Getting Bakelite -- Re: Anyone remember Bakelite?

- K
- Kevin G. Rhoads
  
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posted
20 years ago

Fri, Jul 11, 2003 2:49 PM

I know that they don't use Bakelite
>anymore,

Bakelite powder can still be obtained. The problem will be getting moulds and moulding equipment to press it while baking it. But the supply houses for metallurgical preparation have Bakelite powder for sale. It is used for casting sample holders around metal shards or pieces as the first step in the preparation for metalurgical analysis. (?sp) Buehler is one supplier. They also sell moulds and moulding equipement, primarily for casing 1" diameter cylinders of arbitrary height.

- S
- Spehro Pefhany
  
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posted
20 years ago

Fri, Jul 11, 2003 3:15 PM

Bakelite (phenolic resin) is still used in HUGE quantity for inexpensive high temperature moldings, although some other expensive engineering [thermo]plastics such as the liquid crystal polymers and polyimides can now compete on performance.

It's a thermoset resin and is compression molded rather than injection molded. Appliance parts (electrical and thermal insulating parts such as plug bodies and handles), electrical and automotive parts such as distributor caps are typical applications. The machine I've seen used slugs of powder compressed into a highly polished mold at rather high temperature.

Best regards, Spehro Pefhany

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- N
- N. Thornton
  
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posted
20 years ago

Fri, Jul 11, 2003 5:22 PM

Dont underestimate this one - When Ekco made radio cases from bakelite they used a press delivering over 100 tons of force to get that powder squished together. Bakelite is also thermoset not thermoplastic. Making things that way will not be easy, unless theres some clever trick I dont know of.

Bakelite was developed as a substitute for shellac, shellac is way easier to use! And easy to get hold of too.

Regards, NT

- D
- Dr. Rev. Chuck, M.D. P.A.
  
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posted
20 years ago

Sun, Jul 13, 2003 8:58 AM

Check suppliers like Woodcraft for burn-in shellac sticks, used to repair nicked furniture. I imagine they can just as readily be melted and poured into molds. The purity is higher than canned shellac, which always contains up to 10% wax, which you'd have to let settle out for two weeks, minimum. Shelf life is a BIG drawback with the canned stuff. Don't use it within six months of purchase, it'll fail to cure. With the stick form, shelf life is forever.