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Coarse Cotton-Fabric Reinforced Phenolic, Electrical Grade (NEMA CE)
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.
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High-strength canvas phenolic panels offering excellent impact resistance for structural wear plates, insulators, and heavy-duty mounting boards.
| Short Description | Color | Thickness | Width | Length | Stock | Price | Add to quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CE - 0.020" 36 x 48 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.020″ | 36″ | 48″ | Out of stock | $11.80per sheet | |
| CE - 0.025" 36 x 48 Black Sheet | Black | 0.025″ | 36″ | 48″ | Out of stock | $18.19per sheet | |
| CE - 0.025" 36 x 48 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.025″ | 36″ | 48″ | In stock94 | $19.19per sheet | |
| CE - 0.025" 48 x 48 Black Sheet | Black | 0.025″ | 48″ | 48″ | Out of stock | $20.38per sheet | |
| CE - 0.025" 48 x 48 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.025″ | 48″ | 48″ | Out of stock | $25.59per sheet | |
| CE - 0.025" 48 x 96 Black Sheet | Black | 0.025″ | 48″ | 96″ | Out of stock | $48.74per sheet | |
| CE - 0.025" 48 x 96 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.025″ | 48″ | 96″ | In stock26 | $51.17per sheet | |
| CE - 0.031" 36 x 48 Black Sheet | Black | 0.031″ | 36″ | 48″ | In stock73 | $21.54per sheet | |
| CE - 0.031" 36 x 48 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.031″ | 36″ | 48″ | Out of stock | $22.76per sheet | |
| CE - 0.031" 48 x 48 Black Sheet | Black | 0.031″ | 48″ | 48″ | Out of stock | $24.11per sheet |
Material Overview
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
Typical values at 23°C / 50% RH. Values are nominal and not guaranteed; refer to lot-specific certificates of conformance for production parts.
Applications
The workhorse choice for impact-resistant, mechanically loaded parts.
Switchgear standoffs, terminal boards, transformer wedges, motor washers, brush holders.
Cam followers, pulleys, low-speed bushings, gears, slide blocks running against steel.
Shipboard fixtures meeting MIL-I-24768/14 Type FBG; ordnance fixtures and tooling.
Pump vanes, valve seats, packing rings — humidity-stable and impact tolerant.
Drill jigs, wear strips, press platens, soft-jaw inserts for CNC and bench work.
Test stand insulators, structural shims, instrument backing plates.
Related Materials & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Ready Plastics stocks CE phenolic sheet in a range of standard thicknesses. Contact us for current availability, pricing, and custom-cut options.
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.
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.
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.
Get a quote on cut-to-size sheets and rods, request a full data sheet, or talk to a plastics engineer. We answer in under two hours, M–F 8am–6pm ET.