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Kraft-Paper Reinforced Phenolic Laminate (NEMA XX)
XX paper phenolic provides reliable electrical insulation, moderate mechanical strength, and excellent machinability for components used in switchboards, control panels, and general electrical systems.
Select a form factor to view real-time inventory, pricing, and custom cut-to-size options.

| Short Description | Color | Thickness | Width | Length | Stock | Price | Add to quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XX - 0.010" 36 x 48 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.010″ | 36″ | 48″ | Out of stock | $7.84per sheet | |
| XX - 0.015" 36 x 48 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.015″ | 36″ | 48″ | In stock4 More in 5–7 days | $10.81per sheet | |
| XX - 0.015" 48 x 48 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.015″ | 48″ | 48″ | Out of stock | $14.43per sheet | |
| XX - 0.015" 48 x 96 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.015″ | 48″ | 96″ | Out of stock | $28.87per sheet | |
| XX - 0.016" 36 x 48 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.016″ | 36″ | 48″ | Out of stock | $8.13per sheet | |
| XX - 0.016" 48 x 48 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.016″ | 48″ | 48″ | Out of stock | $14.99per sheet | |
| XX - 0.016" 48 x 96 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.016″ | 48″ | 96″ | Out of stock | $29.99per sheet | |
| XX - 0.020" 36 x 48 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.020″ | 36″ | 48″ | Out of stock | $9.69per sheet | |
| XX - 0.020" 48 x 48 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.020″ | 48″ | 48″ | Out of stock | $18.11per sheet | |
| XX - 0.020" 48 x 96 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.020″ | 48″ | 96″ | Out of stock | $36.23per sheet |
Material Overview
XX sheet is the flat-panel form of NEMA Grade XX paper-phenolic laminate — a thermoset composite produced by laminating kraft paper with phenolic resin under heat and pressure into rigid, lightweight flat stock. Grade XX is the standard mechanical-electrical paper-phenolic grade, offering low cost, easy machinability, and good electrical performance under low-humidity conditions, making XX sheet a popular choice for general-purpose insulating panels, terminal boards, and prototyping plates.
XX sheet delivers tensile strength of 14,000 psi, flexural strength of 16,000 psi, and compressive strength of 26,000 psi. Rockwell hardness reaches M105, shear strength is approximately 11,000 psi, and water absorption over 24 hours is approximately 3.5% — reflecting paper-phenolic’s sensitivity to humidity. The material carries a UL 94HB flammability rating and operates continuously up to 250°F (121°C). Dielectric strength is approximately 500 V/mil short-time at 1/16″ thickness perpendicular to laminations. These properties make XX sheet a low-cost choice for terminal boards, insulating panels, prototyping plates, and equipment back-panels in dry environments.
Standards & compliance. XX sheet conforms to NEMA LI-1 Grade XX and meets defense specification MIL-I-24768/12 (Type PBE). Test methods follow ASTM D709. Ready Plastics stocks XX sheet in a range of thicknesses; custom cuts are available through our cut-to-size service.
Sister grades. For better dielectric performance under humid conditions, step up to Grade XXX paper-phenolic sheet. For higher mechanical strength and impact resistance, Grade C cotton-phenolic sheet or Grade CE cotton-phenolic sheet are preferred. When mechanical strength, low water absorption, and high dielectric performance are needed, see G-10 glass-epoxy sheet or FR-4 glass-epoxy sheet.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
NEMA Grade XX is the standard paper phenolic laminate — a thermoset composite of kraft paper layers impregnated with phenolic resin. It provides 35,000 psi tensile strength, reliable electrical insulation, and excellent machinability, making it the most commonly specified paper phenolic grade for switchboards, control panels, terminal boards, and general electrical fabrication. Grade XX is governed by NEMA LI-1.
Both grades are kraft-paper phenolic laminates, but Grade XXX is the premium electrical grade. XXX has lower water absorption (0.57% vs. 2.00% for XX) and delivers higher dielectric strength — critical for power distribution, transformer components, and applications that see electrical stress in humid environments. Grade XX is the economical standard for general electrical work; XXX is the upgrade for demanding dielectric applications.
Ready Plastics stocks Grade XX paper phenolic in sheet and rod form across a wide range of standard thicknesses and sheet sizes. XX paper phenolic sheet is one of the most commonly stocked phenolic laminate formats at Ready Plastics. Cut-to-size is available on every SKU — contact us or visit the product page for current inventory and minimum order details.
Yes. Grade XX is one of the most machinable thermoset laminates available. It cuts cleanly with carbide tooling on mills, lathes, and drill presses, and stamps or punches efficiently in production environments. Use sharp tooling, moderate speeds, and dust extraction. Paper phenolic is more brittle than cotton phenolic grades and is not appropriate for applications involving significant impact or mechanical shock.
They share the same mechanical specs — 35,000 psi tensile, 34,000 psi flexural, 17,000 psi compressive — and the same NEMA LI-1 governance. The key difference is that Grade XX provides more consistent dielectric performance and is the recognized industry standard for electrical applications. Grade X is the entry-level option for less demanding use. When in doubt, XX is the default paper phenolic specification for most electrical fabrication work.
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