Machine and equipment breakdowns cost businesses money. So it’s vital to choose durable parts to withstand heavy use over a long period. Phenolic laminate parts are the ideal solution for many industries.
The use of this composite material is growing rapidly across different sectors. Analysts predict that the phenolic resins market will grow to $12.6 billion by 2030.
Advances in technology have made these products more affordable and versatile. As a result, manufacturers are switching from metal or plastic to phenolic laminate. Keep reading to learn more about this composite material and its applications.
What are Phenolic Laminates?
A phenolic laminate is made by applying heat and pressure to layers of material. Makers impregnate layers with thermosetting resins for strength.
You can then use various phenolic materials to create different types of laminates. The most popular are linen, canvas, paper, or glass cloth.
The resulting product is a hard, durable component. And it’s this strength that makes it perfect for use in many industries.
What are the Benefits of Phenolic Laminates?
Yes, phenolic composites are strong, but this is not the only benefit. Phenolic laminates can also be molded into shapes and sizes to suit different needs. Standard forms are sheets, rods, or tubes which can be cut to size.
This composite laminate is also water-resistant and lightweight. Thus, it often makes an excellent replacement for metal parts.
Another benefit is that phenolic laminates are resistant to various chemicals and heat. Some phenolic composites are infused with epoxy resins that make them fire-resistant.
Also, this material does not conduct electricity, making it an excellent insulator. And lastly, phenolic laminate products can be self-lubricating. This helps machine parts last longer due to reduced friction.
Phenolic Laminates Uses
Phenolic laminates have many applications across diverse industries. This is thanks to their versatility and outstanding electrical properties.
For example, the electronics industry uses phenolic composites for insulation and switches. Another common use is for terminal boards since non-conductivity is of utmost importance.
Manufacturers also use this composite material to produce bushings for off-road agricultural equipment. Another application is for making bearings.
These bearings are often used for paper and aluminum mill machinery. High pressure and chemical tolerance allow them to last longer than metal bearing.
Phenolic composites also make for excellent railcar parts. Common uses are for vertical liners and wear pads on passenger and freight trains. These phenolic components perform better thanks to high impact resistance and sliding lubrication.
Another use is industrial brake and clutch parts for overhead crane linings. You can even use phenolic laminate to create parts, such as center plates for passenger cars.
A Versatile Solution for Industries
The applications for phenolic laminates are endless. They are suitable for everything from aerospace to marine to electrical industries.
Also, phenolic laminates are great for producing parts of nearly all sizes—for example, everything from small terminal boards to big gears.
This composite material often outperforms metal and plastics. The main reason is that it is more resistant to pressure and shock. Another significant benefit is that phenolic laminates are less prone to corrosion.
We offer a variety of phenolic laminate products for many industries. Contact us today to request a free quote.