Know Everything About RULON® 641

Performance begins with the right selection

Clearly, Rulon offers significant advantages over run-of-the-mill molders, but which Rulon is best for certain applications? To better understand your specific application needs, our team of experienced engineers will frequently ask:

1. What is the application function-is it a bearing, seal or gasket?

2. What is the operating temperature? For design purposes, we need to know how much press fit and close in to account for in the gradient.

3. What is the operating environment? Are you following FDA or USDA guidelines or are you resisting abrasion?

4. What is the speed? Is it rotating, oscillating or linear?

5. What are the bearing loads?

6. What type of hardware?

7. What is the surface finish?

Once we have all of this information, we can customize a solution just for you.

Quality control delivers results

There are literally hundreds of formulations of Rulon, but in our experience,

the most popular are Rulon® 641, Rulon® J, and Rulon® LR. Each offers slightly

different attributes, yet all have delivered superior results to our clients.

Choose the Rulon that is right for your application:

RULON® 641

FDA-compliant material suitable for stainless steel and soft mating surfaces

down to Rb25 hardness. Excellent chemical resistance

RULON® J

Offers the lowest coefficient of friction and highest life for stainless steel and

other soft mating surfaces down to Rb25 hardness. Good chemical resistance.

RULON® LR

Gives the best chemical resistance for mild-to-hardened steel shafting and

counterfaces. Low deformation and self-lubricating

Rulon 641

Rulon 641 is a white, FDA-compliant material that was originally developed for the food and pharmaceutical industries. It delivers excellent load and wear, and was the first Rulon material to receive FDA compliance. And it has just received USP Class VI approval for direct contact with human tissue and fluids-a claim no other filled PTFE can make.

Rulon 641 delivers:

• White-colored material to indicate sanitation

• Works against stainless and aluminum, without wear

• Self-lubricating

• Resistant to wash-downs

• Maintains performance from cryogenic to scorching temperatures

• Meets medium load and speed requirements

• PV rating of 10,000

• Meet FDA standards for contact with food and pharmaceuticals

Rulon 641 in Medical Devices

Challenge:

A major manufacturer of surgical devices approached us to improve the vacuum pressure controls and reduce noise levels on their new rotary vane pump; a device used to perform aspirations during cataract surgery. They cited that although the aspiration device would run at low speeds,housing conformity and vane sealability had to be ensured. And since the unit would have direct contact with the eye, all components needed to meet FDA certification.

Solution:

After close collaboration and research, our team recommended Rulon 641 for the vane seals. The material meets all appropriate FDA regulations, can withstand the sterilization wash-down procedures required of medical instruments, and boasts an expansive operating range. Our team also employed specialized fabrication techniques to ensure a tight tolerance and a superior finish so the seal would match the bore.

Result:

Our client reports the Rulon 641 vane seals have proven efficient and cost-effective-and more importantly-surgeons now have better control of vacuumlevels and volumetric flow to help ensure better surgical outcomes.