Raw Materials & Manufacturing — Comparison Chart
| Factor | HiBoard™ | Forbon (Phenolic) |
|---|---|---|
| Feedstock Source |
Renewable plant fiber |
Fossil fuel / petrochemical |
| Hazardous Chemistry |
Non-phenolic, low-toxicity system |
Phenol + formaldehyde resin |
| Manufacturing Energy Intensity |
Lower-temp processing |
High-temp cure under pressure |
| VOC / Hazardous Byproducts |
Minimal hazardous waste |
VOC + hazardous waste risk |
| Embodied Carbon (Relative) |
Lower embodied carbon |
Higher due to petrochemicals |
Source to Sheet — Material Lifecycle Comparison
| Lifecycle Stage | HiBoard™ | Forbon (Phenolic) |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Material Extraction |
Renewable plant fiber cultivation |
Oil & gas extraction |
| Chemical Inputs |
Non-phenolic, low-toxicity binder system |
Phenol + formaldehyde resins |
| Processing & Curing |
Lower-temperature processing |
High-temperature cure under pressure |
| Energy Intensity (Relative) |
Reduced energy input |
Energy-intensive resin curing |
| Emissions & Waste |
Minimal hazardous waste |
VOC + hazardous waste generation |
| Cradle-to-Gate Carbon Impact |
Lower embodied carbon (relative) |
Higher due to petrochemical inputs |
Builder Safety & Workshop Health — Comparison Chart
| Factor | HiBoard™ | Forbon (Phenolic) |
|---|---|---|
| Dust Hazard (Cutting / Sanding) |
Lower-toxicity, wood-like dust profile |
Phenolic dust (irritant / hazardous) |
| Fume Risk (Laser / Heat) |
Better suited for laser + shop use (with ventilation) |
Not recommended without industrial filtration |
| PPE Burden |
Standard dust control + common PPE |
Higher PPE demands + strict dust control |
| Shop Air Quality (Small Spaces) |
Better suited for garages / classrooms |
Harder to manage safely without extraction |
| Skin / Handling Irritation (Relative) |
Lower irritation risk during handling |
Higher irritation risk from dust/contact |
| Education / Makerspace Suitability |
Aligned with classroom safety expectations |
Often restricted due to dust/fume concerns |
HiBoard™ FAQ
Short, engineer-safe answers you can publish without overclaiming.
Is HiBoard™ “phenolic” or “Forbon”?
No. HiBoard™ is a non-phenolic fiber insulation material engineered for pickup flatwork. It is designed to avoid phenol-formaldehyde resin systems commonly used in phenolic paper laminates (often referred to as Forbon).
Is HiBoard™ “all natural” or chemical-free?
HiBoard™ is plant-fiber based, but like all engineered materials it uses controlled processing aids and bonding chemistry. We avoid phenol-formaldehyde resin systems and focus on non-phenolic, low-toxicity processes.
How is this different from traditional “steel paper” / vulcanized fiber?
Traditional non-resin fiber materials can be highly aligned with environmental goals, but grades vary widely. Some are resin-modified (including phenolic impregnation), which changes safety and disposal characteristics. HiBoard™ is intentionally positioned in the non-phenolic category with modern consistency controls for pickup manufacturing.
Is HiBoard™ safe to laser cut?
HiBoard™ is better suited for laser cutting than phenolic laminates, but any laser cutting requires ventilation and fume extraction. Always use proper airflow, filtration, and follow your laser manufacturer’s safety guidance.
Does HiBoard™ create hazardous dust when CNC machining?
HiBoard™ is designed to reduce the hazards associated with phenolic dust. That said, all machining produces particulates—use dust collection, respiratory protection as appropriate, and follow shop safety best practices.
Will HiBoard™ affect tone?
Flatwork primarily contributes through dimensional stability, coil geometry, and electrical insulation. HiBoard™ is engineered to support consistent coil builds and reliable insulation. If you’re doing controlled A/B testing, we recommend keeping all other variables constant (wire, tension, magnets, charge, potting, baseplate, cover, etc.).
What thicknesses and colors are available?
HiBoard™ is offered in multiple standard thicknesses and is available in black, grey, and red. If you need a specific thickness or tolerance window for production, contact us and we’ll confirm what’s available.
Is HiBoard™ recyclable or biodegradable?
HiBoard™ has a more favorable end-of-life profile than thermoset phenolic laminates, but real-world recyclability depends on local facilities and how the material is used. We avoid broad “recyclable everywhere” claims and focus on measurable reductions in phenolic chemistry and associated hazards.
Is HiBoard™ intended to replace every phenolic application?
No. HiBoard™ is engineered specifically for pickup flatwork and related guitar/bass insulation uses. If you have a higher-heat or specialized industrial application, we’re happy to review requirements and advise whether HiBoard™ is a fit.
Do you provide an SDS and technical data?
Yes. We can share an SDS and available technical information (typical thickness tolerance, density range, and handling guidance). For OEM evaluation, we can also discuss batch consistency and machining recommendations.