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Custom Machining of Phenolic Laminates: Bakelite & Garolite (Phenolic Cloth)
Beeplastic provides expert fabrication of high-performance parts from a full range of thermoset phenolic laminates. We transform both paper-based Bakelite for superior electrical insulation and cotton-based Phenolic Cloth (Garolite) for exceptional mechanical strength into components tailored to your exact specifications. Understand their key differences below to select the perfect material for your application.
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AN ENGINEER'S GUIDE TO PHENOLIC LAMINATES
Understanding Your Phenolic Options: Bakelite vs. Phenolic Cloth (Garolite)
While both Bakelite (paper-based) and Phenolic Cloth (cotton-based) are robust thermoset materials, their core difference lies in their reinforcement. This fundamental distinction dramatically impacts their mechanical properties and ideal applications. Use this guide to understand how to choose between superior electrical insulation and exceptional mechanical toughness for your custom parts.
Bakelite vs. Phenolic Cloth
1️⃣、Looking for the best ELECTRICAL INSULATOR?
Choose Bakelite (Phenolic Paper) for its superior dielectric strength and lower moisture absorption.
2️⃣、Need maximum TOUGHNESS & IMPACT RESISTANCE?
Choose Phenolic Cloth (Garolite). Its woven cotton base makes it far more durable and less brittle.
3️⃣、Machining COMPLEX PARTS with fine details?
Phenolic Cloth is easier to machine without chipping, making it the better choice for intricate designs.
4️⃣、Is COST a primary factor?
Generally, Bakelite offers a more cost-effective solution, especially for high-volume insulating parts.
Custom Fabrication of Phenolic Laminates: Bakelite & Garolite (Phenolic Cloth)

Phenolic Material Forms: Sheets & Rods
To support both your custom fabrication projects and your in-house manufacturing needs, we supply high-quality Bakelite (Phenolic Paper) and Garolite (Phenolic Cloth) in two primary stock forms: sheets and solid rods. Both are sourced to ensure excellent material consistency, flatness, and straightness, providing a reliable foundation for precision machining.
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Phenolic Laminate Sheets
Our flat, rigid laminate sheets are the ideal substrate for a vast range of high-performance machined components.
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Materials: We offer Bakelite (Phenolic Paper) sheets for superior electrical insulation and Garolite (Phenolic Cloth) sheets for exceptional mechanical strength and wear resistance.
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Key Features: Supplied with excellent flatness and tight thickness tolerances, ready for precise CNC routing, milling, and drilling.
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Common Applications: Perfect starting stock for fabricating insulating base plates, PCB test fixtures, terminal boards, structural supports, and custom-cut gaskets.
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Availability: While we stock standard industrial sheet sizes, we specialize in providing custom cut-to-size panels to minimize your waste and preparation time.
Solid Phenolic Rods
Our solid thermoset rods offer immense strength and rigidity, perfect for turning and lathing into robust, durable cylindrical parts.
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Materials: Available in both Bakelite (Phenolic Paper) rods for non-conductive standoffs and shafts, and Garolite (Phenolic Cloth) rods for high-impact, load-bearing applications.
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Key Features: Sourced for excellent concentricity and straightness, which is essential to minimize vibration and achieve high accuracy during lathing operations.
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Common Applications: Ideal for machining custom insulating spacers, durable bushings and bearings, high-strength dowels, tool handles, and other performance-critical cylindrical components.
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Availability: We can supply standard lengths or provide custom-cut rod segments to precisely match your part manufacturing needs.
Material Properties & Our Fabrication Expertise
Understanding the fundamental differences between our phenolic laminates is key to selecting the right material for your project's success. Both Bakelite and Phenolic Cloth offer excellent performance, but their unique compositions, driven by their reinforcement material, make them suitable for very different applications. Below, we'll dive into the details of each, and showcase our expert fabrication expertise.
Bakelite (Phenolic Paper) Solutions: The Ultimate Electrical Insulator
Known industry-wide as the go-to material for electrical insulation, Bakelite (Phenolic Paper Laminate) is a hard, dense thermoset created by bonding layers of resin-impregnated paper under immense heat and pressure. This composition results in a non-conductive material with excellent structural rigidity, making it a reliable and cost-effective choice for a vast range of electrical and electronic applications.
