Thermosets
Thermosets — dimensionally stable to 200 °C. Semi-finished and moulded parts in EP, PF, PUR, MF and UP.
Thermosets are cross-linking plastics that permanently retain their shape after curing and can no longer be melted. This irreversible cross-linking gives them outstanding dimensional stability, high heat deflection resistance and good chemical resistance. Unlike thermoplastics, thermosets maintain their mechanical properties even at elevated temperatures, which is why they are preferred in thermally and mechanically demanding environments. SENN Gruppe supplies semi-finished products and moulded parts from five proven thermoset families: epoxy resin (EP), phenolic resin (PF), polyurethane (PUR), melamine resin (MF) and unsaturated polyester resin (UP). Whether as sheets, rods, tubes or custom moulded parts — we deliver the right material for electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical, automotive and construction applications. With years of experience, we also advise you on material selection and machining of your thermoset components.
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Thermosets — Dimensionally Stable Under Heat
Thermosets differ fundamentally from thermoplastics: while thermoplastics can be repeatedly melted by heating, thermosets undergo an irreversible chemical cross-linking during curing. The resulting three-dimensional molecular structure provides high dimensional stability, even at temperatures that would long since soften thermoplastics. This makes thermosets particularly suitable for components that must permanently withstand high temperatures, aggressive media or mechanical stress.
SENN Gruppe supplies semi-finished products and finished parts from five thermoset families: epoxy resin (EP), phenolic resin (PF), polyurethane (PUR), melamine resin (MF) and unsaturated polyester resin (UP). Each material covers a specific property profile — from electrical insulation to abrasion resistance to corrosion-resistant GRP structures.
Epoxy Resin (EP)
Epoxy resins rank among the highest-performing thermoset materials and are distinguished by outstanding adhesion, dimensional stability and electrical insulation properties. They are chemically resistant to many acids, alkalis and solvents. EP semi-finished products can be used continuously up to approximately 180 °C, and short-term up to 200 °C.
- Properties: Excellent adhesion, high dimensional stability, good electrical insulation, chemically resistant
- Temperature range: Continuous use up to 180 °C, short-term up to 200 °C
- Applications: Circuit boards (FR4/G10/G11), laminates, coatings, adhesives, tooling
- Supply forms: Sheets, rods, tubes
Phenolic Resin (PF / Bakelite)
Phenolic resin — known under the brand name Bakelite as the first fully synthetic plastic — combines heat deflection resistance with inherent flame retardancy. PF materials are self-extinguishing, produce little smoke and possess good electrical properties. They have proven themselves for over a century in demanding industrial applications.
- Properties: Heat-resistant, self-extinguishing, low smoke emission, good electrical insulation
- Temperature range: Continuous use 150–200 °C
- Applications: Electrical housings, brake pads, switchgear, industrial handles
- Supply forms: Sheets, rods, moulded parts
Polyurethane (PUR)
Polyurethane is one of the most versatile plastics: depending on the formulation, the spectrum ranges from soft foam to hard, elastomeric solids. PUR semi-finished products offer excellent abrasion resistance, high load-bearing capacity and good resistance to oils and greases. Hardness can be adjusted from 20 Shore A to 75 Shore D.
- Properties: Very high abrasion resistance, adjustable from elastic to hard, oil-resistant, high load-bearing capacity
- Hardness range: 20 Shore A to 75 Shore D
- Applications: Rollers, wheels, scrapers, seals, bumpers, damping elements
- Supply forms: Sheets, rods, custom moulded parts
Melamine Resin (MF)
Melamine resin is distinguished by a particularly hard, scratch-resistant surface. The material is colour-fast, heat-resistant up to approximately 170 °C and available in food-safe grades. MF is the preferred material for decorative high-pressure laminates (HPL) and is used wherever surface hardness and visual durability are required.
- Properties: Scratch-resistant surface, colour-fast, heat-resistant, food-safe grades available
- Temperature range: Continuous use up to approx. 170 °C
- Applications: High-pressure laminates (HPL), electrical components, tableware moulds, decorative surfaces
- Supply forms: Sheets
Unsaturated Polyester Resin (UP) and GRP
Unsaturated polyester resins form the matrix component for glass-fibre reinforced plastics (GRP). UP materials are corrosion-resistant, UV-stable and easy to colour. In combination with glass-fibre mats, they produce composite structures with high strength at comparatively low weight — ideal for large-area components in construction, vehicle manufacturing and plant engineering.
- Properties: Corrosion-resistant, UV-stable, easy to colour, high strength as GRP composite
- Special feature: Matrix for GRP (glass-fibre reinforced plastic)
- Applications: Tanks, pipelines, facade panels, boat building, automotive structural components
- Supply forms: GRP sheets, tubes, moulded parts
Supply Forms
We supply thermoset semi-finished products in the following standard forms. Custom sizes and cut-to-size pieces on request.
- Sheets (EP, PF, MF, UP/GRP)
- Rods (EP, PF, PUR)
- Tubes (EP, UP/GRP)
- Moulded parts to drawing (PF, PUR, UP/GRP)
- Laminates and pressed materials (EP, PF, MF)
Industries and Applications
Thermosets are used across a wide range of industries. The key application areas for our customers:
- Electrical engineering: Circuit boards, insulation parts, switchgear (EP, PF)
- Mechanical engineering: Slide bearings, rollers, scrapers, guide elements (PUR, PF)
- Automotive: Structural components, brake pads, GRP body parts (PF, UP)
- Chemical and plant engineering: Corrosion protection, tanks, pipelines (UP/GRP, EP)
- Construction: Facade panels, HPL surfaces, GRP profiles (MF, UP)
Advice and Quotation
Need thermoset semi-finished products or moulded parts? Contact us for individual material advice and a no-obligation quotation.