What is LE Linen Bakelite made from?

LE Linen Bakelite (FBE Phenolic) is manufactured from fine-weave cotton fabric impregnated with phenolic resin and hot-pressed into a dense, thermoset laminate.

What is the difference between LE and CE grades?

LE (Linen) uses fine-weave cotton fabric for smoother finishes and precision machining, while CE (Canvas) uses coarser weave for higher impact strength but less fine detail.

What are the key advantages of LE Phenolic?

It offers high mechanical strength, excellent machinability, low moisture absorption, good electrical insulation, and a smooth surface finish ideal for threaded or tight-tolerance parts.

Is LE Phenolic electrically insulating?

Yes. It provides excellent dielectric strength and surface resistivity under dry operating conditions.

Can it be machined or drilled easily?

Yes. The fine linen reinforcement allows clean cutting, threading, and machining with minimal tool wear when using carbide tools and dust extraction.

What temperatures can it withstand?

It performs continuously at 130 °C (Class B) and short-term up to 160 °C without degradation.

Does it absorb moisture?

Very little — it has low water absorption and excellent dimensional stability even in humid conditions.

Is certification available?

Yes. MISCO Australia can supply Certificates of Conformance (CoC), Material Data Sheets, and SDS upon request.

LE LINEN BAKELITE

LE Linen Bakelite (NEMA FBE), also known as Cotton-Based Phenolic, is a fine-weave cotton fabric–reinforced phenolic resin composite designed for precision machining and structural reliability.
Manufactured from linen-grade fabric and thermoset phenolic resin, it combines exceptional mechanical strength, smooth surface finish, and stable electrical insulation under dry conditions.

The fine weave ensures tight dimensional tolerance, low moisture absorption, and superior threading performance, making it the preferred material for high-accuracy insulating and mechanical components.

SPECIFICATIONS

Product Form

Sheets, rods, tubes, machined components,

and custom profiles

Standard Colours

Brown

Sheet Sizes

1220 × 1220 mm and 1220 × 2440 mm sizes; other dimensions available on request. (Nominal size)

Thickness Range

0.5 – 50 mm (custom on request)

Compliance

NEMA LI-1: LE / FBE – Cotton fabric–reinforced phenolic laminate meeting industrial insulation specifications for mechanical and electrical use.
MIL Specification: Complies with MIL-I-24768/13 Type FBE, the U.S. military standard for electrical-grade phenolic cotton laminate.
IEC Standard: IEC 60893 PFCC201 – Phenolic cotton fabric–base rigid laminate recognised internationally for insulation reliability.
UL 94 Flame Rating: HB – Slow-burning thermoset, self-extinguishing when ignition source is removed.
Thermal Class: Class B (130 °C) continuous, with short-term resistance up to 160 °C.
WHS / Safe Work Australia: Non-hazardous article. Machining dust controlled under “Nuisance Dust” exposure limits (10 mg/m³ TWA inhalable, 3 mg/m³ TWA respirable).
AS / NZS Standards: Fabricated in accordance with AS/NZS 4020, AS/NZS 61439, and ISO 9001 manufacturing requirements.
EPA / State Environmental Regulations: Classified as non-hazardous solid waste; suitable for landfill or controlled incineration in licensed facilities.
ADG / IMDG / IATA: Not classified as Dangerous Goods for land, sea, or air transport.
RoHS 3 (EU Directive 2015/863): Fully compliant — free from lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB, and PBDE.
REACH (EU Reg. 1907/2006): Compliant — contains no Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC).
WEEE Directive: Meets European waste-reduction requirements — no restricted or hazardous substances.
Ozone Depleting Substances: None present; compliant with the Montreal Protocol.
Asbestos-Free / Halogen-Free: Safe and compliant with modern environmental and workplace safety standards.
Low VOC & Non - Out gassing: Stable during machining and service life; safe for enclosed electrical environments.
Sustainability Commitment: Long-life material reduces replacement frequency and supports MISCO Australia’s environmental objectives.
Defence Compliance: Meets MIL-I-24768/13 FBE specification — suitable for use in defence, aerospace, and transport sectors.
Electrical Compliance: Conforms to AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules) and AS 61439 (Switch gear Assemblies).
Machinability & Traceability: Produced under documented material control for consistent electrical and mechanical performance.
Product Documentation: Supported by full TDS, SDS, and Certificate of Conformance (CofC) upon request.

