Norplex-Micarta’s (Pottsville, Iowa) new line of nonadhesive thermoset prepregs (B-stage materials, see photo) are dry to the touch and therefore do not require the release film found on conventionally tacky prepregs. Available substrates include glass fiber, carbon fiber, cotton fiber, paper and customer-specific substrates; resin systems include phenolic, epoxy, melamine and specialty formulations. Also new is RT628, a machinable phenolic-paper composite tube material said to be less rigid than standard phenolic-paper tubing. Its tensile strength of 12,300 psi/84.81 MPa, compressive strength of 22,500 psi/155.13 MPa, electrical insulation properties and moisture resistance (absorption of 1.3 percent) reportedly make it suitable for use in both electrical and general-purpose applications, such as inserts, bushings, washers, rollers, collars, spacers, sleeves, guide tubes and processing rollers.