Atlas Fibre

10/20/2026

Holding tolerance on canvas phenolic parts starts before machining. The cotton reinforcement absorbs moisture, so the laminate can expand or contract as conditions change. Grade selection, laminate processing, and conditioning all play a critical role. Here’s what to consider:

Understanding NEMA C and CE Canvas phenolic laminates (NEMA C and CE) are cotton-fabric-reinforced thermosets widely used for bearings, bushings, wear plates, guides, electrical components, and other parts that benefit from low friction, impact resistance, electrical insulation, and good machinabili...

10/01/2026

UPDATE: Atlas Fibre is introducing serialized identification labels on full-size thermoset composite laminate sheets. Each label carries a unique serial number alongside key material details, helping teams keep the right information with the right sheet as it moves through inventory, fulfillment, and fabrication.

It’s a practical step toward clearer identification and stronger traceability throughout the material’s journey. Learn more at https://www.atlasfibre.com/better-material-identification-starts-with-the-sheet

09/29/2026

There’s a lot to see between a piece of material and a finished component.

Atlas Fibre's image gallery this month offers a closer look at composite machining in action and the details that make each part possible.

Explore the September 2026 gallery: https://atlasfibre.com/gallery/

09/24/2026

Phenolic composites are engineered to ablate in a controlled, predictable way when exposed to extreme combustion temperatures, supersonic gases, pressure, and particle erosion.

As the material breaks down:

→ Pyrolysis absorbs thermal energy
→ A carbon-rich char layer insulates the structure
→ Released gases help reduce surface heat transfer
→ Fiber reinforcement stabilizes the material as it recedes

Carbon-, silica-, and glass-reinforced phenolics can each serve different regions of the nozzle based on heat, erosion, and insulation requirements.

Explore how phenolic composites protect critical rocket hardware by giving up part of themselves by design: https://www.atlasfibre.com/phenolic-composites-rocket-nozzle-ablation/

09/22/2026

Owning a 5-axis machine doesn’t automatically make a supplier the right choice for your part.

When sourcing complex components in G-10, FR-4, phenolics, PEEK, or PEI, the process behind the quote matters as much as the price.

A qualified supplier should be able to explain:

→ Why the geometry requires 5-axis machining
→ How tooling is matched to the specific material grade
→ How tool wear and heat are controlled
→ How delamination, breakout, and distortion are inspected
→ How fewer setups improve tolerance and lead time

The real value of 5-axis machining isn’t the number of axes. It’s combining advanced equipment with material-specific process control.

Explore what sourcing teams should ask before awarding complex machining work: https://www.atlasfibre.com/evaluating-suppliers-for-5-axis-composite-machining-a-procurement-guide/

09/17/2026

Shrinking the tool doesn’t simply shrink the machining process, it changes the physics.

At microfeature scale, phenolics, G-10, FR-4, and glass epoxies behave as layers of resin and reinforcement, not as uniform plastics. Minor runout, tool wear, part movement, or edge breakout can consume the entire tolerance.

Repeatable composite micromachining depends on:

→ Sharp, wear-resistant tooling
→ Minimal spindle and tool runout
→ Full support near the cutting zone
→ Controlled heat and dust evacuation
→ Inspection throughout production

In this work, a tool is finished when precision begins to slip—not when it finally breaks.

Explore what it takes to machine small, intricate composite features with repeatable results: https://www.atlasfibre.com/micromachining-composites-a-different-kind-of-hard/

09/15/2026

A sensor housing does more than protect the electronics—it can influence how the sensor performs.

Thermoset composites are a strong alternative to metal when an application requires:

→ Electrical isolation
→ Corrosion and chemical resistance
→ Low weight and thermal stability
→ RF transparency
→ Nonmagnetic performance

But material selection must begin with the sensor itself. A housing designed for high-voltage instrumentation may be unsuitable for an antenna, magnetic sensor, temperature probe, or chemical-wetted device.

Explore how glass-epoxy, phenolic, vinyl ester, and other thermoset composites can be engineered around the sensing environment—not simply substituted for metal: https://www.atlasfibre.com/using-composites-for-sensor-housings/

09/10/2026

What does “96/23/50” mean on a material data sheet?

It isn’t an arbitrary code. It tells you how a test specimen was conditioned before its properties were measured:

→ 96 hours
→ At 23°C
→ At 50% relative humidity

Temperature, humidity, moisture, and prior conditioning can all affect the mechanical and electrical properties of thermoset composites. That means two results can differ without either being wrong, they may simply reflect different test conditions.

Understanding ASTM conditioning codes helps engineers compare materials more accurately and determine whether published data reflects the intended service environment.

Explore how to read these codes, and why Condition A may not tell the whole story: https://www.atlasfibre.com/understanding-material-conditioning-what-your-data-sheet-really-means/

09/08/2026

Thermoset composite laminates serve as sacrificial sliding, bearing, and impact interfaces, helping prevent galling, seizure, corrosion, vibration, and damage to costly equipment.

Machined phenolic and glass-reinforced laminates are commonly used for:

→ Wear pads and guide liners
→ Bushings and thrust washers
→ Coil-car and transfer-system pads
→ Chock-window and cassette liners
→ Stops, spacers, and impact interfaces

The goal is simple: protect critical steel structures with a durable, replaceable nonmetallic component that can be changed during planned maintenance. Explore how thermoset composites perform in demanding steel-mill applications: https://www.atlasfibre.com/not-just-made-in-america-machined-in-america/

09/07/2026

Great work starts with great people.

At Atlas Fibre, it starts with the people who show up each day ready to solve problems, help one another and take pride in doing the job well. Their experience, care and commitment can be seen in every material we produce, every part we machine and every order we ship.

This Labor Day, we are especially grateful for our entire team and for the customers, suppliers and partners who work alongside us.

We hope you and your families enjoy a safe, relaxing and well-earned Labor Day.