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES

THERMAL PROPERTIES

High Mechanical Strength — outstanding tensile, flexural, and compressive performance, ensuring stability under heavy load and repeated stress.
Excellent Machinability — fine-weave linen base allows clean edges, smooth cutting, tight tolerances, and minimal tool wear during CNC processing.
Superior Threading and Tapping Capability — ideal for precision components requiring accurate screw threads or inserts.
Excellent Dimensional Stability — maintains tolerances under temperature variation and mechanical stress; minimal creep or distortion.
Low Moisture Absorption — resists swelling and dielectric loss in humid or variable environments.
Reliable Electrical Insulation — consistent dielectric strength and surface resistivity under dry operating conditions.
Fine Surface Finish — smooth, uniform surface texture suitable for visible or critical fit components.
Good Impact and Fatigue Resistance — maintains structural integrity in applications subject to vibration or cyclic loading.
Non-Sparking and Quiet Operation — ideal for environments requiring low friction and non-metallic performance.
High Wear and Abrasion Resistance — withstands sliding contact, making it suitable for bearings, bushes, and pulleys.
Stable at Elevated Temperatures — Class B (130 °C continuous, 160 °C short-term) thermal rating for consistent mechanical and electrical performance.
Chemical Resistance — unaffected by oils, lubricants, coolants, and most hydrocarbon-based fluids; limited reactivity to weak acids or alkalis.
Lightweight and Rigid — combines low density with high mechanical efficiency.
Excellent Machined Appearance — satin finish with visible linen weave for aesthetic and functional use.
Asbestos-Free & Halogen-Free — safe, environmentally responsible composition with low VOC emissions.
Consistent Quality — manufactured under ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified systems ensuring traceability and conformity.
Long Service Life — durable material offering reduced maintenance and replacement costs.
Fully Compliant — meets NEMA LI-1 (FBE), MIL-I-24768/13 Type FBE, and IEC 60893 PFCC201 specifications.
Versatile Performance — suitable for electrical, mechanical, thermal, and structural insulating components across multiple industries.
Proven Reliability — trusted for use in switchboards, transformers, industrial equipment, and defence assemblies requiring stable, precision-grade insulation.

Switchboards and Electrical Assemblies – terminal boards, insulating barriers, busbar supports, and mounting panels requiring high dielectric strength and rigidity.
Transformer and Motor Components – insulation plates, support spacers, coil formers, and end plates offering mechanical integrity and dimensional accuracy.
Mechanical Engineering – gears, bushes, bearings, pulleys, and rollers where low friction and quiet operation are essential.
Industrial Machinery – precision machined parts for jigs, fixtures, and tool supports exposed to vibration and wear.
Instrumentation and Control Equipment – insulating brackets, switch handles, threaded spacers, and mechanical isolators.
Automotive and Transport – non-sparking mechanical parts, friction plates, and insulating components in electrical systems.
Aerospace and Defence – lightweight, high-strength insulating parts for electrical and mechanical reliability under load.
Rail and Power Generation – thermal and electrical insulation components in substations, switchgear, and traction systems.
Renewable Energy Systems – used in inverter cabinets, wind turbine control units, and solar isolation systems.
Oil, Gas, and Mining Sectors – insulating and wear-resistant components exposed to oil, grease, and harsh industrial conditions.
Marine and Offshore Equipment – corrosion-resistant insulating parts for control enclosures and rotating assemblies.
Custom Fabrications – CNC-machined parts to specification for OEM electrical and mechanical assemblies requiring stability, accuracy, and safety.

Switchboard Builders and Electrical Panel Manufacturers – insulating components, busbar supports, and precision machined parts for low- and high-voltage systems.
Transformer and Motor Rewind Workshops – durable phenolic laminates used for insulation, support frames, and end plates.
Electrical and Electronics Manufacturing – components requiring dimensional accuracy, heat resistance, and electrical reliability.
Industrial Machinery and Equipment Fabrication – gears, bushes, and spacers for machinery subjected to vibration, wear, and heat.
Automotive and Heavy Transport – non-sparking, noise-reducing materials used in electrical housings, mechanical drives, and brackets.
Defence and Aerospace Engineering – high-strength, lightweight phenolic parts for mission-critical electrical and mechanical applications.
Rail Infrastructure and Rolling Stock – insulating panels, switchgear supports, and terminal barriers for traction and control systems.
Power Generation and Renewable Energy – insulating and structural components for turbines, substations, and inverter systems.
Oil, Gas, and Mining Operations – resistant to hydrocarbons, oils, and mechanical stress; used in control systems and power distribution.
Marine and Offshore Equipment – corrosion-resistant, non-conductive components for harsh saltwater and humidity environments.
Construction and Infrastructure Projects – structural electrical insulation and mounting solutions for commercial and industrial installations.
Engineering and Fabrication Workshops – CNC-machined components made to drawing for OEM and custom industrial assemblies.

Precision Performance – fine-weave cotton base ensures clean, accurate machining and reliable dimensional control.
Long-Term Durability – retains mechanical and electrical integrity even under vibration, load, or heat.
Reduced Maintenance – low wear rate and stable performance extend service intervals in industrial equipment.
Cost-Effective Material Choice – combines high strength, light weight, and machinability to reduce fabrication time and waste.
Versatile Application Range – equally suited to electrical, mechanical, and structural insulation uses.
Stable Under Heat and Load – maintains mechanical and dielectric performance up to 130 °C continuous (Class B).
Corrosion and Chemical Resistance – unaffected by oils, coolants, and most industrial fluids.
Non-Conductive and Non-Sparking – safe for use near electrical assemblies and rotating machinery.
Noise- and Vibration-Damping – reduces mechanical chatter in moving parts and assemblies.
Excellent Aesthetic and Functional Finish – smooth, professional appearance ideal for visible or precision components.
Environmentally Responsible – asbestos-free, halogen-free, and compliant with RoHS 3 and REACH directives.
Reliable Supply and Traceability – supported by MISCO Australia’s ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 systems, ensuring consistent quality and documentation.
Defence and Industry Proven – trusted across energy, rail, aerospace, and manufacturing sectors for strength, insulation reliability, and endurance.

Downloads

All supporting documents for this material are available for download, including the latest technical data sheet, safety data sheet, machining and processing guidance, compliance information, and relevant product brochures.

These controlled documents provide specifications, performance data, handling requirements, and application notes to assist with design, material selection, and fabrication.

Each file is maintained by MISCO Australia to ensure current, reliable information for switchboard, transformer, industrial, and defence grade applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

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