Standardization News

F3131, Specification for Epoxy/Cotton Raw Materials for Use in Bearing Cages, is a new ASTM standard that will benefit manufacturers of nearly any products that involve motion and bearings.

ASTM member Drake DeFrane says that F3131 is the first major standard to provide a guideline for engineering and design applications of epoxy/cotton raw materials used for making components that encase bearings. The proposed specification will cover basic characteristics required for porous laminated epoxy materials intended for use as instrument and thin-section ball-bearing cages. F3131 will also include methods for determining these characteristics.

"Principally, applications for F3131 are directed toward ball bearing retainers as an alternative composite, offering improved properties and characteristics compared to phenolic composites," says DeFrane.

According to DeFrane, in addition to the improved dimensional stability, the epoxy/cotton composite can be used in low power factory applications, such as oil-filled transformers acting as an electrical insulator, along with use in very cold environments, where liquid nitrogen is involved.

Both manufacturers and users of bearings will benefit from the eventual approval and publication of F3131.

"The standard will be used for comparison with other material currently in use, along with assuring consumers of key property values critical to bearing performance," says DeFrane.

F3131 was developed by Subcommittee F34.06 on Aerospace, part of ASTM International Committee F34 on Rolling Element Bearings. Interested parties are welcome to take part in the activities of F34.06. .

CONTACT Technical Information: Drake DeFrane, Norplex-Micarta • Postville, Iowa • tel +1.563.864.4269 | ASTM Staff: Joseph Hugo • tel +1.610.832.9740 | Upcoming Meeting: Nov. 17-19 • November Committee Week • Tampa, Fla.