Elder Engineering - Plastics Engineering

Tufnol RL tubes

The TUFNOL Rolled Laminated tube range has been developed to complement the range of moulded laminated tubes.

Rolled laminated tubes are manufactured by winding resin impregnated paper or fabric on to a steel mandrel, using heated pressure rollers. The tightly wound tubes are placed in heated ovens, where the resin cures, forming rigid tubes.

RLtubes have high mechanical strength, low water absorption and are resistant to the chemical attack of mild acids and alkalis. They are good electrical insulators, have a high strength to weight ratio and can be machined easily with standard tools.

As a general rule, paper based tubes are used on applications where electrical insulation is a prime requirement and fabric based tubes are used where mechanical strength or wear resistance are required.

Glass fabric grades have high mechanical strength with good electrical performance and are used for more demanding situations, where wear resistance is not needed.

TUFNOL RL tubes are suitable for a wide range of applications in many industries, including bobbins, wear rings, rollers, coil formers, spacers, sleeving and many types of insulating components in the electrical industry, containers for pyrotechnics and ordanance, ball race cages and many more. These examples clearly illustrate the versatility of TUFNOL rolled laminated tubes.

Paper Based RL Pbenolic Tubes

Grade RLP/1
A low cost economical quality grade, suitable for low voltage electrical applications and some mechanical uses, Machines well.

Grade RLP/2
A good electrical insulator with good dielectric properties, to BS EN 61212 Type PF CP 23.

Grade RLP/3
Superior mechanical properties to RLP/l, particularly with regard to its higher bursting strength. Machines well.

Cotton Fabric Phenolic RL Tubes

Grade RLF/1
A fine weave cotton fabric grade with good electrical and mechanical qualities. Machines well and is suitable for intricate components.

Grade RLF/2
Fairly fine weave, developed mainly for its good mechanical strength, but suitable for low voltage electrical applications. Machines well.

Grade RLF/3
A medium weave grade giving improved wear resistance where surface finish and intricate machining are not required. Suitable for low voltage electrical applications.

Glass Fabric Epoxy RL Tubes

Grade RLG/1
A woven glass fabric grade with superior electrical properties, mechanical strength, rigidity and dimensional stability. Performs well at elevated temperatures.

Grade RLG/3
Similar to RLG/ 1 but with increased strength at higher temperatures. (Class F).

Glass Fabric Silicone RL Tubes
Grade RLG/7
Silicone resin and glass fabric give this grade excellent characteristics with low loss tangent and very good temperature resistance. Ideal for high frequency and higher temperature usage.