PTFE Sheet and Rods – (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
TFE, PTFE, FEP, PVDF, ETFE, ECTFE, PFA, PCTFE and other Fluoropolymers
Virgin PTFE Sheet and PTFE Rod
Virgin PTFE sheet and rod materials are used frequently as a bearing or non-stick surface. PTFE sheet and rod materials are an excellent choice for caustic fluid handling valves and fitting. Massive size range in extruded rod, molded rod, tubular bar and thin sheet, plate and film. PTFE is also known as: Fluon®, Diakin®, Flouroplastic®, Fluoropolymer®, Neoflon®, Polyfon®, Chemfluor®, and more. PTFE sheet, plate, rods, strip, slab, block and tubes are normal stock items. The entire range of Fluorocarbon materials are high heat and chemical resistant performance plastics.
Why Is PTFE Used for High-Temperature and Chemical Applications?
PTFE is widely used in demanding industrial applications because it combines excellent chemical resistance, a very low coefficient of friction and continuous operating temperatures approaching 500°F.
These properties make PTFE a common material for seals, gaskets, valve components, bearings, electrical insulation, chemical-processing equipment and parts exposed to corrosive fluids.
What Are the Main Disadvantages of PTFE?
PTFE is softer and less rigid than many engineering plastics. It also has lower mechanical strength and greater dimensional movement under sustained loads than materials such as acetal, nylon or PEEK.
PTFE works best when chemical resistance, temperature resistance and low friction are the primary requirements. It is less suitable when the application requires high stiffness, tight dimensional stability or substantial structural loading.
When Should You Choose PTFE Instead of UHMW?
Choose PTFE when your application involves higher temperatures, aggressive chemicals or an extremely low-friction surface.
Choose UHMW when abrasion resistance, impact strength and economical wear performance are more important than extreme temperature or chemical resistance.
For many conveyor, guide and wear applications, UHMW offers the more economical solution. For seals, gaskets, corrosive chemical service and high-temperature applications, PTFE is often the better material.
Other Fluorocarbon Based Materials We Supply in Sheet, Plate and Round Rod:
FEP – Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene; PVDF – Poly Vinylidene Difluoride (Kynar®, Tecaflon®, Sustatec® and more); ETFE – Polyethylenetetrafluoroethylene (Tefzel®); ECTFE – Ethylene Chlorotrifluoroethylene; PFA – Perfluoroalkoxy; PCTFE – Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (formerly KEL-F® or Neoflon®)