Tufnol
Tufnol is a brand of industrial laminated plastics, often used as an alternative to metal in various applications. It is known for its strength, durability and electrical insulating properties. Tufnol sheets are available in various grades, each with specific properties suitable for different mechanical and electrical needs.
Key characteristics of Tufnol
- Strength and rigidity – Tufnol is a strong and rigid material, offering good resistance to wear and tear.
- Electrical insulation – many Tufnol grades are excellent electrical insulators, making them suitable for electrical component applications.
- Variety of grades including paper, fabric and glass, each with unique properties.
- Machinability – easily machinable allowing for the creation of custom components.
- Heat resistance – some Tufnol grades offer good heat resistance suitable for applications involving elevated temperatures.
- Water resistance – Tufnol is generally waterproof and resistant to corrosion making it suitable for various environments.
Common applications
- Electrical insulation – terminal boards, mounting panels, coil formers, insulating sleeves and bushes, busbar supports and other electrical components.
- Mechanical components – bearings, washers, gears and other parts where strength and wear resistance is needed.
- General engineering – wide range of applications including, but not limited to, aerospace and marine.
Specific Tufnol grades
- Kite Tufnol – a general purpose electrical insulation grade, often used for terminal boards, insulating sleeves and other electrical components.
- Whale Tufnol – a cotton fabric laminate, known for its general strength, toughness and wear resistance.
- Grade 6G/92 – SRBGF (synthetic resin bonded glass fabric) material has excellent mechanical strength and insulation properties at elevated temperatures.
- Grade 10G/24 – A phenolic glass fabric laminate with good electrical insulation, high mechanical strength and excellent fire properties.