F-55 SAE Pressed Felt
F-55 SAE Pressed Felt is a pressed wool felt with a minimum of 75% wool content (SAE Specification J314 F-55, ASTM Classification D2475 26R3, Federal Specification C-F-206G 12R3X), rated for service from -80°F to +200°F (-62°C to +93°C). It delivers 200 psi minimum tensile strength and 99% recovery within 1 minute after 10% deflection. Supplied in grey with a standard roll width of 60″ (1.52 m), it is available only in thin precision thicknesses of 1/16″ and 3/32″. The F-55 has the same specifications as F-7 but denotes a thickness less than 1/16″ and is rated 9 on a firmness scale of 1–10 for high resilience. Due to its high resilience, F-55 is recommended for uses where surface integrity is needed and color is required.
Key Properties
- Hardness Range (Shore A): — — ASTM D2240
- Tensile Strength (min): 200 psi — ASTM D412
- Compressibility (10% defl.): — — ASTM D461
- Nominal Specific Density: 0.26 g/cm³ — —
- Temperature Range: -80°F to +200°F | -62°C to +93°C — —
- Liquid Absorption — By Weight: > 225% (1.0 sp gr) — ASTM D461
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- Specifications
- Applications
- General Info
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Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Material | Felt | — |
| Color | Grey | — |
| Minimum Wool Content | 75% | — |
| Specification (J314) | F-55 | — |
| ASTM Classification (D2475) | 26R3 | ASTM D2475 |
| Federal Specification (C-F-206G) | 12R3X | — |
| Nominal Specific Density | 0.26 g/cm³ | — |
| Standard Thickness Range | 1/16″ to 3/32″ | 1.6mm to 2.4mm | — |
| Standard Width | 60″ | 1.52m | — |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Tensile Strength (min) | 200 psi | ASTM D412 |
| Elongation 100% (100 psi) | 25 | ASTM D461 |
| Mullen Bursting Strength (1/8″) | 200 psi | ASTM D461 |
| Split Resistance (min) | — | — |
| Hardness Range (Shore A) | — | ASTM D2240 |
| Compressibility (10% defl.) | — | ASTM D461 |
| Recovery (within 1 min after 10% defl.) | 99% | ASTM D461 |
| Vibration Absorption — Static Load Bearing Cap/Unit Area | — | — |
| Vibration Absorption — Dynamic Stress Endurance | — | — |
Thermal Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Temperature Range | -80°F to +200°F | -62°C to +93°C | — |
| Thermal Condition (70°F) | 0.30 btu / hr / sq ft / °F / in | ASTM D461 |
| Thermal Expansion | 0 | ASTM D461 |
Acoustic / Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Noise Reduction Coefficient (1″) | 0.58 | ASTM D461 |
| Coefficient of Friction | 0.37 | ASTM D461 |
| Air Permeability (1/16″) | 20–50 cfm / sq ft / 0.5″ H₂O | ASTM D461 |
| Capillarity (Wicking Height, 575 SSU, 70°F) | 3 | ASTM D461 |
| Liquid Absorption — By Weight | > 225% (1.0 sp gr) | ASTM D461 |
| Liquid Absorption — By Volume | 81% | ASTM D461 |
Chemical Resistance
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Abrasion Resistance | Good | — |
| Effect of Sunlight and Oxidation | None | — |
| Solvent Resistance and Stability in Oil | Excellent | — |
| Acid Resistance — Dilute | Good | ASTM D461 |
| Acid Resistance — Concentrated | Fair | ASTM D461 |
| Alkali Resistance — Dilute | Fair | ASTM D461 |
| Alkali Resistance — Concentrated | Low | ASTM D461 |
Thickness & Weight Tolerances (Imperial)
| Nominal (Inches) | Limits (Inches) | Nominal (lb/yd²) | Limits (lb/yd²) |
| 1/16 | 0.056 – 0.070 | 0.75 | 0.712 – 0.788 |
| 3/32 | 0.087 – 0.101 | 1.13 | 1.087 – 1.163 |
Thickness & Weight Tolerances (Metric)
| Nominal (mm) | Limits (mm) | Nominal (kg/m²) | Limits (kg/m²) |
| 1.6 | 1.42 – 1.78 | 0.41 | 0.39 – 0.43 |
| 2.4 | 2.21 – 2.57 | 0.61 | 0.59 – 0.63 |
Compliance
- ASTM D2475 — Compliant (Classification 26R3)
- Washers, bushings, and thin-gauge spacers requiring high-resilience grey wool felt
- Wicks and felt heads in lubrication systems requiring thin precision felt sections
- Door bumpers and vibration mountings in applications requiring thin, resilient felt
- Polishing blocks and abrasion-resistant parts where thin-gauge grey felt is specified
- Applications requiring F-7 equivalent performance in thicknesses less than 1/16″
Common industries: Industrial equipment, precision manufacturing, automotive, furniture manufacturing, lubrication systems.
F-55 SAE Pressed Felt is a thin-gauge grey pressed wool felt at 0.26 g/cm³ nominal specific density, classified as ASTM D2475 26R3 and rated 9 on a firmness scale of 1–10.
It carries the same specifications as F-7 but is designated specifically for thicknesses less than 1/16″ and is characterized by high resilience for surface integrity — making it appropriate for applications where a firm, resilient thin felt is needed and where color availability matters. The TDS product description states a minimum tensile strength of 500 psi; the data table lists 200 psi minimum.
Both are reproduced from the TDS as received; end-users should verify with H-O Products technical support.
Hardness, compressibility, split resistance, and vibration absorption values are listed as “—” in the TDS data table — no values are provided for these properties. Recovery is 99% within 1 minute after 10% deflection. Liquid absorption by weight exceeds 225% and by volume is 81%. NRC is 0.58 at 1 in. Standard roll width is 60″ (1.52m).
Compliant with ASTM D2475 — Classification 26R3.
What differentiates F-55 SAE Pressed Felt from the F-7 grade?
F-55 SAE Pressed Felt carries the same specifications as F-7 but is designated for thicknesses less than 1/16" — specifically 1/16" and 3/32" standard gauges — and is characterized by high resilience for surface integrity, rated 9 on a firmness scale of 1–10 (vs. F-7's rating of 7). Its Federal Specification is 12R3X (vs. 12R3 for F-7), and minimum wool content is 75% (vs. 80% for F-7). F-55 is appropriate when the performance characteristics of the 26R3 classification are needed in a thin-section format where color is also required.
Why is hardness important for felt selection in thin-gauge precision applications?
For thin-gauge felt such as F-55, resilience and recovery are the primary functional properties governing surface integrity and consistent performance in washers, bushings, and precision mechanical components. F-55's 99% recovery after deflection confirms reliable elastic response, and its high firmness rating (9 on a scale of 1–10) indicates it maintains its section under cyclic load — important for thin felt components that must preserve dimensional integrity in service. Note that hardness and compressibility values are listed as "—" on the TDS data table for this grade.
What is the temperature range for F-55 SAE Pressed Felt?
F-55 SAE Pressed Felt is rated for service from -80°F to +200°F (-62°C to +93°C), as listed on the TDS.
Is F-55 SAE Pressed Felt suitable for specification-controlled industrial environments?
Yes. F-55 SAE Pressed Felt is classified as ASTM D2475 26R3 and meets Federal Specification C-F-206G 12R3X, as listed on the TDS.
How should F-55 SAE Pressed Felt be specified?
Specify grade (F-55 SAE Pressed Felt), thickness, compliance requirements (ASTM D2475 26R3 / C-F-206G 12R3X), dimensional tolerances, and finished format.
