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Material 101


Micarta is a trade name that was given to thermoset laminates back in the 1890’s by Westinghouse. Phenolic is another name used to describe this hard, dense material. Phenolic sheets are made by applying heat and pressure to layers of Paper, Cotton (linen or canvas), and Glass fabrics impregnated with synthetic resin. When heat and pressure are applied to the layers a chemical reaction (polymerization) transforms the layers into a solid industrial laminated plastic. This industrial laminate, or composite since it is comprised out of a combination of materials, is extremely durable, lightweight, and moisture resistant. It will not soften under the reapplication of heat.

 
Paper, Linen, Canvas laminates as well as G10 composites are what we use here at VZ Grips. The glass composites that are better known as G10 are hazardous to work with but with new enclosed machining and powerful vacuums and air scrubbers we offer this material to our customers.
 
Keep in mind that ALL of the micarta (paper, linen, and canvas) and G10 are extremely strong, an overkill in strength for the application at hand. I have been asked numerous times which is the strongest of the three. The answer is Canvas in the micarta, followed by Linen, then paper. The G10 composite is the sturdiest of all of them. I doubt that you’ll ever see the day you test their strength to the limits.
 

Below, I have explained how each of the three types of micarta and G10 differs from one another and how they may feel once our textures are milled into them. If you should have any further questions regarding the materials we use please feel free to contact me via phone or email.


PAPER

LINEN

Canvas

G10