1. Key Properties & Performance Advantages:
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Superior Electrical Insulation: Offers outstanding dielectric strength and low electrical conductivity, making it a primary choice for fabricating high-voltage insulators, switchgear components, and terminal boards where electrical safety and performance are critical.
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High Rigidity & Dimensional Stability: This material exhibits minimal bending or warping under mechanical load and in varying temperatures, ensuring that your custom machined insulating parts maintain their precise dimensions and tight tolerances over their service life.
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Excellent Heat Resistance: Standard grades of Bakelite perform reliably at continuous high operating temperatures, making it suitable for components near heat sources, such as in transformers, and for creating heat-resistant electrical barriers.
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Good Machinability: Despite its hardness, Bakelite can be precision machined. We employ specialized techniques to drill, mill, and turn this material into complex custom bakelite components with smooth surface finishes, while carefully managing its brittle nature to prevent chipping.
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Chemical Resistance: It offers good resistance to common solvents and weak acids, further enhancing its durability in various industrial environments.
2. Our Bakelite Fabrication Services:
We specialize in transforming Bakelite sheets, rods, and tubes into finished parts ready for your assembly line. Our services are tailored to the unique properties of this material:
Fabrication Service | Description & Application Examples |
Precision CNC Milling & Routing | Machining of custom shapes for insulating panels, base plates, and complex switchgear components. We utilize optimized cutting speeds to ensure clean, precise edges. |
Drilling, Tapping & Counterboring | Creating accurate hole patterns and threads for terminal boards, mounting plates, and electrical enclosures. Essential for parts requiring secure assembly. |
Turning & Lathing | Fabricating custom insulating spacers, standoffs, bushings, and washers from solid Bakelite rods to exact dimensional requirements. |
Phenolic Cloth (Garolite) Solutions: Superior Mechanical Strength & Durability
When your application demands exceptional mechanical strength, toughness, and wear resistance, Phenolic Cloth laminate (often known as Garolite or Textolite) is the superior choice. Its foundation of woven cotton cloth impregnated with phenolic resin creates a robust composite that can withstand high impact, dynamic loads, and severe wear conditions where paper-based Bakelite would fail.
1. Key Properties & Performance Advantages:
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Exceptional Mechanical Strength & Toughness: Far more resistant to impact, shock, and vibration than paper-based phenolics, making it less prone to cracking or fracturing.
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Superior Wear Resistance: Excellent for creating long-lasting, load-bearing parts like gears, bearings, and wear pads due to its inherent durability.
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Excellent Machinability for Complex Designs: The woven cotton base provides internal support, preventing chipping and cracking during machining. This allows for the creation of intricate parts with fine threads and sharp details.
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Good Electrical Insulation: While primarily selected for its mechanical properties, it also offers reliable insulating properties suitable for many electrical applications that also require high durability.
2. Tailored Grades for Your Application:
We understand that one grade doesn't fit all. We work with a variety of paper-based and cotton-based phenolic grades to perfectly match your project's specific needs. Whether you require:
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Maximum Dielectric Strength for high-voltage insulation, we'll select the appropriate paper-based grade with the lowest moisture absorption.
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Enhanced Machinability for intricate mechanical parts, we'll recommend a fine-weave, linen-based phenolic cloth.
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Superior Impact Resistance for heavy-duty applications, a coarse-weave, canvas-based phenolic is the ideal choice.
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A cost-effective, general-purpose solution, we have standard grades that offer an excellent balance of properties.
Contact our engineering team with your requirements, and we'll ensure you get the right material for the job.
3. Our Phenolic Cloth Fabrication Services:
We leverage the unique properties of this tough material to produce robust and reliable mechanical components. Our services include:
Fabrication Service | Description & Application Examples |
CNC Gear Cutting & Hobbing | Fabricating durable, quiet-operating, and impact-resistant custom phenolic gears for a wide range of industrial power transmission systems. |
Precision Milling & Routing | Creating robust yet lightweight structural components for jigs, fixtures, tooling, and custom machinery assemblies where durability is paramount. |
Turning, Boring & Fabrication | Producing tough, custom-fit bearings, bushings, wear pads, and thrust washers from solid phenolic rods and sheets, designed to handle heavy loads. |
Making the Right Choice for Your Application

To simplify your decision, here is a final summary to guide your material selection based on your primary project requirement.
