PTFE, commonly known by the brand name Teflon®, is a high-performance fluoropolymer renowned for its exceptional chemical resistance and incredibly low coefficient of friction. While often associated with non-stick coatings, PTFE in its solid form is an elite engineering material for manufacturing critical components. CNC machining transforms PTFE stock shapes into precise, complex, and high-tolerance parts that leverage its unique properties, making it the ideal choice for demanding applications across aerospace, semiconductor, medical, and fluid handling industries.
KEY BENEFITS
CNC machining unlocks the full potential of PTFE, offering a perfect blend of material properties and manufacturing precision.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Unmatched Chemical Resistance | Inert to virtually all industrial chemicals and solvents, making it ideal for seals and components in aggressive environments. |
| Lowest Coefficient of Friction | The slipperiest known solid material, providing excellent non-stick and self-lubricating properties, reducing wear and energy loss. |
| Excellent Thermal Stability | Performs consistently across a wide temperature range, typically from -200°C to +260°C (-328°F to +500°F). |
| Superb Electrical Insulation | A first-class dielectric material, even in high-temperature and high-frequency applications. |
| High Purity & Biocompatibility | Certain grades are USP Class VI compliant and FDA-approved, making them safe for medical and food contact applications. |
| Zero Moisture Absorption | PTFE does not absorb water, ensuring dimensional stability and performance in humid or wet conditions. |
APPLICATIONS
From simple seals to complex geometries, machined PTFE parts are critical in numerous high-tech fields.
| Industry | Example Parts & Applications |
|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | Gaskets, Seals, Bushings: Used in fuel systems, oxygen handling, and avionics for their chemical resistance and reliability. |
| Semiconductor & Wafer Fab | CMP Retainer Rings, Wafer Carriers, Insulators: Essential for ultra-pure, corrosive chemical processes in chip manufacturing. |
| Medical & Pharmaceutical | Check Valves, Surgical Instrument Components, Manifolds: Biocompatible, sterilizable, and resistant to aggressive disinfectants. |
| Fluid Power & Pumps | V-Rings, Backup Rings, Piston Rings, Valve Seats: Protect metallic components and ensure leak-free operation in pumps and compressors. |
| Food & Beverage | Non-stick Rollers, Gaskets, Nozzles: FDA-compliant and easy-to-clean for processing sticky or abrasive food products. |
| Electrical & Electronics | Coaxial Insulators, Sockets, Carrier Plates: Provide stable insulation in challenging thermal and electrical environments. |
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
This table provides a quick-reference overview of the key technical properties of PTFE for engineering and design purposes.
| Property | Value / Description | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 2.15 – 2.20 g/cm³ | ASTM D792 |
| Tensile Strength | 25 – 35 MPa (3,600 – 5,000 psi) | ASTM D638 |
| Elongation at Break | 300 – 500% | ASTM D638 |
| Coefficient of Friction (Dynamic) | 0.04 – 0.10 | ASTM D1894 |
| Continuous Service Temperature | -200°C to +260°C (-328°F to +500°F) | — |
| Melting Point | 327°C (621°F) | — |
| Dielectric Strength | 60 – 90 kV/mm | ASTM D149 |
| Volume Resistivity | >10¹⁸ Ω·cm | ASTM D257 |
| Water Absorption | <0.01% | ASTM D570 |
| Durometer Hardness | Shore D50 – D60 | ASTM D2240 |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent to Excellent (Resists virtually all chemicals) | — |