PTFE is a high-performance engineering plastic known for its very low friction, high temperature resistance and excellent chemical resistance. The material is therefore used in demanding industrial applications where conventional plastics may fall short.
PTFE often referred to as Teflon, although Teflon is actually a trademark used for fluoropolymer products. In industry it is used PTFE including seals, bushings, sliding parts, insulating components and machined special parts.
The special properties of the material provide many advantages, but PTFE also has limitations that mean that other engineering plastics may be better in certain applications.
What is PTFE?
PTFE stands for polytetrafluoroethylene and belongs to the group of fluoropolymers.
The material differs from many common construction plastics through its combination of very low friction, broad chemical resistance and the ability to function over a wide temperature range.
PTFE absorbs very little water and also has good electrical insulating properties. These properties make the material relevant in, among other things, the chemical industry, process equipment, electrical applications and machine construction.
Are PTFE and Teflon the same?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but they don't mean exactly the same thing.
PTFE is the term for the polymer material polytetrafluoroethylene itself.
Teflon™ is a trademark that has historically become so well-known that the name is often used as a general term for PTFE. A component referred to as a "Teflon part" may therefore in many cases be manufactured in PTFE.
In technical specifications, material certificates and orders, it is still better to use the correct material designation. PTFE.
Important properties of PTFE
PTFE often chosen when the environment places greater demands than conventional technical plastic materials can withstand.
The material is characterized by, among other things:
- very low friction
- very good chemical resistance
- very low water absorption
- good electrical insulating properties
- wide applicable temperature range
- good sliding and release properties
- resistance to weather and aging
The low friction makes PTFE interesting for sliding components, while the chemical resistance makes the material relevant in contact with aggressive media.
Exact limits for temperature and chemicals must still be considered based on material quality, load and the specific application.
Typical applications for PTFE
PTFE used in many industrial environments where friction, chemicals or temperature make material selection challenging.
Typical components include:
- seals and gaskets
- linings
- slip rings and sliding parts
- valve parts
- electrical insulators
- chemical-resistant components
- guides
- machined special parts
- components in process equipment
PTFE can also be modified with various fillers to change, among other things, mechanical properties, wear resistance and deformation under load.
PTFE compared to POM-C
PTFE and POM-C can both be used for machined components, but the materials serve quite different needs.
PTFE is particularly interesting when low friction, chemical resistance or temperature resistance are prioritized.
POM-C is significantly stiffer and has better dimensional stability. This makes POM-C well suited for precise mechanical components such as bushings, gears and machine parts with tighter tolerances.
If the component is primarily intended to function as a precise structural part, POM-C therefore be a better choice. If the environment involves aggressive chemicals, high temperature or very low friction requirements, PTFE be more relevant.
PTFE compared to PA6 and PEHD1000
PA6 has higher mechanical strength and stiffness than PTFE and is widely used for mechanically loaded machine parts.
PEHD1000 is known for its very good wear resistance, impact resistance and low friction properties and is widely used for, among other things, slide rails and wear parts.
PTFE stands out especially when the requirements for chemical resistance, temperature or friction become more extreme.
The choice between PTFE, PA6, PEHD1000 and POM-C should therefore be based on the entire operating environment – not just a single material property.
Machining of PTFE
PTFE can CNC machines by, among other things, milling, turning and drilling into components according to drawings or 3D models.
However, the material is relatively soft compared to, for example, POM-C. This must be taken into account when clamping, tool selection and tolerances.
For components with strict requirements for geometry and dimensions, it is therefore important that the design and production method take into account PTFE-the mechanical properties of the material.
Scanco delivers PTFE both as semi-finished and finished machined components for industry.
Filled PTFE – when standard PTFE is not enough
PTFE are also available in modified grades where different fillers are used to improve certain properties.
Depending on the application, the filling can be PTFE Among other things, it is used to improve wear resistance, reduce deformation under load or change friction and heat properties.
Which quality is right depends on factors such as load, temperature, counter material, movement and chemical environment.
It is therefore important to specify the operating conditions when a PTFEcomponent should be dimensioned or replaced.
When should you choose PTFE?
PTFE is particularly relevant when the component must function in an environment with:
- aggressive chemicals
- high or low temperatures
- very low friction requirements
- need for electrical insulation
- very low water absorption
- requirements for good release properties
If high stiffness, high mechanical load or very good dimensional stability are most important, there are often better construction materials available.
The right choice of materials is therefore about balancing mechanical, chemical and thermal requirements.
Not sure which material is right for you? See our comparison of POM-C, PA6, PEHD1000 and PTFE.
Do you need PTFE or help with material selection?
Scanco supplies technical plastics to Norwegian industry as semi-finished products and finished machined components.
We can deliver PTFE in different dimensions and qualities, produce components according to drawings or 3D models and assist with the assessment of PTFE up against POM-C, PA6, PEHD1000 and other technical plastic materials.
