CE Phenolic Sheet — Thicknesses, Sizes & Stock Forms
CE phenolic sheet is flat plate stock produced from NEMA Grade CE canvas phenolic laminate: layers of coarse cotton fabric saturated with phenolic resin and compression-molded under heat and pressure into rigid thermoset sheet. Ready Plastics stocks CE phenolic sheet for panel insulators, terminal boards, structural spacers, and machined gaskets where reliable dielectric performance, moderate mechanical strength, and cost efficiency matter. Grade CE is governed by NEMA LI-1.
At a glance:
- Thickness range: 0.020" to 6.125"
- Standard sheet size: 48" × 96" (4 ft × 8 ft); half sheets and custom cuts available
- Flatness tolerance: per NEMA LI-1 requirements; thickness tolerance ±10% standard
- Material: NEMA Grade CE — coarse cotton-fabric phenolic laminate (NEMA LI-1)
- Production method: Compression-molded thermoset laminate
- Color: Natural tan; black available in select thicknesses
Standard Thickness Table
CE phenolic sheet is stocked in the following standard thicknesses:
| Thickness | Sheet Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.020" – 0.062" | 48" × 96" | Thin sheet for gaskets and shim stock |
| 0.093" (3/32") | 48" × 96" | Light panel and barrier stock |
| 0.125" (1/8") | 48" × 96" | General-purpose insulator sheet |
| 0.250" (1/4") | 48" × 96" | Terminal board and panel stock |
| 0.375" (3/8") | 48" × 96" | Structural insulator panels |
| 0.500" (1/2") | 48" × 96" | Heavy-duty barrier plates |
| 0.750" (3/4") | 48" × 96" | Thick structural sheet |
| 1.000"–6.125" | 48" × 96" | Thick plate for machined parts |
Cut-to-size is available on all thicknesses; minimum order is one piece.
Mechanical & Electrical Properties
CE phenolic sheet carries the full NEMA Grade CE property set per NEMA LI-1:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 36,000 psi (245 MPa) |
| Flexural strength (LW, 0.125") | 17,000 psi (115 MPa) |
| Compressive strength | 10,000 psi (68 MPa) |
| Shear strength | 14,000 psi (96 MPa) |
| Bond strength | 1,900 psi (13 MPa) |
| Rockwell hardness (M-scale) | 100 |
| Izod impact strength at 49 °C (LW) | 1.70 ft·lb/in |
| Specific gravity | 1.37 |
| Water absorption (24 hr) | 2.00% |
| Flammability | UL 94HB |
| Max. operating temperature | 255 °F (125 °C) |
Flexural strength is measured lengthwise with grain (LW) on 0.125" sheet; cross-grain values are somewhat lower.
Typical Applications
- Terminal boards and bus-bar supports — CE sheet provides the insulating substrate between conductive terminals in switchgear and MCC panels
- Panel insulators and barrier plates — Flat sheet cuts cleanly to custom panel profiles for control cabinet insulation
- Gaskets and spacers — Thin CE sheet (0.020" to 0.062") machines and punches into precision gaskets for mechanical seals
- Transformer spacers and coil formers — Dielectric stability and heat resistance to 255 °F suit dry-type transformer construction
- Jig and fixture plates — CE sheet machines to flat reference plates and drilling fixtures for prototype and production tooling
- Structural mounting plates — Military electronics reference MIL-I-24768/14 Type FBG, which NEMA CE satisfies, for ruggedized assemblies
Machining CE Phenolic Sheet
CE phenolic sheet cuts on circular saws, band saws, and CNC routers with carbide-tipped blades. Use a positive hook angle and moderate feed to avoid fiber tear-out on the back face; a sacrificial backer board eliminates exit burrs. Drilling requires backing material and moderate thrust to prevent delamination at break-through. Edges can be milled or ground smooth; a light sanding with 120–220 grit produces a clean finish for close-tolerance stacked assemblies. Phenolic dust is abrasive — use dust extraction and appropriate respiratory protection.
Related
- CE Phenolic Grade Line Card
- CE Phenolic Rod — round bar stock for turned and milled cylindrical parts
- CE Phenolic Tube — hollow section for sleeve and conduit applications
- LE Phenolic Sheet — fine-linen electrical grade for higher dielectric demanding flatwork