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Material Overview
What is L Fine Linen Phenolic (NEMA L) — Rod?
L rod is the solid round-bar form of NEMA Grade L cotton-phenolic laminate — a thermoset composite produced by impregnating fine-weave cotton fabric with phenolic resin and curing under heat and pressure into a tough, machinable cylindrical stock. Grade L uses a finer cotton weave than Grade C or CE, which improves surface finish, dimensional consistency, and electrical performance, making L rod a preferred choice for small-diameter machined parts where smooth turned surfaces matter.
L rod delivers tensile strength of 17,000 psi, flexural strength of 18,000 psi, and compressive strength of 36,000 psi. Rockwell hardness reaches M105 and shear strength is approximately 13,500 psi. Water absorption over 24 hours is approximately 2.5%. The material carries a UL 94HB flammability rating and operates continuously up to 250°F (121°C). These properties make L rod a reliable choice for small bushings, light-load gears, terminal posts, light-duty bearings, and turned electrical hardware machined on a lathe or screw machine.
Standards & compliance. L rod conforms to NEMA LI-1 Grade L and meets defense specification MIL-I-24768/15 (Type FBI). Test methods follow ASTM D709 for laminated thermosetting materials. Ready Plastics stocks L rod in standard diameters; request a custom cut or contact us for availability.
Sister grades. For higher dielectric performance with finer linen weave, step up to Grade LE phenolic rod. For higher impact resistance with coarser cotton, Grade CE phenolic rod is the standard choice; for the lowest cost in cotton-phenolic, see Grade C phenolic rod. When higher mechanical strength and lower moisture absorption are needed, consider glass-epoxy G-10 rod.
Technical Specifications
L Fine Linen Phenolic (NEMA L) — Rod properties
Typical values at 23°C / 50% RH. Values are nominal and not guaranteed; refer to lot-specific certificates of conformance for production parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
L Fine Linen Phenolic (NEMA L) — Rod, answered
What is NEMA Grade L linen phenolic?
NEMA Grade L is a fine-weave linen-fabric phenolic laminate — a thermoset composite of linen fabric impregnated with phenolic resin. It provides 35,000 psi tensile strength, a smooth surface finish, and excellent machinability with low tooling wear. Grade L is governed by NEMA LI-1 and is the preferred choice for precision mechanical components such as gears, bearings, threaded parts, and cams.
What is the difference between Grade L and Grade C cotton phenolic?
Grade L uses a fine linen weave; Grade C uses a coarser canvas weave. The linen weave in Grade L produces a smoother surface finish and better machinability, making it preferred for intricate precision parts. Grade C offers higher impact strength and toughness at lower cost, making it better for heavy-duty mechanical components that see shock loading. Neither grade carries an electrical rating — for electrical performance, see Grade CE (canvas) or Grade LE (linen).
What thicknesses and shapes does Ready Plastics stock in Grade L?
Ready Plastics stocks linen phenolic Grade L in sheet and rod form across a range of standard thicknesses and diameters. Phenolic l rod stock is particularly popular for turned parts such as bushings, spacers, and threaded components. Cut-to-size is available on every SKU — contact us or review the datasheet for current size inventory.
Can Grade L linen phenolic be machined to tight tolerances?
Yes. Grade L's fine linen weave makes it one of the most machinable grades in the cotton phenolic family. It cuts cleanly on conventional mill, lathe, and drill press equipment, accepts tapped holes without chipping, and holds tight dimensional tolerances in turned and milled components. Use sharp carbide tooling, moderate speeds, and dust extraction — phenolic dust is abrasive and should not be inhaled.
Is Grade L the same as Grade LE?
No. Both use fine linen weave reinforcement, but they serve different applications. Grade L is a general-purpose mechanical grade optimized for machinability and structural performance. Grade LE adds an electrical rating — it is designed for components that require both precision machining and reliable dielectric insulation, such as terminal boards and electrical bushings. If electrical insulation is not a requirement, Grade L is the more economical choice.
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