Ready Plastics

Coarse Cotton-Fabric Reinforced Phenolic, Electrical Grade (NEMA CE)

CE Coarse-Weave Cotton Phenolic (NEMA CE) — Sheet

Canvas Phenolic (CE) is a highly durable, lightweight, and cost-effective material ideal for a range of applications - including electrical - and featuring high-dimensional stability and excellent creep resistance.

  • Balanced Mechanical Strength & Electrical Insulation
  • Reliable Dielectric Performance
  • Good Performance in Humid Conditions
  • Durable Under Mechanical Load
  • Versatile Across Electrical & Mechanical Uses
Browse 82 in-stock SKUsDownload data sheetGet a quote
82 SKUs · IN STOCK
CE Coarse-Weave Cotton Phenolic (NEMA CE) — Sheet
Popular gradesLive stock status
CE82 SKUs · viewingC82 SKUs · viewingLEIn stockLIn stockXXIn stockXXXIn stockG-10 / FR-4In stockG-11In stock
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Shop CE by shape

Select a form factor to view real-time inventory, pricing, and custom cut-to-size options.

CE Rod

106 SKUs•24 sizes•1/4″–6″ Ø

Centerless-ground canvas phenolic rods offering high structural and impact strength for gears, bushings, and marine components.

  • 1/2" Ø
  • 1" Ø
  • 2" Ø
  • 3" Ø
  • 4" Ø
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CE Sheet

245 SKUs•42 sizes•0.02″–6″ Thick

High-strength canvas phenolic panels offering excellent impact resistance for structural wear plates, insulators, and heavy-duty mounting boards.

  • 1/8"
  • 1/4"
  • 1/2"
  • 1"
  • 2"
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45 CE sheet SKUs in stock · Same-day shipping on stocked sizes

Sheets

91 sizes · 175 SKUs
Short DescriptionColorThicknessWidthLengthStockPriceAction
CE - 0.020" 36 x 48 Natural Sheet
Nat.
0.020″36″48″
0
$11.80
CE - 0.025" 36 x 48 Black Sheet
Blk.
0.025″36″48″
0
$18.19
CE - 0.025" 36 x 48 Natural Sheet
Nat.
0.025″36″48″
94
$19.19
CE - 0.025" 48 x 48 Black Sheet
Blk.
0.025″48″48″
0
$20.38
CE - 0.025" 48 x 48 Natural Sheet
Nat.
0.025″48″48″
0
$25.59
CE - 0.025" 48 x 96 Black Sheet
Blk.
0.025″48″96″
0
$48.74
CE - 0.025" 48 x 96 Natural Sheet
Nat.
0.025″48″96″
4
$51.17
CE - 0.031" 36 x 48 Black Sheet
Blk.
0.031″36″48″
56
$21.54
CE - 0.031" 36 x 48 Natural Sheet
Nat.
0.031″36″48″
0
$22.76
CE - 0.031" 48 x 48 Black Sheet
Blk.
0.031″48″48″
0
$24.11

Material Overview

What is CE Coarse-Weave Cotton Phenolic (NEMA CE) — Sheet?

CE sheet is the flat-stock form of CE grade cotton phenolic — a thermoset laminate produced by impregnating coarse cotton canvas with phenolic resin and pressing the assembly under heat and pressure into rigid flat panels. CE sheet conforms to NEMA LI-1 and the defense standard MIL-I-24768/14, and is one of the most widely stocked industrial phenolic grades due to its balance of electrical insulation, mechanical toughness, and machinability.

CE sheet exhibits a tensile strength of 36,000 psi, flexural strength of 17,000 psi, compressive strength of 10,000 psi, and Rockwell M100 hardness. Shear strength is 14,000 psi. The 94HB flammability rating and a maximum continuous operating temperature of 255°F (125°C) allow reliable service in most industrial and electrical environments. Water absorption over 24 hours measures 2.00%, supporting stable dimensional performance in humid conditions.

Standards & compliance. CE sheet is classified under NEMA LI-1 and meets MIL-I-24768/14 Type FBG. Material testing follows ASTM D709. Ready Plastics stocks CE phenolic sheet in a range of thicknesses; standard sheet sizes are available, and custom cuts can be arranged. Contact us for current inventory and pricing.

