Core Characteristics and Advantages of Bakelite machining parts
• Heat Resistance: Long-term operating temperature 100-150°C (short-term operating temperature up to 200°C), heat deflection temperature (HDT) approximately 120-150°C.
• Insulation: Volume resistivity > 10⁴ Ω·cm, breakdown voltage > 15 kV/mm, dielectric constant (1 MHz) approximately 5.0-6.0, making it a high-quality insulating material.
• Mechanical Properties: Tensile strength 50-80 MPa, flexural strength 80-120 MPa, but impact resistance is relatively low.
• Chemical Resistance: Resistant to acids, oils, and solvents, but not to strong alkalis and strong oxidizers.
• Dimensional Stability: Low linear expansion coefficient, moisture absorption <0.1%, and resistance to deformation.
Bakelite Parts Advantages:
• Compared to Metal: Lightweight, excellent insulation, and non-magnetic, making it suitable for lightweight insulation applications. • Compared to thermoplastics: Higher heat resistance, more stable dimensions, and aging resistance, with minimal performance degradation over long-term use.
• Compared to ceramics: Less brittle, easier to process, and lower cost.
Bakelite CNC Machining Methods
Bakelite is a thermosetting material (it cannot be remelted and reshaped after solidification). Its processing primarily relies on secondary machining after forming. Common processes are as follows:
1. Cutting and Tailoring
• Tools: Bakelite is very hard, so carbide saw blades, diamond cutting blades, or high-speed hacksaw blades are required.
• Methods: Jig saws, table saws, or laser cutting can be used (however, the high temperature of the laser may cause carbonization of the edges, so the power must be controlled).
• Note: Water cooling is required during cutting to avoid frictional heat generation that may cause localized decomposition or cracking of the material.
2. Drilling and Tapping
• Tools: Use a carbide drill bit. The recommended drill bit angle is 135° (to reduce edge chipping) and the speed should be low.
• Techniques: Pre-drill pilot holes before drilling or chamfer the hole (45°) to reduce stress concentration. For tapping, use a dedicated phenolic resin tap and lubricate with oil to reduce friction.
3. Turning, Milling, and Planing
• Turning: Used for machining cylindrical surfaces or end faces. The tool must be sharp and the cutting speed must be low to avoid frictional heat generation.
• Milling: End mills are commonly used for plane milling, while end mills or disc milling cutters are used for slot milling. Feed rates should be slow to prevent delamination or chipping.
• Planing: Suitable for flat surface machining. Tool angle adjustment is required to minimize gnawing.
4. Surface Preparation
• Polishing: Use sandpaper or a polishing machine to remove burrs or rough surfaces and improve smoothness.
• Plating/Spraying: Roughen the surface first, then plate copper/nickel or spray with insulating varnish.
• Bonding: Epoxy or phenolic resin adhesives are used for bonding to metals or plastics.
Bakelite processing requires selecting processes tailored to its thermosetting properties, high hardness, and brittleness (such as low-speed machining and wet cutting with cooling), while also carefully controlling dust and stress. Its core advantages lie in its high insulation, heat resistance, and comprehensive mechanical properties, making it an ideal material for both insulation and heat resistance in electronics, electrical appliances, automotive, and other fields.