PTFE is a thermoplastic, however, due to its high viscosity it cannot be processed using conventional polymer processing techniques. PTFE is processed by cold moulding followed by heat treatment (Sintering) during which polymer particles fuse to form a solid moulding.
When machining PTFE it is essential to design your application with PTFE’s inherent properties in mind, rather than trying to force the polymer to act against its nature. Although PTFE’s density and softness makes it surprisingly easy to machine, its high coefficient of expansion and stress creep properties can make PTFE difficult to achieve tight machining tolerances. A good rule for tolerances of plastic parts is +/- .001 per inch of dimension, tighter tolerances are possible with very stable, reinforced materials. Non-aromatic, water soluble coolants, such as pressurised air and spray mists, are recommended to use for optimum surface finishes and close tolerance.
PTFE benefits from the annealing process, reducing the likelihood of surface cracks and internal stresses occurring in the material. Along with reducing the internal stresses, annealing can reduce shrinkage, improve chemical and wear resistance and allow for tighter tolerances. Post machining annealing also helps to reduce stresses that could potentially contribute to premature failure.
PTFE is a versatile and cost-effective material with average tensile strength. It has very good thermal properties and excellent chemical inertness, especially to strong acids. PTFE is an outstanding electrical insulator over a wide range of temperature and frequency. Like many other high-performance plastics, its properties are often improved by adding fillers such as Carbon, Graphite or Glass.
At Fluorocarbon, we utilise our in-house compression moulding capabilities to create stock shapes for efficient machining of custom PTFE parts. Offering full traceability on all materials along with in-house tensile strength and elongation testing. Our materials are conditioned and stress relieved to ensure optimum quality for machining. Combining this with finished component design and machining facilities we provide the advantage of offering a cost-effective end-to-end service.
We ensure the highest standards of finished product by retaining complete control of the manufacturing process, whilst converting compounds into semi-finished stock. Compounds can be moulded or extruded and processed into machined components to suit specific requirements.
To find out how we can help your latest project contact info@fluorocarbon.co.uk
PTFE is known for its exceptional resistance to chemicals and high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for sealing applications in harsh environments.
Polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE, or Teflon® as it is often referred to, is a tough, ductile material with excellent thermal properties and outstanding resistance to chemicals and the passage of electric current. PTFE has an exceptionally low coefficient of friction, believed to be lower than any other solid.
Fluorocarbon supplies Fluoroglide® Bridge Bearings for link bridges, which connect and carry services between platforms.
Fluoropolymers share several unique properties which make them suitable for use in the automotive, aerospace, oil and gas and medical industries. PTFE, PFA and FEP are the most well-known and common fluoroplastics. So what, exactly, are their differences?
High-Performance Plastic are distinguished primarily by their temperature stability, but also their mechanical properties.
The difference between PTFE and PCTFE is mainly in the chemical structure. The addition of one Chlorine atom in place of one Fluorine atom leads to a massive change in its properties and application.
PTFE is a tough, non-stick, low friction material. Because of its flexibility PTFE can creep and deform under heavy loads but this can be alleviated by adding filler.
What are the benefits of using fillers in PTFE?PTFE is a tough, non-stick, low friction material.
Fluoroglide® Slide Bearings are superior to conventional expansion plates, rollers and rocker arms, because they accommodate expansion and contraction, as well as other reciprocating motions of thermal, seismic or differential…
What is PTFE coating?PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), the original fluoropolymer, is a tough yet flexible, material with great electrically insulating properties and excellent resistance to chemicals; it has one of the lowest coefficients of friction of any solid.…
High-Performance Plastic, High-Temperature Plastic, High-Performance Thermoplastic, High-Performance Polymer…However you refer to this range of materials, what makes them different to other types of plastic?
Generally, PTFE is a tough, flexible, non-resilient material of average tensile strength but with great thermal properties and excellent resistance to chemicals and passage of electric current.