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What is PTFE?

PTFE, also known as polytetrafluoroethylene, is a highly fluorinated polymer material renowned for its extremely low coefficient of friction and excellent chemical resistance.

 

It is an ideal solution for applications that require low friction, high service temperatures, and/or strong chemical resistance.

 

This type of plastic is widely recognized under brand names like Teflon®, TECAFLON®, and FLUROSINT®.

Sheets of PTFE plastic at Induflex's inventory in Støvring

Properties and Benefits

 

PTFE is renowned for its excellent sliding properties and extremely low friction, giving it one of the lowest coefficients of friction among materials. This makes PTFE ideal for applications that require smooth surfaces and minimal wear.

 

The material is electrically insulating, has low surface tension, and is highly chemically resistant, especially against acids. It is also UV- and weather-resistant, capable of withstanding high temperatures up to 260°C and low temperatures down to -200°C.

 

However, PTFE has low strength and stiffness and a high expansion coefficient, which can make it soft under pressure. Its strength can be enhanced by adding additives such as glass or carbon.

Plastic part milled from white POM plastic

Is the material approved for food contact?

When you order PTFE components from us, they are FCM-approved as standard, making the material suitable for use in components and machine parts in the food industry.

 

However, this approval no longer applies if a variant with additives is selected.

 

Is the material approved for food contact?

When you order PTFE components from us, they are FCM-approved as standard, making the material suitable for use in components and machine parts in the food industry.

 

However, this approval no longer applies if a variant with additives is selected.

 

White pods in the material PTFE

What is PTFE often used for?

PTFE is commonly used in environments with extreme high or low service temperatures and where chemical resistance is essential. It is also ideal for applications requiring excellent sliding properties. As a result, PTFE is often used for machine parts such as:

 

  • Gaskets
  • Bushings
  • Slide elements
  • Scraper rings
  • Sealing rings
  • Bearings
  • Pump components
  • Tanks
  • Piping systems
White pods in the material PTFE

Machining of PTFE

The plastic type can be processed using several techniques, which we offer at Induflex. However, the material is best suited for CNC milling or turning.

 

We can CNC turn and mill your plastic components according to your specifications in our state-of-the-art machinery.

A piece of white PTFE is being milled on a CNC milling machine

Alternative
materials
for PTFE

If PTFE is not the ideal choice for your project, the following plastic types may be good alternatives:

 

  • PEEK: For high-temperature applications that require mechanical properties.

 

  • PVDF: For applications that demand high chemical resistance and good mechanical properties.

 

  • POM: For applications that require high strength and rigidity.

 

Download our plastic table to compare materials

Alternative
materials
for PTFE

If PTFE is not the ideal choice for your project, the following plastic types may be good alternatives:

 

  • PEEK: For high-temperature applications that require mechanical properties.

 

  • PVDF: For applications that demand high chemical resistance and good mechanical properties.

 

  • POM: For applications that require high strength and rigidity.

 

Download our plastic table to compare materials

Induflex's inventory of sheets in technical plastics in yellow, white, black and blue

Spørgsmål og svar

  • By sending us a STEP file or PDF with your drawings, we can quickly help determine if PTFE is the right choice for your project.

     

    We can also identify the processing method that best suits the components.

  • At Induflex, we can produce even very tight tolerances in plastic.

     

    When you order a plastic part from us, it will meet Danish Standard ISO 2768-1 (medium) as standard. We measure the tolerances at room temperature, around 21 °C.

     

    Of course, we can agree on different tolerances if you wish.

  • PTFE is not particularly notch-sensitive, as it is a relatively soft material with low friction. This makes it resistant to stress-related damage.

     

    However, sharp corners in the design can still create weaknesses in the material over time, especially under repeated mechanical loads.

     

    Some materials can be ordered with additives that strengthen the construction. Contact us for more information.

Technical plastic for
various applications

At Induflex, we exclusively work with plastics. However, not all plastics are the same. There are many different types of technical plastic materials, each with their unique properties.

 

Explore our materials and get closer to finding the right one for your project.

Materials

Technical plastic for
various applications

At Induflex, we exclusively work with plastics. However, not all plastics are the same. There are many different types of technical plastic materials, each with their unique properties.

 

Explore our materials and get closer to finding the right one for your project.

Materials
Crane picking up plastic sheets in Induflex's automatic sheet storage

Have a question? Fill out the form, and we will get in touch with you.

Induflex is always ready to guide you on the use of technical plastics.