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Felt is truly a remarkable product. It owes its uniqueness to the ability of sheep wool to "felt." The wool fiber has a resilient core encased in a rigid jacket covered with microscopic barbs, or scales. With heat, moisture and pounding, the fibers relax, curl and interlock in all directions. With increased hammering and pounding, the fibers are compressed or hardened into an unbelievable tight, dense mass. The resulting product is so firm and compact that it can be turned on a lathe, routed, ground, sanded, skived, and drilled. Few other materials can be machined to such close tolerances while still retaining a degree of resilience. 100% wool felt is divided into two broad classifications-- SAE felt and technical felt. (Click here for more information on technical felt.) SAE felt is available in rolls or sheets. Technical felt is available only in sheets. Density, which relates to hardness, determines major property differences. Felt density is determined by weighing a 36" x 36" x 1" sample. For example, if a 36" x 36" x 1" felt sheet weighs 20 lbs., it is referred to as "20-lb. felt." Engineers and designers specify
felt for numerous and various reasons and applications including vibration
absorption, noise reduction, bearing strength, sealing, wicking or fluid
transmission, lubrication, roller bearings, filters, heat barriers, bumpers,
components, liners, retainers, shock absorbers, weather seals, dust shields,
anti-squeaking, insulation, padding, plugs, packing, polishing (glass,
stone, jewelry, fiberglass metals, plastics, etc.), furniture rubbing and
staining, burnishing, pen nibs, lamp bases, legging, sleeves, and countless
others.
Note: the following information is intended to as a basic introduction to the S.A.E. pressed felt grades with some suggested uses. For detailed technical specifications, please consult the information accessible from the cascade on the main navigation menu or by clicking on the S.A.E. identifiers below. And always remember that Southeastern Felt & Supply can provide additional information and practical experience applications once we are familiar with your specific situation. S.A.E. F-1 is suitable for oil retention in installations where the felt is not compressed for feeding low viscosity or light oil and where unusual strength and hardness are required. Washers, bushings, wicks, door bumpers, polishing blocks and parts where wear and resistance to abrasion are required are typical applications. S.A.E. F-2 and F-3 are recommended for vibration mountings and the same general purposes as F-1 but where a felt of slightly lower quality is satisfactory. S.A.E. F-5, F-6 andF-7 are recommended for dust shields, wipers, grease retainer washings vibration mountings, and uses where a resilient felt is required. S.A.E. F-10 and F-11are recommended for grease and oil retention where the felt is confined and compressed in assembly. Also recommended for dust shields under less severe operating conditions where F-5, F-6, and F-7 are not required. S.A.E. F-13 and F-15 are recommended for sound deadening, chassis strips, spacers, dust shields, pedal pads, dash liners, and for mechanical purposes where abrasion and wear are not important factors. S.A.E. F-26 is suitable for packing and padding when held in place between other materials. This grade should not be used for mechanical purposes. S.A.E. F-50 is recommended for ball and roller bearing oil retainer washers and small dust excluding washers. Also for mechanical purposes where an accurate, thin, smooth high grade felt is required. S.A.E. F-51 is recommended for the same general uses as F-50 but in installations where tolerances and length of life are not as important. Also for thin cut parts such as gaskets and liners. S.A.E. F-55 is recommended for anti-squeak strips and for lining when cemented to fiber board or metal panels. |
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