PTFE (commonly known as Teflon) is a powerhouse polymer that is highly flexible, hydrophobic, electrical and thermal resistant, and almost totally chemically inert. It has a large operating temperature range, high flexural strength, and high electrical resistance and dielectric strength. It also has one of the lowest coefficients of friction against any known solid. An experienced PTFE manufacturer can help you determine which form of PTFE is most beneficial for your use.
In addition to pure PTFE, there are two co-polymers available that offer some slightly different properties. PFA (perfluoroalkoxy) is also very chemically resistant, flexible and thermally stable (offering continuous use up to 500ºF), but while PTFE has a tendency to creep, PFA is creep resistant. TFM (also known as PTFE-TFM) has perfluoropropylvinylether added to produce a denser, stiffer material that is creep resistant and weldable.
As versatile as PTFE is, there are occasions when it is desirable to boost some of its properties. For example, pure PTFE can deform under load, so fillers are often employed to increase strength and prevent deformity. Fillers can also be used to improve resistance to abrasion, add electrical conductivity, and more. However, fillers can reduce some of PTFE’s advantageous properties. For example, chemical resistance would be limited to that of the filler. Additionally, not all filled PTFE is suitable for use with food. Fillers can range from glass in various percentages to stainless steel to carbon or graphite, depending on which properties are being improved.
PTFE’s incredible versatility allows it to be used in a broad range of application throughout numerous industries, from aerospace to food. PTFE is widely used in tubes and liners that handle and store corrosive chemicals, as well as in industrial oil pipelines. In manufacturing and engineering, PTFE can be used to coat parts such as bearings or screws, increasing both the lifetime of the parts themselves and the machinery they are a part of. The PTFE-coated parts will be resistant to corrosion, due to PTFE’s ability to repel oil and water. PTFE also provides lubrication to the parts, thus reducing friction and creating less wear for a longer-lasting, more secure finish.
When choosing a PTFE manufacturer, you want to select a company with experience and a commitment to outstanding quality. At Reading Plastic, we have been producing superior plastic parts for over thirty years. From CNC machining to custom fabrication, we can produce parts with the tight tolerances you require. Call us today at 610-926-3245 to learn more about our services.
