Hylam
Hylam is a high-quality phenolic laminate, widely used as an insulating and structural material in electrical and mechanical applications. It is made by impregnating layers of kraft paper or fabric with phenolic resin, which are then pressed under heat and pressure to form a rigid, durable sheet.
Hylam is known for its excellent electrical insulation, mechanical strength, and heat resistance. It is flame retardant, chemically resistant, and dimensionally stable, making it ideal for switchgear, control panels, insulators, and industrial components.
Applications
1. Electrical Industry
Switchgear panels, control panels, and circuit boards
Insulators, bushings, spacers, and terminal blocks
Electrical enclosures for high-voltage and low-voltage equipment
2. Mechanical & Industrial Applications
Gears, rollers, and bearings in machinery
Structural components where strength and dimensional stability are required
Protective barriers and non-conductive supports in industrial setups
3. Automotive & Transport
Insulating parts in electrical systems of vehicles
Non-conductive components in engines or battery assemblies
4. Miscellaneous Applications
Fabrication of custom sheets, rods, and tubes for engineering and industrial projects
Protective layers against heat, oil, and mild chemicals
Chemical Composition
| Component | Phenolic Resin | Paper / Fabric Layers | Fillers / Additives | Moisture Content |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approx. Percentage / Role | 30–40% | 60–70% | 0–5% | <1% |
Hardness
Hylam is a rigid phenolic laminate, offering good surface hardness and mechanical strength. Its hardness depends on the type of resin, paper/fabric reinforcement, and processing conditions.
Typical Hardness:
Shore D: 70–85 (unfilled standard Hylam sheets)
Reinforced or specialty grades can reach slightly higher hardness, improving wear resistance and structural rigidity.
Effect of Temperature: Hylam maintains hardness up to ~150–160°C; prolonged exposure above this temperature may reduce mechanical strength.
Surface Properties: The smooth, hard surface makes Hylam ideal for insulation plates, panels, and machined components.
Equivalent Grades
- India Hylam®, IS 2036
- USA Phenolic Laminates, NEMA GPO-3
- Europe IEC 60893 / Phenolic Laminates
- Japan JIS K 6901
- China GB/T 10810
- Australia / NZ AS/NZS 3817
Heat Treatment
Hylam is a phenolic laminate, a thermosetting material, and does not undergo traditional metallurgical heat treatment. However, controlled thermal processes can be used to relieve internal stresses, improve dimensional stability, and enhance mechanical performance.
1. Curing / Post-Processing Heat Treatment
During manufacturing, Hylam sheets are pressed under heat (140–160°C) and pressure, which cures the phenolic resin, giving the laminate its rigid, heat-resistant structure.
Proper curing ensures uniform hardness, electrical insulation, and dimensional stability.
2. Stress Relief / Annealing
Machined or fabricated components may be annealed at 120–140°C for 1–2 hours to relieve internal stresses.
This prevents warping, cracking, or delamination during service.
3. Important Considerations
Avoid exposure above 160–180°C, which can degrade mechanical properties.
Hylam maintains its electrical insulation and structural integrity under normal operating conditions.
Hardening
Hylam is a thermosetting phenolic laminate, and unlike metals, it cannot be hardened through quenching or heat treatment. Its mechanical strength and surface hardness are achieved during manufacturing via resin curing under heat and pressure.
Cured Hardness: The pressing and curing process produces a rigid laminate with Shore D hardness typically 70–85, depending on resin type, reinforcement, and sheet thickness.
Effect of Temperature: Hardness is stable under normal service temperatures (up to ~150–160°C). Exposure above this range may soften or degrade the material.
Surface Reinforcement: Laminates reinforced with glass or fabric layers achieve higher hardness and wear resistance, suitable for mechanical or electrical components.
Welding
Welding / Joining – Hylam
Hylam is a thermosetting phenolic laminate and cannot be welded like metals or thermoplastics. Joining or assembly is typically achieved using mechanical fastening or adhesive bonding.
1. Mechanical Joining
Bolts, screws, rivets, and clamps are commonly used to assemble Hylam components.
Care must be taken to avoid cracking or delamination, especially near edges or thin sections.
2. Adhesive Bonding
Epoxy, phenolic, or polyurethane adhesives are typically used for bonding Hylam to itself or other materials.
Surface preparation, such as light sanding or cleaning, improves adhesion.
3. Important Considerations
Avoid excessive stress on joints, as Hylam is brittle compared to metals.
Drilling or machining prior to joining should be done carefully to prevent micro-cracks.
Reinforced grades (e.g., glass-fabric Hylam) may require special adhesives or primers.
Machinability
Hylam is a rigid phenolic laminate that is moderately easy to machine, but care must be taken due to its brittle nature. Proper tooling and techniques ensure dimensional accuracy and smooth surfaces.
1. Machining Characteristics
Can be drilled, milled, sawn, or turned using tools suitable for plastics or soft metals.
Produces fine dust, so adequate dust extraction is recommended.
Sharp tools and moderate feed rates prevent chipping or delamination.
2. Factors Affecting Machinability
Thickness and Reinforcement: Glass-fabric reinforced Hylam is more abrasive and requires harder cutting tools.
Tool Selection: Carbide-tipped or high-speed steel (HSS) tools are preferred.
Temperature Sensitivity: Avoid excessive heat generation to prevent resin softening or surface discoloration.
3. Practical Tips
Drill pilot holes to reduce stress on edges.
Use low to moderate spindle speeds for milling or turning.
Allow for post-machining stress relief if tight dimensional tolerances are required.
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.35–1.45 g/cm³ |
| Moisture Absorption | <1% |
| Tensile Strength | 50–70 MPa |
| Flexural Strength | 80–110 MPa |
| Compressive Strength | 100–150 MPa |
| Shore D Hardness | 70–85 |
| Thermal Stability / Operating Temperature | Up to 150–160°C |
| Flammability | Self-extinguishing (UL94 V-0 to V-1, depending on grade) |
| Electrical Properties | High dielectric strength (~15–25 kV/mm) |
| Dimensional Stability | Excellent under normal service conditions |
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Corrosion Resistance | Resistant to mild acids, alkalis, oils, and solvents; not suitable for strong oxidizing agents. |
| Heat Resistance | Stable up to 150–160°C; prolonged exposure to higher temperatures may degrade resin properties. |
| Flammability | Self-extinguishing due to phenolic resin, making it suitable for electrical insulation applications. |
| Moisture Absorption | Very low (<1%), ensuring dimensional stability in humid environments. |
| Mechanical and Electrical Stability | Maintains tensile, compressive, and dielectric properties under normal service conditions. |
| Chemical Stability | Phenolic structure provides resistance to aging, oxidation, and environmental degradation. |
Dealer
Dealer – Hylam
We are a trusted supplier of premium Hylam sheets, rods, and custom components, offering standard, reinforced, and specialty grades suitable for electrical, mechanical, and industrial applications.
Product Availability:
Sheets & Plates: Standard thickness 1 mm to 50 mm, custom sizes available
Rods & Tubes: Standard diameters 5 mm to 200 mm, lengths up to 2 meters
Custom Components: CNC-machined parts, cut-to-size sheets, insulated panels
Reinforced Grades: Glass-fabric reinforced, flame-retardant, or high-temperature variants