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✅If your primary need is for SUPERIOR ELECTRICAL INSULATION and high rigidity in static parts, CHOOSE BAKELITE (PHENOLIC PAPER).
It is the industry standard and most effective material for high-performance insulators, terminal boards, switchgear components, and any application where preventing the flow of electricity and maintaining structural stability under compression are the top priorities. -
⚙️If your parts demand MAXIMUM TOUGHNESS, IMPACT, AND WEAR RESISTANCE, CHOOSE PHENOLIC CLOTH (GAROLITE).
Its woven cotton reinforcement makes it the clear winner for durable, dynamic mechanical parts such as gears, bearings, pulleys, heavy-duty jigs, and any component that must withstand repeated shock, vibration, and significant physical stress. -
📏If you are MACHINING INTRICATE PARTS with fine threads, sharp corners, or complex features, CHOOSE PHENOLIC CLOTH (GAROLITE).
Its superior machinability and inherent resistance to chipping and cracking ensure a cleaner, more reliable, and higher-yield result when creating components with complex geometries, making it the safer choice for valuable and detailed fabrication work. -
⚖️When you are seeking a COST-EFFECTIVE insulation solution where extreme mechanical strength is not the primary concern, CHOOSE BAKELITE (PHENOLIC PAPER).
It generally provides a more economical option for high-volume electrical components, delivering excellent and reliable insulating properties at a competitive price point.
Ready to Fabricate Your Phenolic Parts? Let's Get Started.
Now that you have a clearer understanding of the differences between Bakelite (Phenolic Paper) and Phenolic Cloth (Garolite), the next step is to bring your project to life. Whether you have a completed design ready for a precise quote, or you need further technical consultation to confirm the optimal material for your unique application, our engineering team is here to provide expert support. Simply scroll down to our inquiry form or click a button below to proceed.
【 GET A QUOTE FOR MY PARTS 】 【 CONSULT WITH AN ENGINEER 】
NDA available for all projects. We typically respond within 24 business hours.

Your Single-Source Partner for All Custom Plastic Fabrication
Our expertise extends far beyond thermoset phenolic laminates. As your comprehensive fabrication partner, Beeplastic also offers precision machining for a wide spectrum of engineering and high-performance thermoplastics. Whether your project also requires the wear resistance of Nylon, the optical clarity of Acrylic, or the extreme temperature performance of PEEK, our integrated capabilities ensure consistent quality across all your plastic components. Simplify your supply chain and streamline project management by sourcing all your custom parts from a single, reliable expert. Explore our full material portfolio below.
Material Name (Clickable if possible) | Full Name | Typical Applications | Key Properties (Highlighting Benefits) | Beeplastic Fabrication Insights (Our Expertise & Tips) |
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HDPE | High-Density Polyethylene | Piping systems, cutting boards, chemical tanks, bottle caps | Excellent chemical resistance, high strength-to-density ratio, impact resistant, FDA compliant grades | Ideal for cost-effective injection molding & robust welded assemblies. Good machinability for general purpose parts. Ensure proper tooling for clean cuts. |
UHMW-PE | Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene | Conveyor components, wear strips, bearings, food processing equipment | Exceptional abrasion & wear resistance, low coefficient of friction, high impact strength, self-lubricating | Machines well for durable wear parts. Requires sharp tooling to avoid melting. We optimize cutting speeds for smooth finishes. Ask about our food-grade options. |
Nylon | Polyamide | Gears, bearings, rollers, structural components, automotive parts | High mechanical strength & toughness, good wear & abrasion resistance, self-lubricating, good chemical resistance to oils & fuels | Excellent for CNC machining durable, load-bearing parts. Consider moisture absorption for dimensional stability. We can advise on pre-conditioning or specific grades. |
PI | Polyimide | Aerospace components, semiconductor processing, high-temp electrical insulators | Outstanding high-temperature performance (continuous use up to [temp]), excellent dimensional stability, good wear resistance | Demands specialized machining techniques due to hardness & abrasiveness. Our expertise ensures tight tolerances and optimal surface finish. |
