Description
F2 cotton phenolic rod (SRBF) – the direct equivalent of Tufnol® Whale brand – in diameters from 15mm to 50mm. A tough, rigid, medium-weave laminate round bar that machines cleanly into bushes, spacers, cams, gears and electrical insulators, at a fraction of the price of branded Tufnol.
- ✔ Same material class as Tufnol Whale – medium-weave cotton fabric bonded with phenolic resin (PF CC 42 / F2 / SRBF)
- ✔ Big savings per metre compared with branded Tufnol rod
- ✔ Strong, tough and wear resistant – handles heavy loads and impact without cracking
- ✔ About half the weight of aluminium, with low water absorption and good dimensional stability
- ✔ Easy to machine – turn, bore, drill and tap with standard tools
Sizes and Weights
Choose your diameter and length above. All prices include VAT.
| Diameter | Lengths available | Approx. weight per 1000mm |
|---|---|---|
| 15mm | 1000mm | 0.24 kg |
| 20mm | 1000mm | 0.43 kg |
| 25mm | 1000mm | 0.67 kg |
| 30mm | 1000mm | 0.96 kg |
| 35mm | 500mm, 1000mm | 1.31 kg |
| 40mm | 500mm, 1000mm | 1.71 kg |
| 45mm | 500mm, 1000mm | 2.16 kg |
| 50mm | 500mm, 1000mm | 2.67 kg |
Need a smaller or larger diameter? See our 10mm, 55mm–80mm and 90mm & 100mm phenolic cotton rod. For gears and parts needing a smoother finish, see our fine-weave rod. Need shorter pieces or a quantity price? Contact us.
F2 Phenolic Cotton vs Tufnol® Whale
Tufnol® is a brand name. Whale brand is a medium-weave cotton phenolic laminate, and F2 (also called SRBF – synthetic resin bonded fabric – or PF CC 42) is the generic grade made from the same type of material. Engineers use F2 wherever Whale is specified for general mechanical parts, and it costs considerably less.
| F2 phenolic cotton (this rod) | Tufnol® Whale | |
|---|---|---|
| Reinforcement | Medium-weave cotton fabric | Medium-weave cotton fabric |
| Resin | Phenolic | Phenolic |
| Max. continuous temperature (typical) | 115°C | 120°C |
| Price | Much lower | Premium brand price |
This product is a Tufnol® Whale equivalent grade, not Tufnol® branded material. Tufnol® is a registered trademark of Tufnol Composites Ltd.
Applications
- Bushes and plain bearings
- Spacers, washers and wear pads
- Gears, cams and rollers for quiet-running mechanisms
- Low-voltage electrical insulators, stand-offs and terminal blocks
- Jigs, fixtures and tooling
- Model engineering and prototyping
Specification
| Material | F2 medium-weave phenolic cotton laminate (SRBF), PF CC 42 – Tufnol® Whale equivalent |
|---|---|
| Form | Round rod (bar) |
| Density (typical) | approx. 1.35 g/cm³ |
| Max. working temperature (typical) | 115°C continuous, 125°C intermittent |
| Electrical | Suitable for low-voltage insulation only |
Machining Tips
- Use sharp HSS or carbide tooling at speeds similar to those for brass.
- Machining produces fine dust – use extraction and wear a suitable dust mask.
- Bonds well with epoxy and contact adhesives after light abrading and degreasing.
Why Buy From Plastics Co UK?
- Clear, all-in pricing – VAT included, delivery shown at checkout before you pay
- Full spec, weights and grade comparison so you know exactly what you're buying
- Cut-to-size and quantity quotes available on request
- VAT invoices available for businesses and workshops
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this genuine Tufnol®?
No. It is F2 phenolic cotton laminate, the standard equivalent grade to Tufnol® Whale, made from the same type of material and used for the same applications at a much lower price.
Can it replace bronze bushes?
Yes, in many applications. It is lighter, runs quietly, resists corrosion and can run with water or minimal lubrication.
Is it food safe?
No. Phenolic laminates should not be used in direct contact with food.
Can I get shorter pieces?
Yes. Contact us with your sizes and quantity for a quote.
All sizes & prices
12 sizes · prices include VAT · tap a price to select that size
| Size | Price | Ex VAT |
|---|---|---|
| 15mm / Brown / 1000mm | £115.95 | £96.63 |
| 20mm / Brown / 1000mm | £125.95 | £104.96 |
| 25mm / Brown / 1000mm | £140.95 | £117.46 |
| 30mm / Brown / 1000mm | £180.95 | £150.79 |
| 35mm / Brown / 500mm | £145.95 | £121.63 |
| 35mm / Brown / 1000mm | £240.95 | £200.79 |
| 40mm / Brown / 500mm | £170.95 | £142.46 |
| 40mm / Brown / 1000mm | £287.95 | £239.96 |
| 45mm / Brown / 500mm | £180.95 | £150.79 |
| 45mm / Brown / 1000mm | £302.95 | £252.46 |
| 50mm / Brown / 500mm | £215.95 | £179.96 |
| 50mm / Brown / 1000mm | £367.95 | £306.63 |
Need a size that isn't listed? We cut to order. Request a quote or call 01744 520110.
Supplying UK engineers, manufacturers and public bodies
