Rods

Atlas Fibre supplies thermoset rods available for companies that wish to perform fabrication and machining in-house. We have the largest selection of in-stock thermoset rods in North America at our facility in Illinois.

If you are unsure which materials are best for your project or which type of thermoset material will offer the best performance, we can help. We have a resource center capable of providing expert guidance and advice to minimize project costs and complexity. If you have further questions, please get in touch with one of our expert team.

Learn more about our selection of stock thermoset composite rods.

Composite Rods

There are two ways to produce composite rods — grinding cut sheets, also known as “sheet rods,” and rolling composite prepreg, aka “rolled and molded.” Ground plastic rods are made from square bars of thermoset composite sheets that are ground into circular outside diameters, then cut into lengths. Rolled rods are made after thermoset material is rolled into a tube, then compressed into a mold. Rolled and molded rods are usually concentric with the outside diameter.

Sheet rod is best utilized when the application needs to be completely free of voids, while rolled and molded rods are best when “hoop strength” is required. Sheet rod is also generally less expensive than rolled and molded rod.

Each method has its advantages and drawbacks. We’ll work with you to help you choose the option that best suits your project.

Thermoset Rods

Atlas Fibre has thermoset rods available in many different materials. Our material options include:

  • Glass epoxy rods, including G-10 rods, G-11 rods, and FR-4 rods
  • Linen phenolic rods, including L and LE-grade rods
  • Canvas phenolic rods, including C and CE-grade rods
  • Glass melamine rods
  • Glass silicone rods
  • Among other composite materials

Choosing the Right Size for Composite Rods

The available length and thickness of a composite rod depend on the material used. Rod thickness can range from less than an inch to several inches. The correct thickness depends on your specific goals and applications.

Standard rod length is typically 48 inches, but Atlas Fibre can also produce rods up to 120 inches long. We can cut any rod to size.

Choosing the Right Material for Thermoset Rods

Material matters when choosing thermoset rods. Different materials have specific strengths, temperature tolerances and insulation properties. The right materials for your needs depend on where you plan to use the rod and its application.

If you know that you’ll use the rods in an application that will expose them to sub-zero temperatures, you’ll need to choose a material that’s appropriate for use in cryogenic applications. If you plan on using thermoset rods in applications that produce extreme heat, you’ll need materials with high thermal tolerances.

Strength may matter, too, depending on your application. If you’re looking for thermoset rods for structural applications, you’ll want to choose a material with high flexural and tensile strength. We have material data sheets available for all our thermoset materials. We can also help you choose the best composite rod based on your project specifications.

Contact Atlas Fibre for a Quote Today

We have composite rods in stock and ready to ship. Contact us today for availability and pricing information.

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