PEI | Polyetherimide | Medical device components, aircraft interior parts, electrical connectors | High strength & rigidity at elevated temps, inherent flame retardancy (V-0), good chemical resistance, hydrolytic stability | Good machinability, ideal for sterilizable medical parts. We understand its specific annealing requirements for stress relief. |
PEEK | Polyether Ether Ketone | Aerospace structural parts, medical implants, high-performance bearings, semiconductor handling | Exceptional high-temp mechanical strength (up to [temp]), excellent chemical & hydrolysis resistance, biocompatible grades, low outgassing | Requires expert CNC machining strategies due to its toughness. We have proven processes for achieving precision and surface quality vital for critical applications. |
PP | Polypropylene | Packaging containers, automotive components, living hinges, labware | Excellent chemical resistance, low density, good fatigue resistance, weldable, FDA compliant grades | Versatile for injection molding and CNC machining. We select appropriate grades for impact or clarity. Good for cost-sensitive applications. |
PET | Polyethylene Terephthalate | Beverage bottles, food containers, display stands, machine guards | High strength & stiffness, excellent clarity (PETG), good chemical resistance, thermoformable, FDA compliant | Easily thermoformed and machined. PETG offers better impact resistance than Acrylic for guarding. We ensure optimal clarity in machined PETG parts. |
PAI | Polyamide-imide | High-performance seals, bearings, aerospace components, electrical insulators | Exceptional strength & stiffness at high temperatures, excellent wear resistance, good chemical resistance | Requires robust tooling and specific machining parameters due to its hardness. Our experience minimizes part stress and ensures dimensional accuracy. |
Acrylic | Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) | Point-of-sale displays, lenses, light guides, signage, aquariums | Excellent optical clarity & light transmission, UV resistant, good weatherability, easily fabricated & polished | Ideal for laser cutting & engraving achieving polished edges. CNC machining for precision features. We can achieve high-gloss finishes. |
PTFE | Polytetrafluoroethylene | Non-stick coatings, seals, gaskets, bearings, chemical processing components | Extremely low coefficient of friction, outstanding chemical inertness, wide temperature range, excellent dielectric properties | Challenging to machine and bond. We employ specialized tooling, techniques (e.g., etching for bonding), and experienced technicians to achieve desired results. |
POM | Polyoxymethylene (Acetal) | Precision gears, bearings, bushings, fuel system components, consumer electronics | High stiffness & strength, excellent dimensional stability, low friction, good wear resistance, low moisture absorption | One of the most machinable plastics, ideal for tight tolerance parts. We stock various grades (homopolymer/copolymer) for specific needs. |
PC | Polycarbonate | Safety glasses, machine guards, electronic housings, reusable containers | Extremely high impact resistance, good optical clarity, good temperature resistance, dimensionally stable | Good machinability, can be fabricated to achieve clear, robust parts. Stress relief annealing may be required for certain applications. |
PPS | Polyphenylene Sulfide | Automotive under-hood components, electrical connectors, pump & valve parts | Excellent high-temperature resistance, outstanding chemical resistance, dimensionally stable, inherently flame retardant | Can be challenging to machine due to its abrasive nature. We use appropriate tooling and parameters. Good for demanding chemical and thermal environments. |
PVC | Polyvinyl Chloride | Pipes & fittings, window frames, cable insulation, chemical tanks | Good chemical resistance, durability, inherently flame retardant, cost-effective, good electrical insulation | Rigid PVC machines well; flexible PVC can be cut or welded. We advise on appropriate grade for rigidity or flexibility needs. |
PVDF | Polyvinylidene Fluoride | Chemical processing equipment, high-purity fluid handling, wire insulation | Excellent chemical resistance (especially to halogens), high purity, UV resistant, good mechanical strength | Good machinability, often used for components requiring extreme chemical inertness and purity. We ensure no contamination during processing. |
PU | Polyurethane | Seals, gaskets, wheels, shock absorbers, foam insulation | Wide range of hardness, excellent abrasion & tear resistance, good oil & solvent resistance, customizable properties | Machinability varies greatly with type (e.g., cast urethane vs. foam). We have experience with various forms for custom components. |
