There is an ever-increasing demand for phenolic resin each year. Sales of phenolic resins are directly related to the growth of construction industry - its largest industry - and growth will be limited if new housing starts dropping. The biggest use of phenolic resin is in adhesive and bonding resins. Direct substitute products that competete with phenolic resins in the industry are melamine and urea-formaldehyde.
Ordinary high-speed tool steel can be used in finishing operations for all phenolic resin systems. However, carbide tipped tools may prove more economical and will hold sizes more accurately from piece to piece. About 0.010” stock should be left for finishing. Laminated phenolics can be turned at 400 sfpm with high-speed steel tools, and about twice that fast with carbide tooling. Tools should be kept sharp, ground with an included angle of 80º to 100º, and with a 10º to 16º side clearance. Cutting should be done dry.