Sister grades. Grade C phenolic sheet is a lower-cost coarse-cotton option for purely mechanical applications where electrical performance is not a priority. Grade LE phenolic sheet uses a finer linen weave and offers higher dielectric strength for demanding electrical insulation duties. For higher strength-to-weight and lower moisture absorption, G-10 glass-epoxy sheet is the natural step-up.

Technical Specifications

CE Coarse-Weave Cotton Phenolic (NEMA CE) — Sheet properties

Typical values at 23°C / 50% RH. Values are nominal and not guaranteed; refer to lot-specific certificates of conformance for production parts.

General
PropertyTest MethodUnitValue
Bond strengthpsi1,900
Compressive strengthpsi10,000
Flexural strength (LW -A 0.125″)psi17,000
Izod impact strength at 49°C (LW)1.70
Rockwell M-scale hardness100
Shear strengthpsi14,000
Tensile strengthpsi36,000
General
PropertyTest MethodUnitValue
Flammability rating94HB
Specific gravity1.37
Water absorption (24 hours)2.00
General
PropertyTest MethodUnitValue
Maximum operating temperature°C125

Applications

Where CE Coarse-Weave Cotton Phenolic (NEMA CE) — Sheet is specified

The workhorse choice for impact-resistant, mechanically loaded parts.

Electrical insulation

Switchgear standoffs, terminal boards, transformer wedges, motor washers, brush holders.

Bearings & gears

Cam followers, pulleys, low-speed bushings, gears, slide blocks running against steel.

Marine & defense

Shipboard fixtures meeting MIL-I-24768/14 Type FBG; ordnance fixtures and tooling.

Pump & valve internals

Pump vanes, valve seats, packing rings — humidity-stable and impact tolerant.

Tooling & fixturing

Drill jigs, wear strips, press platens, soft-jaw inserts for CNC and bench work.

Aerospace ground support

Test stand insulators, structural shims, instrument backing plates.

Related Materials & Resources

Compare, machine, and order CE Coarse-Weave Cotton Phenolic (NEMA CE) — Sheet

NEMA Grade C — coarse-weave variant
Lower-cost cotton phenolic option
NEMA Grade LE — finer weave, better electrical
Step up for higher dielectric strength
NEMA Grade L — best machinability
Fine-detail machined parts
G-10— glass epoxy alternative
When higher dielectric strength is required
Cut CE phenolic to your spec
Sheets, rods, and machined parts
CE vs LE comparison guide
Pick the right cotton phenolic grade
Machining cotton phenolic — best practices
Tooling, feeds & speeds, dust extraction
Talk to a phenolic engineer
Material selection & spec review

Frequently Asked Questions

CE Coarse-Weave Cotton Phenolic (NEMA CE) — Sheet, answered

What is CE phenolic sheet?

CE phenolic sheet is a flat thermoset laminate made from coarse cotton canvas impregnated with phenolic resin and cured under heat and pressure. It is governed by NEMA LI-1 and MIL-I-24768/14, offering a tensile strength of 36,000 psi and a maximum operating temperature of 255°F (125°C). It is widely used for electrical insulation panels, terminal boards, and structural components in industrial equipment.

What thicknesses does Ready Plastics stock in CE sheet?

Ready Plastics stocks CE phenolic sheet in a range of standard thicknesses. Contact us for current availability, pricing, and custom-cut options.

How is CE sheet machined?

CE sheet machines well on milling machines, routers, drill presses, and band saws using standard HSS or carbide tooling. The coarse cotton weave provides good impact resistance during cutting. Sharp tools, moderate feed rates, and adequate chip clearance produce the best surface finish. Dust collection is recommended.

What is the difference between CE sheet and CE rod?

CE sheet and CE rod are both made from the same NEMA CE cotton phenolic material. Sheet is a flat form used for panels, brackets, and milled components, while rod is a solid cylindrical form suited to turned parts such as bushings and spacers. Material properties — including tensile strength, operating temperature, and electrical characteristics — are the same for both forms.

What applications use CE phenolic sheet?

CE sheet is commonly used for electrical insulation panels, terminal boards, motor commutators, transformer barriers, switchgear components, and bearing plates. Its combination of electrical insulation, impact resistance, and ease of machining makes it a standard choice in electrical MRO and OEM fabrication.

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