a phenolic resin binder and medium-weave cotton substrate, qualifying to NEMA C and MIL-I-24768/16 standards. It offers high machinability, excellent wear resistance, and strong mechanical properties, making it ideal for precision components requiring tight tolerances. With dimensional stability and toughness, it withstands temperatures up to 275°F (135°C), ensuring reliability in demanding applications. Commonly machined into gears, pulleys, rollers, guides, structural supports, bearing surfaces, and electrical components, Canvas Phenolic is a versatile material suited for both mechanical and electrical applications.

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CE – Canvas Phenolic (Electrical Grade)

Canvas Phenolic (CE) is a durable, lightweight, and cost-effective material with superior impact strength, rigidity, and creep resistance compared to XX paper phenolic. Designed for electrical applications, it offers excellent dielectric strength and high machinability, allowing for precise fabrication while maintaining dimensional stability. With strong mechanical properties and heat resistance up to 250°F (121°C), CE performs well under thermal stress and in load-bearing applications. Its durability and wear resistance make it ideal for electrical insulation panels, switchgear components, transformer busbars, arc shields, and motor end plates across various industries.

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G-3

Atlas Fibre’s G-3 is a high-strength phenolic laminate with a glass fabric substrate, designed for high-temperature electrical applications. Conforming to NEMA G-3 standards, it provides excellent heat resistance up to 150°C (302°F) and strong arc resistance, making it ideal for high-voltage components. G-3 offers reliable electrical insulation, particularly in humid environments, with good dimensional stability and low moisture absorption. It also provides moderate mechanical strength and fair chemical resistance for industrial use. Available in sheets, rods, and tubes, G-3 is commonly used in electrical insulators, switchgear, circuit breakers, arc barriers, and industrial equipment.

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Glass Melamine

G-9

Atlas Fibre’s G-9 is a high-performance epoxy laminate with a glass fabric substrate, offering exceptional mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and electrical insulation. Conforming to NEMA G-9 standards, it provides durability and stability under heat, with resistance up to 120°C (248°F). Known for its superior electrical insulation and resistance to deformation, G-9 ensures reliable performance in demanding applications. With good dimensional stability, low moisture absorption, and strong chemical resistance, it excels in harsh environments. Common applications include electrical insulators, switchgear components, mechanical parts, aerospace components, and industrial equipment.

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Glass Epoxies

G10

Atlas Fibre’s G-10 is a high-performance epoxy laminate known for its exceptional mechanical strength, electrical insulation, and durability. Conforming to NEMA G-10 standards, it excels in industrial and electrical applications requiring stability, moisture resistance, and toughness. Made from woven fiberglass cloth impregnated with epoxy resin, G-10 offers a superior strength-to-weight ratio and excellent dimensional stability under stress. It withstands continuous use temperatures up to 140°C (284°F) and has low moisture absorption, ensuring reliable performance in humid environments. While not inherently flame-retardant like FR-4, G-10 provides strong wear and abrasion resistance for demanding applications.

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G-11

Atlas Fibre’s G-11 is a high-performance epoxy laminate with superior mechanical strength and electrical insulation, outperforming G-10 in high-temperature resistance. Made from woven glass fabric and epoxy resin, G-11 excels in demanding environments, maintaining structural integrity at temperatures up to 180°C (356°F). Its low moisture absorption ensures dimensional stability in both dry and humid conditions, while its good chemical resistance enhances durability in harsh environments. Like FR-5, G-11 is flame-resistant, making it ideal for high-heat applications. Common uses include high-temperature electrical insulators, industrial heaters, aerospace components, arc barriers, thermal shields, and automotive electrical parts.

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FR4

Atlas Fibre’s FR-4 is a flame-resistant epoxy laminate known for its excellent mechanical strength and electrical insulation. Conforming to NEMA FR-4 standards, it is widely used in electrical and industrial applications requiring both durability and fire safety. Made from woven fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin, FR-4 offers high mechanical strength, thermal stability up to 130°C (266°F), and low moisture absorption for reliable performance in humid environments. Its flame-retardant properties make it ideal for fire-sensitive applications. Common uses include printed circuit boards, electrical insulation, encapsulation, housings, industrial equipment, and aerospace components.

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