Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Hard composite wood like machining - benolix?

Darren, Hi

Sounds like you're looking for Bakelite. One of the first plastics ever
made, and quite groovy:
From WikiPedia:

*Bakelite* is a brand named <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brand_name>
material based on the thermosetting
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermosetting_plastic> phenol formaldehyde
resin <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenol_formaldehyde_resin>
polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride>,
developed in 1907 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1907>-1909
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1909> by Dr. Leo Baekeland
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leo_Baekeland>. Formed by the reaction
under heat and pressure of phenol <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenol>
and formaldehyde <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formaldehyde>, generally
with a wood flour <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_flour> filler, it
was the first plastic <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic> made from
synthetic components. It was used for its nonconductive
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonconductor> and heat-resistant
properties in radio and telephone casings and electrical insulators
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insulators>, and was also used in diverse
products such as kitchenware <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitchenware>,
jewelry <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewelry>, pipe stems, and toys
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toy>. In 1993 Bakelite was designated a
ACS National Historical Chemical Landmark
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ACS_National_Historical_Chemical_Landmarks>
in recognition of its significance as the world's first completely
synthetic plastic.[1]
<http://acswebcontent.acs.org/landmarks/newproducts_t.html#bakelite>

Happy trails!
Abby
(http://www.silverkatt.co.uk)

> Hey Guys... this is what I'm looking for but not exactly sure of the
> spelling but I believe it sounds like "benolix" (tried Google but
> wasn't correct spelling).
>
> What it is - a dark brown / near black material - (composite plastic?)
> that is very hard and machines very nice?? It can and is commonly used
> for dies where something is pressed around it / inside of it? It can
> be machined to a very nice finish but is easier than metal more like
> very consistent hardwood - plastic wood composition???
>
> Thanks for any help or a substitute material for same. I have some
> aluminum (.035" - .050")I'd like to machine inside / outside dies for
> some parts I have coming up and do not know where to purchase or
> accurate name for same.
>
> Any help appreciated!
> Darren Lucke
>
>

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