Insulating separators
Separators to maintain distance between electrical elements.
Thermoset · Custom parts
CNC machining
of bakelite.
Electrical insulation in custom parts. We machine bakelite for separators, supports, and tooling elements according to the required lamination grade.
Get your quoteQuote in 24 h · Engineering review
- From
- 1 unit
- Delivery from
- 8 working days
- Material
- Bk Thermoset
01 / Why choose this material
Properties and uses
of bakelite.
Thermoset phenolic resin, usually in semi-finished goods reinforced with paper or fabric. The grade determines the balance between insulation and mechanical strength.
Bakelite, also spelled bakelita, is a thermoset phenolic resin. For machining, it is typically supplied as paper or fabric-reinforced laminates. The reinforcement determines the balance between insulation, moisture absorption, and mechanical strength.
Learn about the CNC machining process ↗Bakelite properties
Mechanical reference · Tufnol Whale phenolic laminate
- Indicative density
- 1.25–1.45 g/cm³
- Tensile strength · ref. Whale
- 68 MPa
- Elastic modulus · ref. Whale
- 6,3 GPa
- Perpendicular compression
- 310 MPa
- Presentation
- Semi-finished for CNC
The mechanical values correspond to the Tufnol Whale phenolic laminate with cotton fabric, as a comparative reference. Density is indicative for the family. Confirm the reinforcement, stress direction, and supply grade; other laminates do not share these values.
Property reference: Tufnol · Whale ↗
- Electrical insulator by grade
- Rigid
- Machinable
- Does not melt like a thermoplastic
Bakelite applications
Electrical supports
Insulating supports with defined geometry and thickness.
Tooling parts
Tooling parts combining rigidity and insulation.
Handles and grips
Handles and grips according to laminate properties.
02 / A choice based on usage
Choose bakelite
based on your part.
These criteria help define the material, geometry, and working conditions before manufacturing.
01
Reinforcement type
Paper and fabric produce laminates with different properties. Specify the reference when it appears on the drawing.
02
Electrical insulation
Indicate voltage, thickness, moisture, and temperature to select the appropriate grade.
03
Mechanical use
Rigidity does not eliminate the need to review loads and the detail of drilled holes or supports.
The part's function is the starting point.
Indicate loads, temperature, environment, and appearance needed. If the drawing requires a specific grade, include it in the request.
03 / Finishing also counts
Bakelite
finishes and appearance.
Define visible surfaces and the required result for your part. Requested treatments are included in the quote.
The part retains machining marks. Indicate adjustment surfaces and visible faces on the drawing.
The image could not be loaded. Try a different finish.
Reference images: material, geometry, and surface preparation influence the outcome. Special finishes are quoted upon request.
04 / From design to quote
CNC machining
of bakelite.
Milling and turning allow manufacturing bakelite parts from a block, plate, or bar. The tool removes material to obtain faces, cavities, drilled holes, and contours according to the design.
Send a 3D model per part in STEP or a native supported format: SLDPRT, X_T, X_B, IPT, CATPART, PRT, SAT, or 3DM. Attach a PDF drawing for threads, inserts, or specific tolerances. STL is accepted only for 3D printing.
Upload your file and request a quotePart tolerances
For dimensions without a specific tolerance, Proto&Go! applies ISO 2768-m. With a drawing, equivalent tolerances to IT11 can be assessed, depending on the geometry and requested dimensions. Attach the drawing and mark the functional surfaces.
Calculate a tolerance ↗Quantity and cost per part
In CNC, setup costs are distributed across the batch units. The final reduction depends on machining time and material.
Quote in 24 hours
Parts from 8 working days after confirming the order. The quote specifies the lead time based on geometry, material, finish, and quantity.
How much it costs to manufacture
The price of your part
in bakelite.
The price of machining bakelite depends on geometry, grade, tolerances, finish, and quantity. It includes material, preparation, and machining.
Check the catalog example to compare materials. To know the cost of your design, request a quote with your 3D file.
Frequently asked questions
Before manufacturing
in bakelite.
Properties, applications, and manufacturing: answers to prepare your request.
What is bakelite and what properties does it have?
Thermosetting phenolic resin, usually in semi-finished reinforced with paper or fabric. The grade determines the balance between insulation and mechanical strength. Mechanical values correspond to phenolic laminate with Tufnol Whale cotton fabric, as a comparative reference. Density is indicative by family. Confirm reinforcement, stress direction, and supply grade; other laminates do not share these values.
What parts can be manufactured in bakelite?
We manufacture electrical insulators, electrical supports, tooling parts, controls, and handles. CNC machining allows adapting the geometry to your 3D model. Define the loads, environment, and finish so we can review the application.
Do Bakelite and baquelita refer to the same material?
They are two spellings used for thermoset phenolic resin. In machining, it is also important to specify the laminate and its reinforcement, such as paper or fabric, because the general name does not define all the part's properties.
Can a bakelite part be zinc plated?
Zinc plating is not a catalog finish for bakelite. The datasheet includes compatible painting when requested. For an insulating part, the finish must preserve the electrical functions and match the lamination grade.
What temperature does machined bakelite withstand?
It depends on the grade, reinforcement, and load and exposure conditions. No continuous use temperature is assigned to the whole family. Provide the working temperature to confirm a laminate with appropriate documentation.
How much does it cost to machine a bakelite part?
The price to machine bakelite depends on geometry, grade, tolerances, finish, and quantity. It includes material, preparation, and machining. Upload the 3D file to the Proto&Go! platform to receive a quote with cost and lead time.
What tolerances can I request for a bakelite part?
For dimensions without a specific tolerance, Proto&Go! applies ISO 2768-m. With a drawing, equivalent tolerances to IT11 can be assessed, depending on the geometry and requested dimensions. Attach the drawing and mark the functional surfaces.
What file do I need to manufacture a bakelite part?
Send a 3D model per part in STEP or a native supported format: SLDPRT, X_T, X_B, IPT, CATPART, PRT, SAT, or 3DM. Attach a PDF drawing for threads, inserts, or specific tolerances. STL is accepted only for 3D printing.
Compare before choosing
Other options for your part.
Your next part
Shape it
in bakelite.
Upload the 3D file. We review feasibility and send you the quote.