FR-4(G10) | Flame Retardant Glass-Reinforced Epoxy Laminate | Printed circuit boards (PCBs), electrical insulation, jigs & fixtures | Excellent mechanical strength, high electrical insulation, flame retardant (FR-4), good dimensional stability | Abrasive material requiring PCD or carbide tooling for CNC machining. We manage dust extraction and ensure precise features for electronic applications. |
Bakelite (Phenolic Paper) | Phenol Formaldehyde Resin (Paper Reinforced) | Electrical insulators, terminal boards, switchgear components, mounting plates, jigs & fixtures for electronics. | Superior electrical insulation, high rigidity & dimensional stability, good heat resistance, cost-effective. | Can be precisely machined into custom insulating parts. Requires specific tooling and parameters to prevent chipping due to its brittle nature. We have deep experience in achieving smooth finishes and tight tolerances. |
Phenolic Cloth (Garolite / Textolite) | Phenol Formaldehyde Resin (Cotton Cloth Reinforced) | Mechanical gears & bearings, wear pads, heavy-duty jigs & fixtures, structural components, high-impact mechanical parts. | Exceptional mechanical strength & toughness, superior wear & impact resistance, good machinability for intricate features. | Excellent for machining durable, load-bearing mechanical parts. The cotton base prevents cracking, allowing for fine threads and complex features. We often recommend it as a tough, lightweight alternative to metals. |
Silicone Rubber (SR / VMQ / LSR) | Silicone Rubber (various formulations) | Seals, gaskets, O-rings, medical tubing & devices, kitchenware, keypads, wearable tech components | Excellent thermal stability, flexible at low temps, good electrical insulation, biocompatible & medical grades, UV & ozone resistant, water repellent, customizable durometer (hardness) | Expertise in silicone molding (compression, transfer, liquid silicone rubber - LSR injection), die-cutting, and custom compounding for specific properties (e.g., color, conductivity). We assist in selecting the right curing system and grade for optimal performance and manufacturability. LSR is ideal for intricate, high-volume parts. |
ABS | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene | Automotive (dashboards, trim), electronic housings, medical devices, 3D printing prototypes | Good impact resistance & toughness, good stiffness, easy to machine & thermoform, good aesthetics & surface finish | Highly versatile and one of the easiest plastics to machine and fabricate. Ideal for prototypes and end-use parts requiring good all-around performance. Cost-effective. |

HOW WE SOLVE ENGINEERING CHALLENGES
Proven Solutions in Demanding Applications
Whether it's ensuring safety in high-voltage electrical switchgear with precise Bakelite insulators or guaranteeing durability in high-wear industrial machinery with tough Garolite gears, our custom-fabricated phenolic components are trusted to perform under pressure. Explore the case studies below to see how we partner with industry leaders to solve their most demanding engineering challenges.
GET AN EXPERT RECOMMENDATION
Unsure Which Phenolic Material To Choose?
✓ Bakelite for Electrical Insulation vs. Garolite for Mechanical Strength? ✓ Concerned About Machining Tolerances on Hard Phenolics? ✓ Need the Most Cost-Effective Solution for Your Specific Application?
Direct Engineering & Sales Support
beeplastic@beeplastic.comOur Facility Address & Hours
Building 3, Dezheng Middle Road, Chang'an Town, Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, China 【Mon to Sat - 08:00 - 22:00】REQUEST YOUR QUOTE & CONSULTATION
Let's Engineer Your Custom Phenolic Components
Whether you need precision machined Bakelite insulators, durable Garolite (Phenolic Cloth) gears, or any other custom component, our team is ready to bring your project to life. Share your requirements and upload your design files below, and our engineering specialists will provide a detailed quote and expert DFM feedback.
Tailored Solutions Across Industries
Explore Our Full Range of Plastic Materials
Discover the versatility and quality of our extensive plastic materials portfolio. From standard sheets to highly specialized rods, each product is designed to meet the diverse needs of industries including aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. Browse our collection to find the perfect material suited to your project requirements.
Browse Our Material Catalog