This was an excellent question from a customer wondering how long they could store non-etched Rulon materials. When handled and stored properly, Rulon has an unlimited shelf life. But when the material is etched, the answer is not quite as simple.
June 11, 2015
This was an excellent question from a customer wondering how long they could store non-etched Rulon materials. When handled and stored properly, Rulon has an unlimited shelf life. But when the material is etched, the answer is not quite as simple.
We’ve just read a new study from Harvard University* that confirms what we’ve often mentioned here on Tech Talk – genuine Rulon® materials are far superior to their look-alike counterfeit components. Yet counterfeit Rulon continues to be a big challenge in the plastics industry, with literally dozens of compounders selling (what they claim to be) “genuine” Rulon, when in fact these materials are often a blend of inferior resins.
How can you Recognize Genuine Rulon and Avoid Counterfeit? We’ve got a guide for that!
November 12, 2014
Rugged Rulon 1337 for slide pads and rolling element retainers
When a major manufacturer of vacuum chambers required a self-lubricating bearing to replace their failing metal components, we knew Rulon® bearings would fit the bill. Our Engineering Experts took a site visit to the client, and recommended Rulon 1337; a material that is comprised solely of FDA-compliant materials, and offers durability and extended service with most mating surfaces.
June 11, 2014
The oil and gas industry has high demands for bearings. Extreme temperatures and high loads, near-constant use, plus the increasing scrutiny of the industry’s impact on the environment are all top-of-mind. Historically, carbon graphite and glass-filled bearings have been the preferred materials, but Rulon® 945 is now the preferred choice for oil and gas compressors.
April 24, 2014
Self-lubricating bearing material receives USP Class VI compliance
We are pleased to announce that Rulon® 1439 ― an excellent seal and bearing material for medical and pharmaceutical processing ― is now fully-certified for use in medical device disposables, according to the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). USP is an independent public-health organization committed to purity testing for medicines, food ingredients, and dietary supplements. Here’s why USP certification is important for medical bearing materials.
April 17, 2014
Rulon® is one of the materials that we are asked about most often. While there are over 300 unique formulas of this material, today we’ll review some of the most-common formulas. No matter which formula your application requires, you should expect a versatile, self-lubricating, and low-friction material for bearings, seals, gaskets and structural components.
In the last few weeks we’ve reviewed the features and benefits of various Rulon® formulas. But if there is one objection to this material that we hear, it is generally related to cost. Rulon is not an inexpensive material to work with, but with careful design, there are ways to reduce the impact of customized materials. This is where our in-house engineering and fabrication teams can help you design components for improved cost savings.
Q: Our shop is designing bearings for use in a submerged application, which Rulon® formula would you recommend for use in these conditions?
We recently answered a question via our Ask the Experts forum from a client searching for a tape with outstanding wear qualities. Rulon tapes outperform all products in their category. In rotation tests, this material offered 500x wear resistance, and very low friction. Rulon tapes are available in both low temperature acrylic and high-temperature, clean-release silicone adhesive.
