Rulon by Saint GoBain LR, J & 641
Rulon by Saint GoBain LR, J & 641 are premium PTFE-based engineering materials specifically developed to deliver exceptional wear resistance, low friction performance, and long-lasting durability in demanding industrial environments. These advanced materials are widely used in bearing, sealing, and wear applications where reliable operation without external lubrication is essential.
Rulon LR is one of the most versatile grades in the Rulon family, offering outstanding wear resistance, excellent dimensional stability, and superior performance against hardened steel surfaces. It is commonly selected for bearings, bushings, wear strips, and guide components that require long service life under continuous operation.
Rulon J is engineered for applications requiring an extremely low coefficient of friction and excellent wear characteristics. Its ability to operate effectively against softer mating surfaces makes it an ideal solution for precision equipment, sealing systems, and components where smooth operation and reduced friction are critical.
Rulon 641 is specifically designed for food processing, packaging, and sanitary applications. This high-performance material combines low friction properties with excellent wear resistance and durability, making it suitable for equipment that operates in demanding production environments requiring reliable and consistent performance.
Rulon by Saint GoBain LR, J & 641 materials provide exceptional chemical resistance and are capable of withstanding exposure to a wide range of industrial chemicals, solvents, and corrosive substances. Their resistance to moisture and environmental conditions helps maintain performance even in challenging operating environments.
These PTFE compounds are self-lubricating, eliminating the need for continuous lubrication while reducing maintenance requirements and operational costs. Their low friction characteristics minimize wear on mating surfaces, improve equipment efficiency, and extend component life.
The excellent dimensional stability of Rulon materials allows them to maintain precise tolerances under varying temperatures, loads, and operating conditions. This reliability makes them ideal for critical industrial systems where consistent performance is required.
Industries including aerospace, food processing, packaging, pharmaceutical manufacturing, chemical processing, material handling, industrial automation, transportation, and heavy equipment manufacturing rely on Rulon by Saint GoBain LR, J & 641 for superior bearing and wear performance. These advanced materials continue to be trusted worldwide for applications that demand low friction, exceptional wear resistance, and long-term reliability.
Furon has over forty years of intensive research and development behind its Hulon formutations. This has led to the Rulon family of specially-compounded forms of PTFE fluoropolymer and other inert ingredients. Hundreds of materials were tried along with variations in blending techniques, molding pressures, temperatures, etc., until the ideal Rulon formulas were developed.
Rulon AR was introduced to industry in 1952, as a plastic bearing material with low coefticient of friction, excellent abrasion resistance and extreme resistance to corrosion. It immediately found a great number of applications as a bearing material because it required no lubrication and was capable of performing under severe temperature (-400° to +550°F.) and corrosive conditions. Rulon AR has a 1,000-fold increase in wear resistance over PTFE, lower deformation under load, greater stiffness and higher compressive strength.
Today Saint Gobain Rulon is widely used for electrical, mechanical and chemical applications in industry
Since the advent of Rulon AR, Furon has developed a number of other Rulon formulations for special uses Rulon J. F and LR, etc. These formulations are listed on page 3, indicating their best particular fields of use.
Rulon materials are available in numerous standard forms such as extruded rod, tubing, skived tape, molded rods and tubes, sheets and shapes molded to specifications. They are readily machinable in a manner similar to PTFE and may be surface-treated for bonding.
In addition to Rulon compounds, which are the most widely used formulations, Furon has compounded PTFE fluoropolymer with many other additives such as fiberglass, quartz, mica, carbon, graphite, ceramic fiber, etc. These and other agents have been added to develop specified properties to meet special customer requirements.
Properties, Applications and Availabilities for Rulon
| Properties | Applications | Availabilities |
|---|---|---|
| Dry bearing for continuous service to 20,000 PV | Low cost, high-performance dry bearings for continuous service to 20,000 PV or intermittent service to 50,000 PV. |
Rulon LR – Maroon, Standard Rulon for high wear resistance, low friction, good electrical and chemical properties. |
| Low temps, to -400 degrees F | Low temperatures to -400°F., where oils are useless. | Rulon J – Dull Gold, Special Rulon for certain bearings and seals. Limited chemical resistance, lowest friction and wear, non-abrasive |
| High temps, to +550 degrees F | High temperatures to 550°F. | Rulon 641- White, Specifically developed for food and drug contact bearing applications. Made from all FDA accepted ingredients. |
| High wear resistance | Corrosive substances, non lubricating liquids, high or low humidities. | Rod: .187″ to 2.000″ |
| Low friction | Lubricated applications where wear may occur during starting and stopping. | Sheet: .125″ to 2.000″ |
| Good chemical properties | Oscillating bearings or any case where stick-slip is undersirable. | Tape: .005″ to .125″ |
| Space and weight-saving applications. | Standard Color: Burgundy Red | |
| Where bearing lubrication is undesirable or impossible. |
