Tufnol Rod
Tufnol Rod
SRBF - Synthetic Resin Bonded Fabric
Tufnol Rod, a resilient and versatile engineering material, stands out with its remarkable properties. With exceptional electrical insulation and high mechanical strength, it serves a myriad of applications. Tufnol Rod's outstanding resistance to wear and chemicals ensures long-lasting performance in challenging environments. Its self-lubricating properties further enhance its appeal in dynamic applications. This reliable material finds utility in diverse industries, from electrical and mechanical components to specialised bearings and bushings, proving its worth in various demanding settings.
Mechanical Properties
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Density: 1.36(sheet) 1.35(rod)/cm³
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Tensile strength: 68 MPa
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Cross breaking strength: 130 MPa
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Compressive strength (flatwise): 310 MPa
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Compressive strength (edgewise): 200 MPa
Thermal Properties
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Maximum working temperature – continuous: 120°C
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Maximum working temperature – intermittent: 130°C
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Specific heat: 1.5 kJ/kgK)
Frequently asked questions
Tufnol Rod, specifically Whale Tufnol Rod, is a medium weave cotton and phenolic resin laminated plastic material designed for mechanical engineering purposes. It is suitable for wear-resistant components such as bearings, bushes, spacers, and low voltage applications. Tufnol Rod is dimensionally stable and can be used either dry or lubricated with water, oils, or grease. It offers excellent physical properties, including rigidity, strength, toughness, and wear resistance.
Tufnol Rod offers several advantages, such as rigidity with high strength and low weight, good electrical and thermal insulation properties, and a maximum working temperature of around 120 to 130 degrees Celsius, which is higher than nylon. It is non-corrosive and can reduce corrosion in metal parts. Tufnol Rod is resistant to heavy loads with minimal creep and exhibits excellent weather resistance, as well as good resistance to chemicals, oils, solvents, and hydrocarbons.
Tufnol Rod has a few drawbacks, including its unsuitability for use as washers or gears. It is suitable only for low voltage applications and may produce dust during machining. Additionally, it can be challenging to produce very intricate or delicate parts with Tufnol Rod.
Tufnol Rod, similar to plywood, is quite rigid, up to twice as much as nylon. Its inherent rigidity reduces creep, making it more stable under stress. In comparison to nylon, Tufnol Rod exhibits less creep when subjected to torque, resulting in better bolt retention. Tufnol Rod performs well in low friction sliding applications and offers excellent wear resistance and toughness.
Tufnol Rod is a versatile material used in a wide range of mechanical applications and general uses. Common applications include spacers, rollers, jigs and fixtures, wear-resistant components, low voltage insulation, and more.
Tufnol Rod is not suitable for circuit board parts, covers, and high electrical insulation applications.
Tufnol Rod cannot be melted to re-shape it, so finished components are made by machining using conventional machine tools like saws, drills, lathes, milling machines, or CNC machines. Machining Tufnol can produce dust and may cause the material to melt and adhere to the cutting tool. Delicate machined components are subject to shearing due to its plywood-like construction.
Tufnol can be bonded to various materials using appropriate adhesives, such as araldite, epoxy, and contact adhesives.
Tufnol should not be used in any food applications where it may come into contact with food products.
Yes, Tufnol Rod has good wear resistance and toughness.
Tufnol has good resistance to chemicals, oils, solvents, and hydrocarbons, although concentrated acids and alkalis may attack laminates.
Whale Tufnol is made primarily of cotton sheets and phenolic chemical resin, pre-soaked, and cured to create a tightly bonded rod. The production process involves crushing and curing under high pressure and heat. Finished rods have a smaller diameter than their original size. Tufnol Rod has inherent rigidity and stability, similar to plywood.
Tufnol Whale Rod is available in brown (light tan colour) and in diameters ranging from 6mm up to 100mm. Larger diameters are also available.
Tufnol Rod is a non-metallic material with excellent properties. It is hard, rigid, strong, and lightweight, making it suitable for various mechanical applications. It also offers good electrical insulation and weather resistance, as well as resistance to wear and abrasion.
Tufnol Rod is not suitable for gears or washers due to its layered construction. It is not recommended for high electrical insulation applications.
Tufnol Rod, also known as Whale Tufnol, is a versatile and durable material designed for mechanical engineering applications. It offers rigidity, strength, and toughness, making it suitable for various components in wear-resistant and low voltage applications. While it is not suitable for high electrical insulation or delicate parts, Tufnol Rod performs well in sliding applications and exhibits excellent wear resistance and dimensional stability.