F-3 SAE Pressed Felt
F-3 SAE Pressed Felt is a strong, durable pressed wool felt with a minimum of 85% wool content (SAE Number F-3, NTA Number 34R3, Commercial Standard Grade 16R3), rated for service from -80°F to 200°F. It delivers 400 psi minimum tensile strength, 13 psi compressibility at 10% deflection, and 99% recovery within 1 minute after 10% deflection per ASTM D461. The material provides excellent abrasion, oxidation, solvent, and UV resistance and is supplied in gray.
Key Properties
- Durometer / Hardness (Shore A): 30 – 40 — ASTM D461
- Tensile Strength (min): 400 psi — ASTM D412
- Compressibility @ 10% Deflection: 13 psi — ASTM D461
- Specific Gravity: 0.34 — ASTM D461
- Temperature Range: -80°F to 200°F — —
- Liquid Absorption: > 190% (1.0 sp gr) — ASTM D461
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- Specifications
- Applications
- General Info
- FAQs
Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Material / Substrate | Pressed Felt | — |
| Color | Gray | — |
| Minimum Wool Content | 85% | — |
| SAE Number | F-3 | — |
| NTA Number | 34R3 | — |
| Commercial Standard Grade | 16R3 | — |
| Specific Gravity | 0.34 | ASTM D461 |
| Density | 15.60 lb/sq yd | ASTM D461 |
| Thickness | 1/8″, 3/16″ | — |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Durometer / Hardness (Shore A) | 30 – 40 | ASTM D461 |
| TENILE STRENGTH (MINIMUM) | 400 psi | ASTM D412 |
| Elongation 100% (100 PSI) | 16 | ASTM D461 |
| Mullen Bursting Strength (1/8″) | 200 psi | ASTM D461 |
| Compressibility @ 10% Deflection | 13 psi | ASTM D461 |
| Recovery Within 1 Minute After 10% Deflection | 99% | ASTM D461 |
| Split Resistance (Minimum) | 22 lb/2″ width | ASTM D461 |
| Dynamic Stress Endurance | High | ASTM D461 |
| Vibration Absorption Static Load Bearing Cap/Unit/Area | High | ASTM D461 |
Thermal Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Temperature Range | -80°F to 200°F | — |
| Thermal Condition @ 70°F | 0.35 btu/(h·ft²·°F) | ASTM D461 |
| Thermal Expansion | 0 | ASTM D461 |
Acoustic / Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC), 1 in | 0.52 | ASTM D461 |
| Coefficient of Friction | 0.37 | ASTM D461 |
| Air Perm (1/16″) | 15-35 cfm/sq ft/0.5″ H2O | ASTM D461 |
| Capillarity (Wicking Height, 575 SSU, 70°F) | 4 | ASTM D461 |
| Liquid Absorption | > 190% (1.0 sp gr) | ASTM D461 |
Chemical Resistance
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Abrasion Resistance | Excellent | — |
| Acid Resistance, Concentrated | Good – Fair | ASTM D461 |
| Acid Resistance, Dilute | Excellent | ASTM D461 |
| Alkali Resistance, Concentrated | Low | ASTM D461 |
| Alkali Resistance, Dilute | Fair | ASTM D461 |
| Oxidation Resistance | Excellent | — |
| Solvent Resistance | Excellent | — |
| UV Resistance | Excellent | — |
- Bearing seals and lubricator wicks requiring oil-resistant, durable gray wool felt
- Ink rolls and printing pads in precision printing and imaging equipment
- Polishing and buffing applications requiring abrasion-resistant felt
- Protective furniture pads and surface protection requiring non-scratch, high-recovery felt
- Wipers and precision industrial components requiring high liquid absorption and durability
Common industries: Industrial equipment, printing and imaging, furniture manufacturing, precision manufacturing, automotive.
F-3 SAE Pressed Felt is a gray pressed wool felt at 30–40 Shore A with a minimum of 85% wool content — lower than the F-1 grade’s 95% — providing a softer compressibility response (13 psi vs. 21 psi at 10% deflection) and higher liquid absorption (>190% vs. >175%) while maintaining the same hardness range and recovery performance.
It is suited for bearing seals, ink rolls, polishing, printing pads, lubricator wicks, protective furniture pads, wipers, and precision applications where good appearance and durability are required. Density is 15.60 lb/sq yd and specific gravity is 0.34.
The material provides a coefficient of friction of 0.37, noise reduction coefficient of 0.52 at 1 in, thermal condition of 0.35 btu/(h·ft²·°F) at 70°F, and zero thermal expansion. Split resistance (minimum) is 22 lb/2″ width. Data was obtained by ASTM D461 test methods, ASTM D2475 Standards, and NTA wool felt specifications.
What differentiates F-3 SAE Pressed Felt from the F-1 and softer SAE felt grades?
F-3 SAE Pressed Felt has the same Shore A hardness range as F-1 (30–40) but a lower minimum wool content (85% vs. 95%), lower tensile strength (400 psi vs. 500 psi min.), lower compressibility resistance (13 psi vs. 21 psi at 10% deflection), and higher liquid absorption (>190% vs. >175%). The gray color and slightly lower density (15.60 lb/sq yd vs. 16 lb/sq yd) further distinguish it. F-3 is appropriate when the compressibility and absorption profile of a lower-wool-content gray felt meets the application requirements.
Why is hardness important for felt selection in industrial applications?
Hardness in pressed felt governs how the material deforms under load, which directly affects its performance in sealing, wicking, polishing, and vibration absorption applications. F-3's 30–40 Shore A hardness indicates a moderate resistance to deformation that supports consistent performance in bearing seals, printing pads, and lubricator wick applications. Its 99% recovery within 1 minute after 10% deflection confirms it returns to near-original thickness after load removal, maintaining dimensional stability over repeated use cycles.
hat is the temperature range for F-3 SAE Pressed Felt?
F-3 SAE Pressed Felt is rated for service from -80°F to 200°F, as listed on the TDS.
Is F-3 SAE Pressed Felt suitable for oil-contact and precision industrial environments?
Yes. The TDS identifies F-3 as an oil-resistant fabric with excellent abrasion, oxidation, solvent, and UV resistance, suited for bearing seals, lubricator wicks, and precision applications. No specific compliance standards are cited on the TDS; data was obtained by ASTM D461 test methods, ASTM D2475 Standards, and NTA wool felt specifications.
How should F-3 SAE Pressed Felt be specified?
Specify grade (F-3 SAE Pressed Felt), thickness, dimensional tolerances, and finished format.
